Hi everyone, I’ve just finished work on the mighty Marneus Calgar and his stalwart Victrix Guard and in this post, I’d like to explain to you the approach and the paints used to paint my Ultramarines.

Marneus Calgar in the Armour of Antilochus Terminator armour, painted by Dunk, on a white background

I don’t usually subscribe to the ‘speed‑painting’ or smashing minis out as fast as possible approach to miniature painting. However, in this instance, time was of the essence because I have a game against Garfy and his insidious Necrons shortly. To get the Marines ready for our game I needed to make sure my colour choices and approach were planned out, colourful and effective.

3 Ultramarines Victrix Guard and Marneus Calgar in the Armour of Antilochus, painted by Dunk, on a white background
Marneus Calgar in Gravis armour and two of his Victrix Honour Guard on a white background, painted by Dunk
Old vs new Marneus
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In my experience, the standard approach to painting Ultramarines armour using Macragge Blue from Citadel can leave the model looking flat and lifeless.

I find Macragge Blue to be a desaturated blue and for me personally doesn’t provide the eye catching colour “pop” I’m looking for when painting my gritty comic book style Ultramarines.

My top tip here is to use Vallejo paints as base colours, specifically Vallejo Model Color Blue. It took me a while trying out different ranges of blue paints to find the one I liked, and in my experience, vallejo blue is a far more saturated blue and retains its vibrancy when applied.  For me, this is a good option to achieve a strong, warm blue base coat and provides a solid alternative way to paint Ultramarines armour. Lets get started. 

3 Ultramarines Victrix Guard, painted by Dunk, on a white background

Dunks Ultramarine painting recipe guides

Notes:

  • All paints are Citadel / Warhammer Colour unless stated otherwise
  • All models undercoated black (dealers’ choice of primer here – personally I use Vallejo primer)

Blues: 

I used an Airbrush as I’m army painting and time is against me. However, these can be applied by brush with good effect.

  • Base: Vallejo Model Color Blue
  • First highlight: Teclis Blue
  • Shade: Thinned Vallejo Model Color Blue, take care here as it can cover the previous work you have already done in your initial highlights, so take care to thin to a good workable consistency and apply sparingly
  • Second highlight: Lothern Blue

Reds:

Blacks:

Leather:

Gold:

  • Base: Scale 75 Decayed Metal
  • First highlight: Scale 75 Dwarven Gold
  • Optional step: Purple wash shade (Druchii Violet) to add depth and interest
  • Second highlight: Scale 75 Elven Gold
  • Final highlight: Vallejo Model Color Silver 
3 Ultramarines Victrix Guard, painted by Dunk, on a white background

Tabards and Purity Seals:

Power blade effect:

  • Paint the blade normally with silvers to taste.
  • First do a thin layer of Temple Guard Blue around the area where the power source is emanating from.
  • First highlight Baharroth Blue within the middle of the previous layer
  • Optional step: you can choose to shade with Citadel Contrast Aethermatic Blue over these previous layers. Take care here as this can be a strong colour so make sure to thin with Contrast Medium or water
  • Second highlight: mix of Baharroth Blue and Vallejo Model Color Ice Yellow
  • Final highlight of pure VMC Ice Yellow at the point of where the most power is generated from.
Rear shot of Marneus Calgar in the Armour of Antilochus Terminator armour, painted by Dunk, on a white background

Weathering: 

This is the same approach as my Imperial Guard guide. All you need to do is swap the colours for those that match the blue armour.

“Calth” Desert base scheme:

Rocks: 

  • Base: Vallejo Model Color Light Grey
  • Shade Seraphim Sepia (wait to dry fully)
  • Second highlight: Vallejo Model Color Pale Grey Blue 
  • Final highlight: drybrush across the entire base sand and rocks with skull white to bring it all together
Cinematic edit of Marneus Calgar in the Armour of Antilochus model, painted by Dunk, engulfed by fire, firing his bolters
Edit by Stahly

Hopefully these are some useful pointers and ideas you can use when painting your armies. I’m keen to expand my Ultramarines force and with the rumors of 11th Edition Warhammer 40K on the way, I’m keen to paint more, I especially want to get hold of the Victrix Chapter Champion, Victrix Chapter Ancient and the Captain Titus and the Wardens of Ultramar set. “Courage and Honour!” 

Happy Painting Everyone 🙂