Painting Space Marines is almost a ritual in Warhammer 40K.
Whether you're building your first Combat Patrol or an entire Primaris army, it's all about choosing the right colors and techniques.
In this guide, we'll go through exactly which Citadel paints you need for each iconic legion, how to paint quickly with Contrast paints, and how to take your models to the next level with highlighting and weathering.
Why Space Marines are perfect to paint
Space Marines are not only Warhammer's most iconic faction – they are also the most painter-friendly:
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Large, clean surfaces = perfect for beginners
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Clear color schemes = easy to follow tutorials
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Thousands of variants = room for creativity
In short: There is no "wrong" color for Space Marines – just different styles and stories.
The basics of color choice for Space Marines
The Citadel paint system
Citadel has a logical paint flow that makes painting easier:
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Base: Base coat – opaque pigment (e.g. Macragge Blue)
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Shade: Shading for depth (e.g. Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade)
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Layer: Lighter layers for surfaces (e.g. Calgar Blue)
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Dry: For drybrushing highlights
Tip: Write down your colors for each legion – it helps with future touch-ups.
Primers – the choice that sets the tone
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Black (Chaos Black): Best for dark armies – Blood Angels, Black Templars.
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White (Corax White): Perfect for light colors – Imperial Fists, Ultramarines.
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Grey (Mechanicus Standard): All-rounder – balances light and dark tones.
Ultramarines – the classic blue army
The most iconic legion in 40K, symbol of order and loyalty.
| Step | Color | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Macragge Blue | Base |
| Shade | Nuln Oil | Shade |
| Layer | Calgar Blue | Layer |
| Highlight | Fenrisian Grey | Dry/Edge |
| Details | Retributor Armour, Abaddon Black | Metallic / Trim |
Pro-tip: Add Ardcoat to shoulder pads for a glossy, "ceramite" feel.
Blood Angels – mighty red with contrast and depth
| Step | Color | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Mephiston Red | Base |
| Shade | Carroburg Crimson | Shade |
| Layer | Evil Sunz Scarlet | Layer |
| Highlight | Wild Rider Red | Edge |
| Details | Retributor Armour, Abaddon Black | Trim & weapons |
Tip: Add Blood for the Blood God to swords or armor for realistic blood.
Dark Angels – mysterious green warriors
| Step | Color | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Caliban Green | Base |
| Shade | Nuln Oil | Shade |
| Layer | Warpstone Glow | Layer |
| Highlight | Moot Green | Edge |
| Cloaks | Zandri Dust + Agrax Earthshade | Cloak |
Tip: For cape texture – mix Agrax Earthshade with a little Lahmian Medium.
Space Wolves – cold heroes from Fenris
| Step | Color | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Base | The Fang | Base |
| Shade | Drakenhof Nightshade | Shade |
| Layer | Russ Grey | Layer |
| Highlight | Fenrisian Grey | Edge |
| Gold | Retributor Armour + Reikland Fleshshade | Trim |
Pro-tip: Add Stormfang Drybrush for a frosty look.
Black Templars – dark knights of the Imperium
| Step | Color | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Abaddon Black | Base |
| Shade | – (shades naturally) | – |
| Layer | Eshin Grey | Layer |
| Highlight | Dawnstone | Edge |
| White details | Corax White + Nuln Oil | Shoulder pads |
Tip: Drybrush Dawnstone on the edges for a matte steel finish.
Special Chapters and variants
Imperial Fists (yellow)
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Base: Averland Sunset
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Layer: Yriel Yellow
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Highlight: Flash Gitz Yellow
Tips: Paint yellow over white primer for best coverage.
Grey Knights (silver/blue)
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Base: Leadbelcher
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Shade: Drakenhof Nightshade
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Highlight: Stormhost Silver
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Cloth: Kantor Blue
Salamanders (green & fire)
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Base: Caliban Green
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Shade: Nuln Oil
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Layer: Warpstone Glow
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Highlight: Moot Green
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Flames: Flash Gitz Yellow → Evil Sunz Scarlet
Speed Painting with Contrast Paints
For beginners or large armies – Citadel Contrast paints are the solution.
They apply colour + shade in one step.
| Colour Scheme | Contrast Paint |
|---|---|
| Ultramarines | Talassar Blue |
| Blood Angels | Blood Angels Red |
| Dark Angels | Dark Angels Green |
| Space Wolves | Space Wolves Grey |
| Imperial Fists | Iyanden Yellow |
| Black Templars | Black Templar |
Tip: Spray grey primer (e.g., Grey Seer) for best results.
Advanced Techniques
Edge Highlighting
The most effective method to bring armour to life.
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Use a thin brush (size 0–1)
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Drag along edges with a lighter shade (e.g., Fenrisian Grey or Dawnstone)
Weathering / Battle Damage
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Drybrush Leadbelcher on edges for metallic wear
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Dab Typhus Corrosion for dirt
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Apply Nihilakh Oxide to gold for a patina effect
Common Mistakes
1️⃣ Painting too thick layers → details disappear
2️⃣ Using the wrong primer colour
3️⃣ Not letting the paint dry between layers
4️⃣ Painting without thinning the paint with a little water
5️⃣ Too much shade – causes stains
FAQ – Painting Questions for Space Marines
Which primer is best for beginners?
Grey (Mechanicus Standard Grey) – balances light and dark colours.
Which paints are enough to start?
Macragge Blue, Nuln Oil, Leadbelcher, Retributor Armour, Abaddon Black, Corax White.
How long does a Citadel paint last?
Used correctly – up to 100 figures.
Can you mix brands?
Yes, many use Vallejo or Army Painter together with Citadel.
Are Contrast paints "cheating"?
No – they are designed for speed painting and are also used by professionals.
Conclusion – Create Your Own Legion
Whether you paint Ultramarines or Salamanders, Warhammer is all about creativity and personality.
Experiment, try new colours, and create your own version of the Imperium's heroes.
In short:
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Start with Citadel Base + Shade + Layer
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Use Contrast paints for speed painting
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Dare to mix colours and create your own scheme
And remember: There's only one way to paint wrong – not to start at all.