Starting your Warhammer 40k journey can be exciting and overwhelming, but with the right approach, you’ll be able to build and paint your first 40k army with ease. Whether you’ve just picked up a Warhammer 40k beginner set or are looking for a step-by-step guide, this blog will walk you through everything you need to know to get started. From assembling your miniatures to applying the first coat of paint, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s dive into the basics of how to build and paint your first 40k army!

What You Will Need

Before we jump into the how-to part, let’s make sure you have the right tools and supplies for the job. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Warhammer 40k Beginner Set: Most sets come with everything you need to get started, miniatures, basic paints, and assembly instructions.

• Modelling Tools: Clippers for cutting pieces, plastic glue for assembly, and a hobby knife for clean-up.

• Paints: Acrylic paints designed for miniatures. You’ll need a selection of base colours, shades, and highlights.

• Brushes: Fine detail brushes for painting miniatures.

• Primer: To give your models a base layer for the paint to adhere to.

How to Build a Warhammer 40k Army

Before you can start painting, you need to build your army! Here’s a simple breakdown of the assembly process.

Step 1: Organise Your Pieces

Once you’ve unboxed your Warhammer 40k beginner set, lay out all the miniatures and components. This will help you ensure you have all the pieces before you start assembling.

Step 2: Follow the Instructions

Most Warhammer 40k beginner sets come with step-by-step instructions. These guides will help you attach the right pieces and build each miniature correctly.

Step 3: Glue and Attach

Using plastic glue, begin assembling your miniatures. Make sure you let each part dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step. Plastic glue bonds the pieces together and ensures the model stays intact for a long time.

Step 4: Prime Your Miniatures

Once your models are fully assembled, it’s time to prime them. Priming provides a smooth surface for paint to stick to and helps bring out the details on your models. Use a black or white primer depending on the overall look you want to achieve for your Warhammer 40k army.

How to Paint Warhammer Miniatures

Now that your miniatures are assembled, it’s time to bring them to life! Here’s how to paint your Warhammer miniatures like a pro.

Step 1: Choose Your Paints

Start with a base coat of paint for each part of your miniature. Acrylic paints designed for miniature work are best. For beginners, we recommend using Warhammer 40k beginner painting guide colours like Chaos Black or Ultramarine Blue as base layers.

Step 2: Apply Base Coats

Using a medium-sized brush, apply a thin layer of paint across the areas of your model. For larger areas, like the armour or clothing, use a wider brush to cover more space evenly. Let each layer dry before applying the next.

Step 3: Add Layers and Washes

Once the base coats are dry, use layer paints to build up additional details. Washes are great for adding depth to your miniatures, especially in the recesses. Apply a wash to areas like the folds of clothing or between armour plates to create shadowing and contrast.

Step 4: Highlighting and Detailing

Now that the washes are dry, it’s time to bring your miniatures to life with highlights. Using a fine detail brush, apply lighter colours to raised areas of your miniatures, such as the edges of armour and weapons. This makes the miniature pop and adds realism.

Warhammer 40k Beginner Painting Guide

Here are a few quick painting tips every beginner should know before starting their first army:

Even seasoned painters started with basic brushwork and simple colour schemes. Your first army doesn’t have to be perfect; it’s about learning and having fun.

Essential Tools for Building and Painting

To make your Warhammer projects smoother, here’s a quick checklist of essentials for every hobbyist:

If you’re unsure where to start, Loaded Dice stocks all the essentials and beginner-friendly kits you’ll need to build and paint with confidence.

Shop Warhammer 40k Beginner Sets and Supplies at Loaded Dice UK

At Loaded Dice, we love helping new hobbyists fall in love with Warhammer. We stock a huge range of Warhammer 40k beginner sets, tools, and paints, plus expert guidance from real hobbyists who’ve been there before.

With next-day UK delivery, free shipping over £80, and a 4.6/5 customer rating, we make it easy to start your painting adventure today.

Pop into our Barry store in South Wales for in-person advice, or browse online to find everything you need.

Your Next Painting Project Awaits

Now that you know how to build a Warhammer 40k army and how to paint Warhammer miniatures, it’s time to put those brushes to work. Pick up your Warhammer 40k beginner set, gather your paints, and start creating the army that tells your story.

At Loaded Dice UK, we’re here to help you every step of the way, from your first brushstroke to your next tabletop battle.

Visit us online or in-store today. Your next army awaits.