Since I posted my first unit of Raptors Intercessors, a few people asked for the colours and processes used. So, as requested, here is a step-by-step!

NOTE: There are some steps I’ve marked as optional. If you’re painting rank and file and want to speed things up you can skip these steps as the added effect is subtle, but I’ve included them in case you want to try them out on characters etc.

Step 1

Prime the model using Vallejo NATO Green (612).

Step 2

Apply shading using Vallejo Model Air Burnt Umber (71040).

Step 3

Apply the first highlight using Citadel Elysian Green Air.

Step 4

Apply the second highlight using Citadel Ogryn Camo Air.

Step 5

See separate tutorial on applying decals with Microset and Microsol.

Step 6

Apply Citadel Athonian Camoshade mixed 3:1 with Lahmian Medium. The wash is applied with a normal brush, not airbrush, allowing it to settle in the recesses. The Lahmian Medium helps it to not stain the raised areas and flat surfaces. You can do one or two coats, depending on how thickly or thinly you apply it, until you’re happy with the shading.

Step 7

Base coat the other areas of the model:

Leather and base: Vallejo Model Air Burnt Umber (71040)

Worn metal: Forge World Castellax Bronze followed by a light drybrush of Vallejo Model Air Gunmetal (71072)

Bolter metal areas: Vallejo Model Air Gunmetal (71072)

Bolter casing, under-suit, tubing and pistol grip: Vallejo Model Color Black Grey (70862)

Chest and bolter eagle: Andrea Color White Paint Set No. 1 followed by No. 2 Note: These colours are perhaps a bit obscure and not in everyone’s paint collection. Citadel Screaming Skull and Ushabti Bone look to be good substitutes.

These colours are perhaps a bit obscure and not in everyone’s paint collection. Citadel Screaming Skull and Ushabti Bone look to be good substitutes. Purity seal: Vallejo Model Color Hull Red (70985)

Parchment: Vallejo Model Color Iraqui Sand (70819)

Step 8

OPTIONAL: Before applying Nuln Oil to the black areas (e.g. Bolter casing, under-suit), I add some initial highlights / texture using Vallejo Model Color Dark Grey (70994), Dark Bluegrey (70867) and Basalt Grey (70869).

Apply Citadel Nuln Oil to all the leather, black and metal areas, and Agrax Earthshade mixed 3:1 with Lahmian Medium to the chest and Bolter eagles. Apply undiluted Agrax Earthshade to the parchment.

Step 9

OPTIONAL: Apply edge highlights to the armour using 1:1 Citadel Ogryn Camo and Andrea Color White Paint Set No. 1. If you want to speed things up you can skip straight to Andrea Color No. 1 (or Citadel Screaming Skull) without mixing with the Ogryn Camo.

Step 10

Apply edge highlights with Andrea Color White Paint Set No. 1, drawing them out into scratches here and there and adding dots where there will be chips to the armour.

Step 11

Apply Vallejo Game Color Smoky Ink (72068) over the top of the chips, leaving some of the white highlight colour visible at the bottom of the chip.

Step 12

Apply highlights to the other areas:

Metal areas: Vallejo Model Air Aluminium (71062)

Black areas: Vallejo Model Color Medium Sea Grey (70870)

Leather: 1:1 Vallejo Model Air Burnt Umber (71040) and Vallejo Model Color Amarantha Red (70829)

Purity seal: Vallejo Model Color Red (70926)

Parchment: Vallejo Model Color Pale Sand (70837)

Step 13

See separate tutorial for painting the glowing eye lenses.

The finished model

I hope you find this tutorial useful – if you have any questions please post a comment!