Introduction: Choosing the Right Warhammer Paint Colours
One of the most common questions new hobbyists ask is: which Warhammer paint colours should I buy first? With hundreds of options available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. However, the truth is that you only need a small selection of paints to start painting high-quality miniatures.
This guide explains the best Warhammer paint colours for beginners, how to build a simple and effective paint set, and how to choose colours based on your army or style. Whether you are painting your first model or planning your first army, this guide will help you make confident decisions.
What Are Warhammer Paint Colours?
Warhammer paint colours are specially formulated acrylic paints designed for miniature painting.
In simple terms:
- They are designed to stick to plastic miniatures
- They have high pigment for strong colour coverage
- They are optimised for layering and detail work
Unlike standard craft paints, Warhammer paints are designed specifically for small-scale detail and consistency.
Key Types of Warhammer Paints
- Base paints – solid colours for initial coverage
- Layer paints – thinner paints for building highlights
- Shade (wash) paints – flow into recesses to create depth
- Dry paints – used for dry brushing techniques
Beginner Explanation: How Paint Colours Work Together
Painting Warhammer miniatures is not about using dozens of colours. It is about using a few colours effectively.
The Basic Painting System
- Start with a base colour
- Add a shade for depth
- Highlight with a lighter colour
This simple three-step method can produce excellent results even for beginners.
Example Colour Workflow
- Blue armour → base blue, dark wash, lighter blue highlight
- Gold trim → base gold, brown wash, bright gold highlight
For a full tutorial, visit: How to Paint Warhammer Miniatures
Best Warhammer Paint Colours for Beginners
Core Starter Colour Palette
If you are starting from scratch, these colours give you maximum flexibility.
- Black – essential for shading and details
- White – useful for highlights and mixing
- Red – common for many factions
- Blue – versatile base colour
- Green – useful for aliens, armour, and bases
- Brown – great for leather, wood, and terrain
- Gold or silver – for metallic effects
- A shade (wash) like black or brown
This small set can paint a wide range of miniatures effectively.
Faction-Based Colour Choices
Choosing colours based on your army can simplify decisions.
- Space Marines → blue, red, gold
- Chaos armies → black, red, metallics
- Tyranids → bone, purple, green
- Stormcast Eternals → gold, blue, white
Learn more here: Warhammer Factions Explained
Best Starter Sets for Paint Colours
Warhammer 40K Paints and Tools Set
This is one of the best beginner-friendly ways to get started.
View Warhammer 40K Paints and Tools Set
- Includes essential starter colours
- Comes with a brush and tools
- Designed for beginners
Age of Sigmar Paints and Tools Set
A great alternative for fantasy-focused players.
View Age of Sigmar Paints and Tools Set
- Balanced paint selection
- Beginner-friendly colours
- Includes tools
Stormcast Eternals Paint Set
Ideal for learning a cohesive colour scheme.
View Stormcast Eternals Paint Set
- Faction-specific colours
- Simplifies painting decisions
- Great for beginners
Best Models to Practice Paint Colours
Choosing the right model helps you learn colour application faster.
These models have clear surfaces and details that make colour practice easier.
Practical Guidance for Beginners
Start with Fewer Colours
Do not buy too many paints at once. A small palette is easier to learn and control.
Use Shades Early
Shades instantly add depth and make models look better with minimal effort.
Thin Your Paints
Always thin paints slightly to improve application and avoid clogging details.
Practice Colour Consistency
Focus on smooth, even coats rather than complex colour schemes.
Paint Sets vs Individual Paints
Paint Set Advantages
- Cost-effective
- Pre-selected colours
- Beginner-friendly
Individual Paint Advantages
- More control over selection
- Better for advanced painters
- Allows custom schemes
For beginners, paint sets are usually the best starting point.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Buying too many colours
- Skipping shade paints
- Using thick paint
- Ignoring colour consistency
A simple approach leads to better results.
How Many Paint Colours Do You Really Need?
Many beginners think they need dozens of paints. In reality, you can start with just 8–12 colours.
- Core colours (5–6)
- Metallics (1–2)
- Shade (1–2)
This setup is enough to paint most beginner models effectively.
For cost considerations, see: Is Warhammer Expensive?
FAQ: Best Warhammer Paint Colours for Beginners
What paint colours should beginners buy first?
Beginners should start with basic colours like black, white, red, blue, green, brown, a metallic paint, and a shade. This provides maximum flexibility.
Do I need a lot of paint colours?
No. A small set of 8–12 paints is enough to start painting effectively.
Are paint sets better than individual paints?
Yes for beginners. Paint sets are cheaper and easier to use.
What is the most important paint type?
Shade paints are extremely important because they add depth and improve results quickly.
Can I mix colours instead of buying more paints?
Yes. Mixing colours is a great way to expand your palette without buying extra paints.
More beginner answers here: Warhammer Beginner FAQ
Conclusion: Build Your Paint Collection the Smart Way
The best Warhammer paint colours for beginners are not the most numerous—they are the most useful. Starting with a small, well-chosen palette allows you to learn faster and achieve better results.
As you gain experience, you can expand your paint collection, experiment with new techniques, and develop your own style.
If you are just getting started, begin here: How to Start Warhammer
With the right colours and consistent practice, you will quickly see your miniatures come to life.
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