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What do you need to paint your first Warhammer miniature?
To paint your first Warhammer miniature, start with a model you like, a suitable brush, a small selection of miniature paints, a palette, clean water and good lighting. If the model is still on its frame, you will also need suitable clippers and any assembly materials specified in its instructions. A miniatures-and-paints set can simplify the colour choices, but check exactly what the box includes before adding tools.
You can begin with one miniature. Learning to build and paint it is a complete hobby project on its own; a full army and gaming rulebooks can come later if you want to play.
What belongs on a beginner’s painting checklist?
- A miniature and its base: choose a character or faction that makes you want to pick up the brush.
- Assembly tools: clippers for parts on frames, a way to tidy the attachment points, and glue if the kit’s instructions require it.
- A brush: a starter brush or small base brush is a practical starting point.
- Paints for your colour scheme: plan the main armour or clothing colour, smaller details and the base.
- A suitable undercoat: follow the painting guide for your chosen model and paint system.
- A simple workspace: a palette, water cup, paper towel, protected surface and enough light to see the details.
Before buying a large paint bundle, compare it with the colours already included in your chosen set. Starting with a focused scheme helps avoid buying several pots that will sit unused.
Which Warhammer paint set should you choose?
The current 2026 Warhammer 40,000 starter range includes two small miniatures-and-paints sets and a separate Paints + Tools set. Games Workshop’s official overview confirms the following contents.
| Set | Main contents | Useful when… |
|---|---|---|
| Intercessors + Paints | Two Space Marines, six paints and a starter brush. | You want a small Space Marine painting project. |
| Orks + Paints | Two Boyz, one Gretchin, six paints and a starter brush. | You prefer Orks as your first models. |
| Paints + Tools | 13 paints, brush, clippers and mouldline remover. No miniatures. | You already have models and need supplies. |
Check each listing for its current price in CAD and availability. A “Paints + Tools” box and a “Miniatures + Paints” box solve different needs; neither name means every possible hobby supply is included.
What do Base, Shade and Technical paints do?
Base paints establish the main colours. Shade paints flow into recessed details to create darker areas. Technical paints serve particular effects, including some textured finishes for bases. They do different jobs, so a shade is not a direct substitute for an opaque base colour.
You do not need every paint type for your first model. Follow one beginner tutorial with a defined paint list, then add techniques as you become comfortable. Warhammer Colour’s paint-type guide explains the categories.
What order should you paint in?
- Build and tidy the model. Follow its assembly instructions before painting.
- Apply the undercoat. This prepares the surface and establishes a starting colour. Use the method recommended by your painting guide.
- Block in the main colours. For ordinary Base paints, thin with a little water and build coverage with thin coats, letting each dry.
- Add depth and finish the base. Shading and highlights can follow; keep the first scheme manageable.
Games Workshop’s painting-process guide explains undercoating, basecoating and subsequent techniques. Its getting-started tutorials cover brush care, paint thinning and setting up your painting area.
Do you need an airbrush or spray can?
An airbrush is optional. You can learn with a brush, and Games Workshop’s painting-process guide allows a brush-applied Base paint undercoat when a spray is unavailable. If you choose a spray, follow the product’s application and ventilation instructions.
Can you paint Warhammer without playing?
Yes. You can collect, build and paint models simply because you enjoy them. Pick a small project that interests you, rather than feeling you must commit to an army before trying the hobby.
Shopping from Toy Snowman: Games Workshop products can be shipped only to addresses within Canada. Product details checked November 8, 2026.
For a focused first project, explore the Intercessors + Paints set or Orks + Paints set, then add only the preparation supplies you still need.