Last October my awesome mother-in-law got me the Warhammer 40K Tyranids paint set as a birthday gift.
I had wanted this for a while, but put off buying it as I questioned whether I would ever actually do it – and the last thing I’d want would be one more box of *things to do* sitting on the shelf and silently judging me. But it was a great gift, and so I committed to completing it before my next birthday.
Well, with days to spare, I got it done.
Like many-a ‘90s nerd I was into Warhammer as a kid. Yet rather than playing the games, it was painting the miniatures that really fired me up. The ‘Eavy Metal pages of White Dwarf magazine were my go-to read with every issue, and I was always blown away by the Golden Demon awards entries.
Despite this I wasn’t actually any good at painting. Shaky hands (still an issue), no understanding of how to work the paints properly (marginally better now) and no patience (here I have improved to having “little patience”) all meant that my miniatures were rubbish, and only got worse as I became more frustrated.
As such, painting a decent Warhammer model is something that’s since felt like unfinished business. And as tabletop gaming has crept back into my life over recent years, it was just a matter of time before I picked up a paintbrush again and gave it another crack.
The Tyranids paint set gave me (almost) everything I needed to do just that.
In the Box
On pulling out the white plastic tray you will find sprues containing three Termagants and a single “swarm” of four Rippers, four bases, six Citadel paints and a Citadel starter brush.
The paints in the set are:
- Thunderhawk Blue (Layer)
- Armageddon Dust (Technical)
- Corax White (Base)
- Magos Purple (Contrast)
- Wraithbone (Base)
- Naggaroth Night (Base)
After cutting the parts off the runner and giving the nubs a little tidy, the models – which are push fit – were good to go.
Unfortunately I don’t have any photos of any of this, as I took all my pictures on my old phone which died suddenly earlier this year. But this does mean we can skip ahead to my biggest mistake…
Painting
Tyranids have distinct pale, creamy skin. So, in a moment of I literally don’t know what I was thinking I decided to undercoat the models with matte black.
The spraying process was fine, and the undercoat was decent (if a touch too thick). But as soon as I started to watch YouTube painting guide videos – in which everyone starts a Leviathan colour scheme with a Wraithbone undercoat – I realised I’d screwed up.
Multiple rounds of heavy drybrushing with Wraithbone brought the models back on programme, with an unexpected bonus actually being some nice definition to the sculpted details and nether regions of the Tyranids. So still a mistake, but a decent save.
Once dry, I watered down a mix of Naggaroth Night and Corax White to create a pink wash, which had an instantaneous effect of bringing the flesh sections to life. Then I used Naggaroth Night for the armour plates and then lightly drybrushed layers of Corax White and Wraithbone over the top for a lovely worn effect.
Whilst the box recommends using Thunderhawk Blue for the hooves, claws and gun plates, I decided I preferred the JoyToy action figure colour scheme – which meant I needed black. I picked up a Citadel Abaddon Black from my local Warhammer shop and knew I’d made the right call as soon as I applied the first coat. This really brought the colour scheme together.
Next up I applied the Magos Purple contrast paint. This was my first time using a contrast paint, and it completely elevated the models. Applying it to the pores and fleshier parts of the Termagents and Rippers brought them visually to life. I then found a use for the Thunderhawk Blue by applying a couple of layers to the models’ eyes.
Finally, I painted the sides of the bases black. Once dried, I taped up the base sides and applied the Armageddon Dust liberally across each base. Then, after removing the tape, and making a few final touch ups, I could finally call the Warhammer 40K Tyranids paint set complete.
With 12 days to spare, no less!
Additional Tools
So as alluded to above, I did end up using a few tools that weren’t in the box…
- Nippers
- Sanding sticks
- Halfords matte black spray paint
- Two cheap paintbrushes for drybrushing/applying the Armageddon Dust
- Citadel Abaddon Black
You could probably complete the models to a beginner standard with just the kit in the box. But then again if this is the start of a new hobby for you, you’re going to want to build your toolbox anyway…
Tyranids Paint Set: Verdict
The Warhammer 40K Tyranids paint set is a decent set for beginners.
The models are great, no complaints there. The paint selection gives you a good idea of what the different paints in the Citadel range can do. It would have been nice if you got a black paint with the set as well, but you can see how the business model works by getting you back in the store to buy more paints when you need them!
The brush did the job, yet despite doing my best to take care of it I found the hairs splitting as I got to the end. It is a starter brush and it’s been good for that, but I’ll get a better one before tackling the next kit.
When all is said and done, I’m well pleased with the finished models.
This is the best I’ve ever painted a Warhammer kit (or really any model) and I thoroughly enjoyed the process. I’ve learned new skills on the way. What’s more, much like with Gunpla it’s rewarding to get to the end and have something that’s both awesome and uniquely yours.
I’m not planning to hit the tabletops with this little squad any time soon. Even so, dipping my toes back into the hobby has been time well spent. Clearly all it takes is a little patience – in more ways than one.
Addendum:
Also, I picked this up last weekend:
I might just have caught the bug 😅
