Step 1: Basecoat the armor
Start by applying a base coat of Abaddon Black orpaint to the entire body of the Mutalith Vortex Beast. This will serve as the foundation for the armor.
Step 2: Basecoat the flesh
Use Pallid Wych Flesh or Kislev Flesh paint to carefully paint the tentacles and the tail of the creature. Apply thin layers of paint to build up the color, leaving some recesses darker for shading.
Step 3: Add Purple Highlights to the Tentacles and Tail
Add Genestealer Purple highlights to the tentacles and tail. Focus on the raised areas and edges to create depth and contrast. Use Xereus Purple for a brighter highlight effect.
Step 4: Paint the Horns with Administratum Grey
Paint the horns with Administratum Grey color. Apply multiple thin layers to achieve a smooth and even coverage. You can add some Nuln Oil or Black Templar Contrast to create shadows and enhance the details.
Step 5: Color the Crown
For the crown-like structure on top, use a mix of Naggaroth Night purple and Pink Horror paints. Start with a base coat of Naggaroth Night and then gradually add Pink Horror highlights to the raised areas. For the central part, create a gradient effect by blending Evil Sunz Scarlet red and Flash Gitz Yellow paints together.
Step 6: Add Additional Details to the Model
Once the main colors are in place, add additional details such as spikes, tendrils, and growths using appropriate colors. You can use darker shades of purple like Xereus Purple or Druchii Violet for the spikes, and lighter flesh tones like Cadian Fleshtone or Kislev Flesh for the growths.
Step 7: Apply Wash or Shade to Enhance Depth
Apply a wash or shade to the entire model to add depth and bring out the details. Use Druchii Violet wash for the armor and Reikland Fleshshade or Seraphim Sepia wash for the tentacles and tail. This will help to define the different areas and create a more realistic appearance.
Step 8: Highlight the Edges of the Black Armor
Highlight the edges of the black armor with Dawnstone or Mechanicus Standard Grey for a worn or weathered look. You can also dry brush with a lighter gray like Administratum Grey to add highlights.
Step 9: Finish with a Protective Varnish or Sealant
Finish by applying a protective varnish or sealant, such as Citadel’s Ardcoat or Munitorum Varnish, to the painted model. This will help protect the paint job and give it a nice finish.
Shortlist of the 14 paints used:
- Abaddon Black
- Pallid Wych Flesh/Kislev Flesh
- Genestealer Purple/Xereus Purple
- Administratum Grey
- Nuln Oil/Black Templar
- Naggaroth Night
- Pink Horror
- Evil Sunz Scarlet/Flash Gitz Yellow
- Druchii Violet
- Cadian Fleshtone
- Reikland Fleshshade/Seraphim Sepia
- Dawnstone/Mechanicus Standard Grey
- Administratum Grey
- Ardcoat/Munitorum Varnish