How to paint Black Powder Late French Infantry with Citadel Contrast Paints

Hello and welcome to the very first post on our blog. In this article I will show you my style of painting Late French Infantry for Black Powder by Warlord Games.

When it comes to painting miniatures there is no right or wrong, it should be fun and enjoyable! I use this time to relax and unwind after work.

I don't use any specific paint manufacturer, I am focused on creating historically accurate miniatures so my paint choices are based purely on the right colour and shade.

Enough of the chit chat...let's get to work. 

1. How to build a miniature - depending on the company, some models come pre-assembled and some needs putting together. The miniature will need to be cut out from the sprue and glued together if required. I use the plastic cement for this, It takes a little longer to dry than superglue, but it gives you a chance to correct any mistakes. Once the glue has dried wash in soapy water to remove any residue.

2. Initial basing:

•  Once the miniature is assembled using super glue stick the bottom of the miniature to the base and leave to dry.

•  I then cover the base in PVA glue and then dip it in sand and leave to dry. This creates a textured base for next steps. You can skip this stage and purchase a ready mixed product instead. if you choose to do this i will explain how to use the pre mix later in the article

3. Priming - This is a crucial part of painting any miniature. Primer provides a suitable surface on the casted metal, plastic or resin to which our acrylic paint will adhere easily. It is paramount to create a smooth and thin layer of primer on your miniature. Firstly you don't want any unnecessary texture on your model nor do you want to obscure any details. I use an AirBrush as it provides great accuracy and level of coverage. You can also use a rattle can primer I would recommend one by The Army Painter or Citadel by Games Workshop. (tip: warm up the can in warm water before you spray it). 

In this example I've used Airbrush loaded with Vallejo Surface Primer White 73.600.

4. Contrast paints - in this step we will paint the model with our Contrast paints. The unique formula of the paint creates highlights and shadows after only just one application. No need for washes. I apply Contrast Paints precisely with a small brush, although this is not recommended by GW I feel it works better.

Step by step guide:

I am using Contrast Paints straight from the pot as they do not need thinning down due to consistency. In the last steps I  use "standard" paints, these paints will need thinning down with water to get better paint control. Using acrylic paints straight from the pot will obscure intricate details due to the thickness of the paint. 

Shako / boots - Painted in Black Templar Contrast Paint using Artis Opus brush series S size 0. 

Skin - Painted in Guilliman Flesh Contrast Paint and Trousers in Basilicianum Grey Contrast Paint using the same brush.

 Coat - Painted in Aggaros Dunes Contrast Paint using Artis Opus brush series S size 1. 

Wood on the musket - Painted in Gore-grunta Fur Contrast Paint using Artis Opus brush series S size 0. 

Leather bottle - Painted in Snakebite Leather Contrast Paint and Insignia - Blood Angels Red or Iyanden Yellow Contrast Paint using Artis Opus brush series S size 0. 

5. Non contrast paints - In this tutorial I have used a combination of new Citadel Contrast paints, Citadel Paints and Vallejo Paints as not all part of the miniature can be painted using the new range of Citadel Contrast Paints. Some specific details require paints with high opacity to create the desired effect. On this model, standard paints are used to paint metal, white and gold parts of the miniature.

Musket barrel and bayonet - Painted in Leadbelcher Citadel Paint using Artis Opus brush series S size 0.

Belts - Painted in Dead White by Vallejo 72.001 using Artis Opus brush series S size 0.

Shako insignia - Painted in Retributor Armour Citadel Paint using Artis Opus brush series S size 0.

Wash on the musket - Washed in Nuln Oil Citadel Wash using Artis Opus brush series S size 1.

I also decided to paint the back pack:

Backpack walls and small pouch - Painted in Snakebite Leather Contrast Paint

Fur Cover on back pack - Painted in Gore-grunta Fur Contrast Paint

Belts -  Painted Dead White by Vallejo 72.001

All above were painted using Artis Opus brush series S size 0.

6. Basing - it's time to finish off our miniature by completing the base.

• If you have already completed the first step in the tutorial then you will already have a good starting point to create the perfect base for your miniature. Simply paint the primed sand using Gore-grunta Fur contrast paint. Wait till it dries and add grass tufts.
• If you skipped the first stage, then cover the base in PVA glue and put your miniature in a ready base mix. Let it dry and your miniature is complete

You can find a great selection of base ready mixes on Luke's website - www.geekgaming.co.uk

If you want to try my technique, visit the store for miniatures and brushes:

https://geekvillain.co.uk/collections/wargames/products/french-late-line-infantry

https://geekvillain.co.uk/collections/accessories/products/series-s-individual-brush-size-000

Now you have a completed miniature that is ready to fight your battles. 

Happy painting. 

Mack