Iron Warriors. Horus Heresy. Kratos. Part1.

So I got a Kratos in the big Horus Heresy release. And I just now got the time to start working on all the new shiny kits. First up is the Kratos assault tank.

Over the years my Iron Warriors paint scheme have become more and more elaborate. What was once something quick and easy to paint up have slowly become a long process.

With this new edition my intention is to get back into a easier process. Hopefully adopting the best of my explorations.

After building the model I primed it black. Then I Zenithal sprayed Leadbelcher from above.

Once dried I take a very light silver and sponge in the surface highlights. The reason for this is that it gives good control and you can introduce some textures on the otherwise flat and empty surfaces.

After this I paint the areas where I want hazard stripes in black and add a matte wash. The reason for this comes later.

The tracks is painted with a mix of black, burnt umber and orange oil paint. This is mixed with a lot of mineral spirits. The consistency is almost as a wash but a little heavier. I dabb paper tissue to remove the exes paint.

Once dried I draw in the highlights with a graphite pencil.

After this I paint the hazard stripes and add decals.

The reason for painting yellow hazard stripes on top a black surface is this. In order to get good coverage I have to do several coats of paint. This is good because I will use a hobby knife to introduce scratches and battle damage. This means that I have a top layer to remove, reveling the black underlaying black. It looks more realistic and is much faster.

Oh I have not put a single layer of varnish on the model, even if I have started to work with oils and mineral spirits.

First off, the silver spray coat already contains more varnish than other acrylics so you already have a protective layer.

Second, just applying mineral spirits and oils will not remove any paint. It is rubbing and punching it around. So apply it, quickly do adjustments and then let it be until it fully dries.

Up to this point, everything have been quick and easy, the longest time is drying times and assemblie.