Guide to Painting Forgeworld Death Korps of Krieg Miniatures

The Death Korps of Krieg, an Astra Militarum faction from Forgeworld, features a gritty, World War I-inspired look. Painting these models requires precision to showcase their somber, battle-worn appearance, with attention to details like gas masks, trench coats, and gear. This guide walks you through painting the Death Korps models, focusing on techniques for achieving a realistic, weathered finish. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned hobbyist, this guide assumes you have basic knowledge of miniature painting tools.

Essential Supplies

Before you start, gather the following supplies:

• Paints: Acrylic paints (e.g., Citadel, Vallejo, Army Painter) in colors for coats, armor, and details. You’ll also need washes and weathering paints.
• Brushes: Small detail brushes (sizes 0-2) for precision, plus a larger brush for basecoating and drybrushing.
• Primer: Black or grey spray primer for a solid foundation.
• Palette: A wet palette or smooth surface for mixing paints.
• Tools: Sprue cutters, hobby knife, and files for model prep. Tweezers for decals.
• Extras: Matte or satin varnish, sponge for weathering, and pigment powders for mud effects.

Model Preparation

Forgeworld resin models need thorough prep for the best results:

1. Cleaning: Soak resin parts in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to remove mold release. Scrub lightly with a toothbrush, rinse, and let dry.
2. Assembly: Use a hobby knife and files to remove any flash or mold lines. Test-fit pieces before gluing with super glue. For complex models, like weapon crews, leave parts separate for easier painting.
3. Priming: Spray a thin layer of black or grey primer from 10-12 inches away. Let dry for 24 hours.

Basecoating the Trench Coat and Uniform

The trench coats are key to the Death Korps’ look, usually painted in dark, muted tones.

1. Base Layer: Use a dark color like Citadel Mechanicus Standard Grey or Vallejo German Field Grey. Thin the paint with water (2:1 ratio) and apply two thin coats for even coverage.
2. Highlighting: Apply a lighter shade (e.g., Citadel Dawnstone or Vallejo Neutral Grey) to raised areas like folds and shoulders. Use a fine brush for edge-highlighting and blend it smoothly.
3. Wash: Apply Citadel Nuln Oil to deep creases with a small brush, avoiding flat areas. Let dry for 30 minutes.

Painting Armor and Gear

The armor, helmets, and gear should have a metallic yet weathered look.

1. Basecoat Metals: Paint armor and tools with a dark metallic like Citadel Leadbelcher or Vallejo Gunmetal, using thin layers.
2. Wash: Apply Nuln Oil to darken recesses. For a rusted look, mix in Agrax Earthshade.
3. Metal Highlights: Use a bright metallic like Citadel Stormhost Silver to highlight sharp edges like bayonets and helmet rims.
4. Leather Elements: Basecoat belts, boots, and pouches with a dark brown (e.g., Mournfang Brown). Highlight with a lighter brown (Skrag Brown) and wash with Agrax Earthshade.

Detailing Gas Masks and Lenses

Gas masks are a focal point and need careful attention:

1. Mask Basecoat: Paint the rubber parts with a dark green or black (e.g., Citadel Castellan Green or Abaddon Black).
2. Highlighting: Drybrush or edge-highlight with a lighter green (e.g., Elysian Green) to bring out the details.
3. Lenses: For glowing lenses, use a red color like Citadel Mephiston Red. Layer with lighter reds, leaving a dark corner. Add a small white dot for reflection, then apply gloss varnish for shine.

Weathering for a War-Torn Effect

Weathering helps create a muddy, battle-worn look for your models.

1. Chipping: Use dark metallic paint (e.g., Leadbelcher) on high-wear spots with a sponge to simulate scratches. Add lighter metallic (e.g., Stormhost Silver) for fresh damage.
2. Mud Effects: Mix pigment powders (e.g., Vallejo Dark Earth or AK Interactive Mud) with water or fixer to create a paste. Apply to lower legs, coat hems, and bases for a caked effect. Brush off excess once dry.
3. Rust: Use rust-colored paint (e.g., Citadel Ryza Rust) on metals, blending with Agrax Earthshade for a weathered look.

Basing the Model

The base should reflect the muddy, trench-filled landscape of Krieg.

1. Texture: Apply a texture paint (e.g., Citadel Astrogranite Debris) and paint it with a dark brown (e.g., Mournfang Brown).
2. Drybrushing: Highlight the texture with a lighter brown (e.g., Skrag Brown), then a grey (e.g., Dawnstone).
3. Details: Add small debris like resin scraps or wire, painted to match the model. Apply mud pigments to unify the base and figure.
4. Vegetation: Use minimal static grass or flock for sparse, desolate plants.

Adding Decals and Markings

Decals help add authenticity but need careful application:

1. Prep: Paint decal areas (e.g., shoulder pads) with a smooth color like Mechanicus Standard Grey. Apply gloss varnish to create a clean surface.
2. Application: Soak the decal in water for 10-20 seconds, then place it on the model with tweezers. Use a damp brush to adjust it. Blot excess water with a tissue.
3. Sealing: Apply gloss varnish over the decal, followed by matte varnish to blend it into the model. Weather lightly with chipping or mud.

Final Steps and Protection

1. Review: Inspect your model under bright light for any errors or glossy spots. Fix any issues.
2. Varnishing: Protect your paint job with matte varnish (e.g., Testors Dullcote). Use a brush or airbrush to apply, avoiding excess. Use gloss varnish on lenses or wet mud areas.
3. Presentation: Consider a display base or diorama to enhance your model’s storytelling.

Tips for Streamlined Painting

• Batch Work: Paint multiple models at once, focusing on one stage (e.g., all coats) to keep colors consistent.
• Test Techniques: Practice weathering or lens effects on scrap parts before applying them to models.
• Inspiration: Look at World War I photos or Death Korps artwork for color and weathering ideas.

Conclusion

Painting Forgeworld Death Korps of Krieg miniatures is a rewarding process that lets you bring these battle-hardened models to life. With careful basecoating, highlighting, and weathering, you can create a striking force for the tabletop. Experiment with different techniques and colors to personalize your regiment and enjoy the creative process!