Creating a stunning, vibrant finish on your Warhammer miniatures can elevate your models from standard to spectacular. One of the most effective techniques for achieving this is painting Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor. This combination, popularized within the Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar communities, produces a rich, metallic green effect that’s perfect for factions like the Idoneth Deepkin or Necrons. In this guide, we’ll explore how to master the technique of applying Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor, offering step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and insights to ensure your miniatures stand out on the tabletop.
Why Choose Akhelian Green Over Retributor Armor?
The combination of Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor is a favorite among hobbyists for its ability to create a vibrant, translucent green sheen with a metallic undertone. Akhelian Green, a contrast paint from Citadel, is designed to provide both color and shading in a single coat, while Retributor Armor, a bright gold base paint, offers a reflective foundation that enhances the depth and luminosity of the green. When applied correctly, Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor produces a finish that looks both ethereal and striking, ideal for aquatic or otherworldly miniatures.
This technique is particularly effective because Akhelian Green is a contrast paint, meaning it flows into recesses to create natural shadows while leaving highlights on raised areas. Pairing it with Retributor Armor ensures the metallic sheen shines through, giving your models a unique, eye-catching appearance. Whether you’re painting the armor of an Idoneth Deepkin Akhelian Guard or a Necron Overlord, Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor delivers a professional finish with minimal effort.
Materials You’ll Need
Before diving into the painting process, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth workflow:
- Retributor Armor (Citadel Base Paint)
- Akhelian Green (Citadel Contrast Paint)
- Chaos Black or Corax White Primer (depending on your preference)
- Spray can or airbrush for priming
- Contrast Medium (optional, for thinning Akhelian Green)
- Basecoat brush (medium size for even application)
- Detail brush (for edge highlighting and corrections)
- Palette (for mixing or thinning paints)
- Water and paper towels for cleaning brushes
- Varnish (to protect the final finish)
Having these tools ready will make the process of applying Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor more efficient and enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Painting Akhelian Green Over Retributor Armor
Step 1: Prepare and Prime Your Model
Proper preparation is key to achieving a flawless Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor finish. Start by cleaning your miniature to remove any mold lines or imperfections. Use a hobby knife or file to smooth out the surface. Next, apply a primer to ensure the paint adheres properly. For Retributor Armor, a black primer like Chaos Black works best, as it enhances the metallic depth. Alternatively, Corax White can be used for a brighter finish, though it may slightly alter the final look of Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor.
Apply the primer in thin, even coats using a spray can or airbrush. Ensure the model is fully covered but avoid clogging details with thick primer layers. Let the primer dry completely before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Apply Retributor Armor Basecoat
Once the primer is dry, apply Retributor Armor as the basecoat. This bright gold paint serves as the foundation for Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor, providing a reflective surface that enhances the contrast paint’s vibrancy. Use a medium-sized basecoat brush to apply Retributor Armor in thin, even layers. Avoid overloading the brush to prevent pooling or obscuring details.
For best results, apply two to three thin coats of Retributor Armor, allowing each layer to dry fully. This ensures a smooth, solid gold surface that will make Akhelian Green pop. Check for any missed spots, especially in recesses, and touch them up carefully.
Step 3: Apply Akhelian Green Contrast Paint
Now comes the star of the show: Akhelian Green. Shake the pot thoroughly to mix the pigment, as contrast paints can separate. Using a clean brush, apply Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor in a single, even coat. The contrast paint will naturally flow into recesses, creating shadows, while leaving raised areas lighter for a highlighted effect.
If you find Akhelian Green too intense or thick, thin it slightly with Contrast Medium (1:1 ratio). This allows for a smoother application while maintaining the translucent quality that makes Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor so striking. Be patient and let the paint dry completely, as contrast paints can take longer to set than standard acrylics.
Step 4: Add Highlights and Details
To enhance the Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor effect, consider adding edge highlights. Use a lighter metallic paint like Liberator Gold or Stormhost Silver to carefully highlight raised edges, such as armor plates or weapon details. This step adds extra depth and makes the metallic green sheen stand out even more.
For additional realism, you can apply a wash like Nuln Oil to deepen specific recesses or add a subtle Soulblight Grey highlight to mimic wear and tear. These touches elevate the Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor finish, giving your miniature a battle-worn yet vibrant look.
Step 5: Seal and Protect Your Work
Once you’re satisfied with the Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor finish, protect your miniature with a varnish. A matte or satin varnish, such as Munitorum Varnish, works well to preserve the paint without altering its sheen. Apply the varnish in thin layers using a spray can or airbrush, ensuring full coverage. This step is crucial to prevent chipping or fading, especially for gaming miniatures that will be handled frequently.
Tips for Perfecting Akhelian Green Over Retributor Armor
- Work in a Well-Lit Area: Good lighting helps you spot inconsistencies in your Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor application, ensuring a polished result.
- Test on a Spare Model: If you’re new to this technique, practice on a test model to get a feel for how Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor interacts.
- Use Thin Coats: Both Retributor Armor and Akhelian Green perform best when applied in thin layers to avoid obscuring details.
- Clean Brushes Regularly: Contrast paints like Akhelian Green can be sticky, so clean your brushes frequently to maintain precision.
- Experiment with Primers: While black primer is standard, experimenting with white or grey primers can subtly alter the final Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor effect.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading the Brush: Too much Akhelian Green can pool and create uneven patches over Retributor Armor. Use a light touch.
- Skipping Primer: Without a proper primer, Retributor Armor may not adhere well, affecting the final Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor look.
- Rushing the Process: Allow each layer to dry fully to prevent smudging or mixing, which can ruin the Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor effect.
- Ignoring Cleanup: Small mistakes, like stray Akhelian Green on other parts of the model, can detract from the overall finish. Use a detail brush to correct errors.
Why Akhelian Green Over Retributor Armor Stands Out
The Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor technique is a game-changer for Warhammer hobbyists because it balances ease of use with professional results. The metallic base of Retributor Armor provides a luxurious foundation, while Akhelian Green adds a dynamic, translucent layer that mimics the look of enchanted or alien armor. This combination is versatile, suiting a range of models from ethereal sea creatures to futuristic warriors.
By mastering Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor, you can create miniatures that not only look great on the battlefield but also showcase your painting skills. The technique’s simplicity makes it accessible to beginners, while its potential for customization appeals to advanced painters.
Conclusion
Painting Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor is a rewarding technique that brings vibrancy and depth to your Warhammer miniatures. By following the steps outlined in this guide—preparing your model, applying Retributor Armor as a base, layering Akhelian Green, and adding highlights—you can achieve a stunning metallic green finish that’s sure to impress. With practice and attention to detail, Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor will become a go-to method for creating standout models. Whether you’re painting for display or gameplay, this technique offers a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication.
FAQs
What is the best primer for Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor?
A black primer like Chaos Black is ideal for Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor, as it enhances the metallic depth of Retributor Armor. However, Corax White can be used for a brighter effect.
Can I use other contrast paints over Retributor Armor?
Yes, other contrast paints like Aethermatic Blue or Blood Angels Red can be used over Retributor Armor, but Akhelian Green creates a unique green metallic sheen.
How long does it take for Akhelian Green to dry?
Akhelian Green, being a contrast paint, can take 30–60 minutes to dry fully, depending on the thickness of the application and environmental conditions.
Do I need to thin Akhelian Green before applying it?
Thinning Akhelian Green with Contrast Medium is optional but recommended if you want a smoother, more translucent finish over Retributor Armor.
Can I use Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor for non-Warhammer models?
Absolutely! The Akhelian Green over Retributor Armor technique works on any model requiring a metallic green finish, such as sci-fi or fantasy figures from other tabletop games.
