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PAINTING·WHITE DWARF 520

The Astral Avenger

January 2026·p. 112

THE SHORT VERSION

James uses the challenge to add a Stormstrike Chariot to his existing Astral Templars rather than begin an unrelated display model. Matching its Gryph-chargers to earlier cavalry gives the collection continuity, with a simple sand-coloured base, recess shade and pale blended highlight supplying their shared finish.

AT THE PAINTING DESK

Paints in this article

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Zandri DustSeraphim SepiaUshabti Bone

Only explicitly named paints used in the feature are indexed.

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Chariot challenge Stormstrike Chariot Gryph-chargers Army expansion

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Find this article in White Dwarf 520, p. 112.

This is an original summary. Refer to your magazine for the complete article, rules, images and painting steps.

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PaintingWD 520 · p. 35

Painting the Silver Skulls

Controlled washes over metallic bases do most of the work on the silver armour, leaving extensive edge highlights for the characters. Separate recipes distinguish helmets, dark details, blue lenses, warm red cloth and gun casings, while shaded gold adds a second metal without competing with the Chapter’s main colour.

Warhammer 40,000Silver Skulls22 paint colours
January 2026Read summary
PaintingWD 520 · p. 31

Silver Skulls: Classic Bases

A traditional brown groundwork recipe gives the metallic army a warm, consistent foundation. Two drybrushed highlights bring out the texture before a solid brown rim completes each model, showing how a simple repeated base treatment can unify infantry, characters and armoured support.

Warhammer 40,000Silver Skulls4 paint colours
January 2026Read summary
PaintingWD 520 · pp. 58–59

Paint Splatter: Maggotkin of Nurgle

Emily achieves an iridescent green armour finish with translucent colours over a light metal base, then contrasts it with carefully glazed rotten flesh. The complete guide covers mouldy cloth, rusty chainmail, horns, scars, chipped armour and groundwork, encouraging variation between individual warriors while keeping their materials and palette coherent.

Age of SigmarMaggotkin of Nurgle25 paint colours
January 2026Read summary