If you’re a Warhammer 40k fan and have decided to paint your Tyranids, you’re in for an exciting journey! These alien creatures are full of organic, intricate details, which makes them a fantastic choice for any painting project. At Tabletop Order, we specialize in turning your Tyranid miniatures into stunning works of art, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve a great finish on your own army. Whether you’re working with Hive Fleet Leviathan or creating a custom scheme, we’ll help you get the most out of your models, using techniques and tips developed through our professional painting services.

Check out our gallery below to see some of the Tyranid miniatures we’ve already painted for our clients and get inspired by our work.
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Choosing Your Tyranid Hive Fleet Scheme

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when painting Tyranids is which Hive Fleet to choose for your army. If you’re aiming for a classic Leviathan Hive Fleet look, you can go for a color scheme that features vibrant purples, bone-colored carapaces, and sharp blue accents. However, at Tabletop Order, we’ve also painted many Tyranid armies with unique hive fleet schemes, from striking red and green tones to deep blacks and purples. Every scheme can be tailored to match your vision for the army.

Preparing Your Tyranid Models

Before you start painting Tyranids, ensure that your miniatures are prepped and ready. At Tabletop Order, we take great care in cleaning and assembling miniatures before painting. Make sure to remove any mold lines or imperfections from your models, which can detract from the final finish.

Once your models are cleaned and assembled, consider using a primer in a base color that matches your chosen Hive Fleet. For example, if you are painting a Leviathan Hive Fleet, a white or light grey primer can help bring out the vivid colors you’ll be layering on.

Painting the Organic Look of Tyranids

The real challenge in painting Tyranids comes from capturing their organic, insectoid features. From the tough carapace to the softer, more fleshy parts, these models require careful attention to detail.

We at Tabletop Order focus on achieving a balance between vibrant colour choices and realistic organic textures. For the carapace, we usually start with a base coat of bone or purple and layer on darker shades, blending them to create depth and detail. We then apply lighter highlights on the edges to make the features pop.

For the fleshy areas, such as the underbelly or exposed muscle, use a combination of soft reds, pinks, and oranges to bring out the organic feel. At Tabletop Order, we use GW Citadel paints to achieve these textures with precision and detail.

Adding the Details

Details are what really bring Tyranid models to life. Once the base layers are dry, it’s time to focus on smaller features like the eyes, teeth, and claws. For these, we use fine-tipped brushes to add subtle highlights and shading that make the miniatures look more dynamic and realistic.

One of our favorite techniques at Tabletop Order is adding touches of bone color to the teeth, claws, and spines. This makes the model feel like a true alien warrior. Don’t forget to use washes to highlight the recesses and emphasize the details of the hive fleet model.

Shading and Final Touches

The final stage of painting Tyranids is all about shading and adding depth. We use a variety of washes to make sure that the shadows in the model’s recesses are pronounced, creating contrast and highlighting the intricate details. The organic look of Tyranid models benefits greatly from a well-applied wash, especially when focusing on areas like joints, underbelly, and around the edges of the carapace.

We also recommend experimenting with metallic highlights on certain weapons or spines to give them an extra punch. The Tyranid Hive look is all about contrast and texture, so be bold with your final touches.

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Tyranid Model:

• Brush Control: Precision is key! Using a fine-tipped brush allows for better control when applying those intricate details.
• Wash Techniques: Don’t be afraid to use multiple washes to create depth, especially in areas like carapaces and bones.
• Contrast Paints: These are a great way to speed up the process and still get fantastic results on Tyranids.
• YouTube Tutorials: For additional inspiration, check out some of our favorite YouTube channels that focus on painting Tyranids.

Conclusion

Whether you’re new to the hobby or a veteran Warhammer 40k player, painting Tyranids is a rewarding experience. At Tabletop Order, we’ve perfected the art of bringing Tyranid miniatures to life with our professional techniques. We’ve painted countless armies in various Hive Fleet schemes, each one unique to the client’s vision.

Ready to get started on your own Tyranid project? Let us help you achieve the perfect look for your miniatures.
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