Speed Painting Warhammer 40,000 Miniatures: Paint Armies Fast Without Losing Quality
Speed painting Warhammer 40,000 miniatures is the ideal approach for hobbyists who want fully painted armies on the table without sacrificing visual impact. Whether you are preparing for tournaments, building large collections, or simply want faster results, speed painting focuses on efficiency, smart shortcuts, and strong fundamentals.
In this guide, you will learn how experienced painters achieve clean, readable, and impressive results in a fraction of the time — without rushing or lowering standards.
What speed painting really means in Warhammer 40,000
Speed painting does not mean sloppy painting. It means painting with intention and efficiency.
A good speed-painted miniature:
- Reads clearly from tabletop distance
- Has strong contrast and clean colors
- Avoids unnecessary micro-details
- Focuses effort where it matters most
The goal is not perfection up close, but maximum impact for the time invested.
Planning your army before picking up a brush
The fastest painters spend time planning before painting.
Key decisions to make early:
- Choose a simple, repeatable color scheme
- Limit the number of colors per model
- Decide which parts will receive extra attention
- Keep characters visually distinct from troops
A well-planned scheme can cut painting time in half.
Priming for speed: choosing the right base
Your primer choice has a huge impact on speed.
Common speed-friendly options:
- Black primer for dark, gritty armies
- Grey primer for neutral flexibility
- Zenithal priming to predefine light and shadow
Zenithal priming allows highlights to guide your brush, saving time during later stages.
Base coating efficiently: fewer strokes, better results
When speed painting, base coating should be fast and controlled.
Best practices:
- Thin paint slightly, but not excessively
- Use larger brushes whenever possible
- Block colors cleanly without worrying about perfection
Clean base coats reduce the need for corrections later.
Using washes to do most of the work
Washes are one of the most powerful speed painting tools.
They:
- Instantly add depth
- Define details automatically
- Save hours of manual shading
Apply washes selectively and remove pooling to keep results clean.
Drybrushing for instant highlights
Drybrushing is essential for speed painting armies.
It works best on:
- Armor edges
- Textured surfaces
- Weapons and equipment
- Bases
A single controlled drybrush step can replace multiple highlight layers.
Strategic highlighting: less is more
Instead of highlighting everything, focus on:
- Faces
- Helmets
- Weapons
- Upper armor edges
This selective approach creates strong visual hierarchy while saving time.
Contrast paints and speed-focused products
Modern paints designed for speed painting can dramatically reduce effort.
These paints:
- Combine base coat and shading
- Work best over light primers
- Are ideal for infantry and organic surfaces
Used correctly, they provide clean results with minimal steps.
Batch painting: the key to finishing armies fast
Painting one model at a time is inefficient for armies.
Batch painting allows you to:
- Repeat steps efficiently
- Maintain color consistency
- Reduce setup and cleanup time
Work in groups of 5–10 models for best balance.
Fast basing techniques that still look good
Bases should complement the miniature without stealing time.
Fast basing ideas:
- Texture paste + drybrush
- Sand + wash + drybrush
- Pre-made basing materials
Finish with a clean base rim for a professional look.
Common speed painting mistakes to avoid
- Using too many colors
- Over-detailing basic troops
- Rushing drying times
- Skipping planning
Avoiding these mistakes keeps quality high even at speed.
Conclusion: mastering speed painting for Warhammer 40,000
Speed painting Warhammer 40,000 miniatures is about smart decisions, not shortcuts. By focusing on contrast, planning, and efficient techniques, you can build fully painted armies that look cohesive, immersive, and impressive on the tabletop.
When done correctly, speed painting becomes a sustainable, enjoyable way to keep your hobby moving forward — without unfinished projects piling up.
