Painting a Helbrute

A very old Helbrute model acquired second hand. It's been sitting in IPA (the 99 degree type) for at least the past year. 

Preparation

Besides stripping the model, I inspected it for magnetization/LED purposes. I decided against it. Cutting it apart would be extremely fiddly thanks to the dynamic pose, organic cables, overhanging edges etc. I think a regular Helbrute model would be easy to magnetize, and I would definitely do LED work only before or during assembly.

Base

I have some Indomitus box set bits lying around. Here's a dead necron.

And some sandbags in the back, as a tie-in to the rest of the army.

Painting

Start with the armor: Speed painted Word Bearers armor. Some easy bronze effect with Snakebite Leather over the silver. The second largest area is the skin.

After the final highlights, diluted Carroburg Crimson and Druchii Violet 1:4 with Lahmian Medium and paint around any areas where the flesh meets metal for some good old bruising.

Apply some painting tips:

• Painting marble
• Painting cobblestone (Contrast base) but hold off on the final drybrush
• Bone (Contrast)
• Painting sandbags
• Painting eyes

Damaged necron

I imitated the color scheme of my necron opponent, with a Heavy Red/Bloody Red pauldron, joints and cartouche. Also some Heavy Goldbrown/Sun Yellow outlines on the ankh symbol.

Final steps

Tie everything together with the final light grey drybrush on the base and feet. Also runes and script.

Finished!