Stormcast Eternals Dracothian Guard: Painting Guide and Color Schemes

Quick Answer

To paint Stormcast Eternals Dracothian Guard, start with a basecoat of gold for the armor, use contrast paints for quick shading, and finish with technical paints for basing. This guide provides a step-by-step approach that balances speed and quality, suitable for both beginners and veterans.

The Stormcast Eternals Dracothian Guard are the lightning-born cavalry of the God-King, riding into battle on celestial beasts. These models are striking on the tabletop, but their intricate armor and large surfaces require a thoughtful painting approach. Whether you're aiming for a parade-ready finish or a battle-ready army, this guide will walk you through the process.

We'll cover everything from priming and basecoating to layering, shading, and basing. We'll also explore color schemes that go beyond the classic gold and blue, giving you options to make your Dracothian Guard stand out. Along the way, we'll recommend specific paints and techniques, including the use of contrast paints for efficiency.

Choosing Your Color Scheme

The traditional Stormcast Eternals color scheme features gold armor with blue accents, representing the realm of Azyr. However, you can customize your Dracothian Guard to fit your own Stormhost or narrative. Consider using a silver or bronze base for a darker, more gritty look, or even a deep red for a more aggressive appearance.

When selecting your scheme, think about the overall army aesthetic. The Dracothian Guard are centerpiece models, so their colors should complement the rest of your force. Also, consider the time you want to invest: gold armor with contrast paints can be done quickly, while non-metallic metal (NMM) techniques will take much longer.

• Classic: Gold armor, blue cloth, and silver weapons.
• Hammers of Sigmar: Gold armor with red accents.
• Anvils of the Heldenhammer: Dark steel and bone colors.
• Custom: Use your own Stormhost colors for a unique look.

Priming and Basecoating

Start by priming your models with a spray primer. A black primer is a safe choice, as it provides natural shadows and helps hide missed spots. Alternatively, a white or grey primer will make colors pop more, especially if you're using contrast paints. For the Dracothian Guard, we recommend a black primer to keep the armor looking grounded.

Once primed, apply a basecoat of your chosen metallic paint to the armor areas. For gold, use a paint like Retributor Armour. For silver, use Leadbelcher. Apply two thin coats to ensure smooth coverage. Don't worry about being precise at this stage; you'll clean up mistakes later.

• Use a spray primer for even coverage.
• Apply thin coats to avoid obscuring details.
• Consider using a colored primer to speed up the process.

Painting the Armor

The armor is the most prominent part of the Dracothian Guard. To achieve a rich gold, start with a basecoat of Retributor Armour, then shade with Reikland Fleshshade to add depth. After the shade dries, layer with Auric Armour Gold, and highlight with Stormhost Silver for a bright edge.

If you prefer a quicker method, use contrast paints. Apply a coat of Gryph-hound Orange over a metallic base to create a vibrant gold, or use Nazdreg Yellow for a more traditional tone. Contrast paints are great for achieving depth in one step, but they require a smooth basecoat to work well.

• For a classic gold: Retributor Armour → Reikland Fleshshade → Auric Armour Gold → Stormhost Silver.
• For a quick gold: Base with metallic paint, then apply Contrast paint over it.
• For silver armor: Leadbelcher → Nuln Oil → Runefang Steel.

Painting the Dracoth and Details

The Dracoth itself can be painted to resemble a celestial beast. Use a basecoat of Stegadon Scale Green for a dark, mystical look, then layer with Sotek Green and highlight with Temple Guard Blue. For the underbelly and inner wings, use a lighter bone color like Ushabti Bone.

Don't forget the details: the rider's weapons, the saddle, and the reins. Paint these with contrasting colors to make them stand out. For example, use a dark brown for leather straps and a bright silver for weapons. Take your time on these areas, as they add realism and depth to the model.

• Use a wet palette to keep your paints from drying out.
• Paint the rider separately if possible for easier access.
• Use a fine brush for small details like eyes and gems.

Basing and Finishing Touches

A good base can elevate your model. For a Stormcast army, consider a base that reflects the realm they fight in, such as a rocky terrain with grass tufts. Use a technical paint like Armageddon Dust to create a textured ground, then drybrush with a lighter color to bring out the details.

After basing, apply a coat of matte varnish to protect your paint job. If you want a glossy finish on certain parts, like the Dracoth's eyes, you can use a gloss varnish selectively. Finally, add any transfers or freehand designs to complete the look.

• Use Citadel Technical paints for quick and effective basing.
• Drybrushing is a fast way to highlight textured surfaces.
• Seal your model with varnish to prevent paint chipping.

Step-by-Step Painting Process

1. Prepare and Prime: Clean the models with warm soapy water and let dry. Prime with a spray primer, preferably black, to establish shadows. Ensure the primer is fully dry before painting to avoid smudging.
2. Basecoat the Armor: Apply a basecoat of gold or silver metallic paint to the armor areas. Use thin coats and let each dry before the next. Two thin coats are better than one thick coat to avoid obscuring details.
3. Shade and Layer: Apply a wash like Reikland Fleshshade to the gold to add depth. After it dries, layer with a brighter metallic like Auric Armour Gold, and highlight with Stormhost Silver. Keep the shade within the recesses to avoid darkening the whole surface.
4. Paint the Dracoth: Basecoat the Dracoth with a dark blue-green like Stegadon Scale Green, then layer with Sotek Green and highlight with Temple Guard Blue. Use a wet palette to keep your paints workable and blend smoothly.
5. Detail and Base: Paint the rider's weapons, leather straps, and other details. Then base the model using technical paints like Armageddon Dust and add grass tufts. Seal the model with a matte varnish to protect your work.

Recommended Products

• Citadel Contrast: Space Wolves Grey 18ml: Contrast Paints base, shade, and highlight your models with a single application. Water-based formula. Pot size: 18ml. This is perfect for quickly painting the Dracoth's skin or the rider's cloth, providing depth in one coat.
• Citadel Technical: Armageddon Dust 24ml: Technical paint formulated for Warhammer miniatures, provides a dusty, textured effect to bases and models. 24ml pot. Use this on your bases to create a realistic ground texture that complements the Stormcast's celestial theme.
• Citadel Base: Catachan Flesh 12ml: Base Paints have a smooth matt finish, specially formulated to provide a solid basecoat with a high pigment count. Pot size: 12ml. Ideal for painting the skin of the rider or the Dracoth's underbelly, giving a solid foundation for further layering.

Painting the Dracothian Guard is a rewarding project that can become the centerpiece of your Stormcast army. By following these steps and experimenting with color schemes, you'll create a unit that looks impressive on the tabletop. For high-quality paints and tools, check out the selection at GUNNZO, including the Citadel Contrast Space Wolves Grey for quick shading and Citadel Technical Armageddon Dust for realistic bases.