Repainting A Nurgle Proxy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys! I'm super stoked to share my latest project with you all. I've just wrapped up repainting this awesome Nurgle proxy, and I couldn't wait to show you the results and walk you through my process. If you're into Warhammer 40k or just love miniature painting, you're in for a treat! Nurgle, the Chaos God of disease, decay, and rebirth, offers a fascinating and grotesque aesthetic that’s both challenging and rewarding to capture. This project was all about bringing that vile beauty to life, and I learned a ton along the way. I'm excited to share my insights and techniques with you, so you can tackle your own Nurgle-themed projects with confidence. Whether you're a seasoned painter or just starting out, there's something here for everyone. So, grab your brushes, and let's dive into the festering world of Nurgle!

Why Nurgle? The Allure of Decay

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the painting process, let's talk about why I chose Nurgle in the first place. For those unfamiliar with Warhammer 40k, Nurgle is one of the four major Chaos Gods, embodying themes of decay, disease, and entropy. Sounds grim, right? But there's a weird sort of beauty in the grotesque, and that's what draws me (and many others) to Nurgle. Nurgle's followers, despite their decaying appearance, are often depicted as jovial and resilient. They see decay as a natural part of life, a cycle of death and rebirth. This paradoxical combination of morbidity and resilience makes Nurgle a fascinating subject for miniature painting. The challenge lies in capturing the sickly details – the pustules, the exposed organs, the corroded armor – while still conveying a sense of grotesque vitality. The color palette associated with Nurgle is also incredibly diverse, ranging from sickly greens and browns to vibrant purples and reds, representing different stages of decay and infection. This allows for a lot of creative freedom in your painting, and you can really push the boundaries of your skills. Plus, let's be honest, painting something that looks utterly disgusting is just plain fun! The reactions you get from fellow hobbyists are priceless, and it's a great way to showcase your painting skills in a unique and memorable way. Ultimately, Nurgle provides a fantastic canvas for experimentation and pushing your artistic boundaries. The themes are rich, the details are intricate, and the possibilities are endless. So, if you're looking for a project that will challenge you and reward you with a truly unique miniature, Nurgle might just be the perfect choice.

The Nurgle Proxy: Choosing the Right Miniature

Now that we've established the allure of Nurgle, let's talk about the miniature I chose for this project. A "proxy" in the miniature gaming world refers to a model that is used to represent a different unit on the tabletop, often because the official model is unavailable, too expensive, or simply doesn't fit the aesthetic you're going for. In my case, I opted for a proxy because I wanted something that really captured the essence of Nurgle's decay and grotesque nature, and I had a specific vision in mind that the official models didn't quite fulfill. When choosing a Nurgle proxy, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, the model should have the right silhouette and proportions to fit the role you want it to play on the tabletop. If you're using it as a Plague Marine, it should be roughly the same size and shape as a Plague Marine. Secondly, look for a model with plenty of details that lend themselves to Nurgle's aesthetic. Think pustules, tentacles, exposed flesh, and corroded armor. The more details, the more opportunities you have to showcase your painting skills and create a truly disgusting miniature. Finally, consider the material of the model. Plastic and resin are the most common materials, and both have their pros and cons. Plastic is generally more durable and easier to work with, while resin allows for finer details but can be more brittle. For this project, I chose a resin model from a third-party manufacturer that I felt perfectly captured the Nurgle aesthetic. It had a fantastic level of detail, with plenty of grotesque features that I couldn't wait to paint. The pose was also dynamic and menacing, adding to the overall impact of the miniature. Once you've chosen your proxy, it's time to move on to the preparation stage. This is a crucial step in any miniature painting project, as it will ensure that your paint adheres properly and that your finished model looks its best.

Preparing the Miniature: Cleaning, Assembling, and Priming

Before you even think about picking up a brush, proper preparation is key to achieving a stunning finish on your Nurgle proxy. This involves three main steps: cleaning, assembling, and priming. Skipping these steps can lead to paint chipping, uneven coverage, and ultimately, a less-than-impressive result. First up is cleaning. Resin models, in particular, often have a release agent on them from the molding process. This oily substance can prevent paint from adhering properly, so it's crucial to remove it. I like to use warm, soapy water and a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the model. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step. For plastic models, cleaning is less critical, but it's still a good idea to give them a quick wash to remove any dust or fingerprints. Next comes assembly. If your proxy comes in multiple pieces, you'll need to glue them together. Plastic glue is ideal for plastic models, as it melts the plastic and creates a strong bond. For resin models, super glue (cyanoacrylate) is the way to go. Apply the glue sparingly and hold the pieces together firmly until the glue sets. You may also need to fill any gaps with a modeling putty, especially if you're working with a resin model. This will ensure a seamless finish and prevent any unsightly gaps from showing through your paint job. Finally, we have priming. Priming is perhaps the most crucial step in the preparation process. A good primer provides a uniform surface for your paint to adhere to, and it also helps to bring out the details of the model. I prefer to use a spray-on primer, as it provides a smooth and even coat. Black primer is a popular choice for Nurgle models, as it creates a dark and gritty basecoat that complements the decaying aesthetic. However, you can also use white or grey primer, depending on the colors you plan to use. Apply the primer in thin, even coats, and be sure to let it dry completely before moving on to the painting stage. With your miniature properly prepared, you're now ready to unleash your inner Nurgle and bring this grotesque masterpiece to life!

Painting the Nurgle Proxy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, guys, this is where the magic happens! We've prepped our Nurgle proxy, and now it's time to dive into the painting process. This is the most exciting part, where you get to bring your vision to life and transform a blank canvas into a festering work of art. I'm going to walk you through my process step-by-step, sharing the techniques and colors I used to achieve the final result. Don't worry if you're a beginner; I'll break it down into manageable steps, and you can always adapt the process to your own skill level and preferences. First up, let's talk about basecoating. This is the foundation of your entire paint job, so it's important to get it right. I started with a basecoat of a dark green color, which is a classic Nurgle hue. I used an airbrush to apply the basecoat, as it provides a smooth and even finish, but you can also use a brush if you prefer. Apply the paint in thin coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next. This will prevent the paint from clumping and obscuring the details of the model. Once the basecoat is dry, it's time to start layering. This is where you add depth and dimension to the model by applying progressively lighter shades of green. I used a technique called drybrushing, which involves lightly brushing a dry brush loaded with paint over the raised areas of the model. This creates a subtle highlight effect that really makes the details pop. Next, I added some highlights using a lighter green color, focusing on the edges and prominent features of the model. This further enhances the contrast and makes the model look more dynamic. Now, it's time to add some gross details! Nurgle is all about decay and disease, so we need to incorporate some sickly elements into the paint job. I used a mix of browns, yellows, and purples to create a variety of pustules, sores, and other nasty details. I also added some streaks of blood and grime using a dark red and brown wash. Washes are a fantastic tool for adding depth and realism to your miniatures. They flow into the recesses of the model, creating shadows and highlighting the details. Finally, I added some corroded metal effects to the armor using a combination of metallic paints and washes. I also used a sponge to stipple on some rust effects, creating a realistic look of decay and neglect. Remember, the key to painting Nurgle is to embrace the grotesque. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and techniques, and most importantly, have fun! The more disgusting you can make it look, the better!

Adding the Final Touches: Basing and Details

We're in the home stretch now! Our Nurgle proxy is looking suitably disgusting, but there are still a few final touches we can add to really bring it to life. One of the most important of these is basing. A well-based miniature looks much more impressive on the tabletop, and it also helps to tell a story about the character or unit. For my Nurgle proxy, I wanted to create a base that reflected the diseased and decaying nature of Nurgle's realm. I started by gluing some sand and small rocks to the base using PVA glue. This provides a textured surface for the rest of the basing materials to adhere to. Once the glue was dry, I applied a layer of textured paint to the base. This adds even more texture and helps to create a cohesive look. I chose a dark brown color for the textured paint, which complements the overall color scheme of the model. Next, I added some tufts of grass and some small plastic plants to the base. I chose some sickly-looking colors, like yellow and brown, to further emphasize the decaying theme. You can also add some other details to the base, such as skulls, bones, or pieces of debris. These will help to add visual interest and tell a more compelling story. Once the base is complete, it's time to add some final details to the model itself. This might include painting the eyes, adding some highlights to the weapons, or applying a varnish to protect the paint job. I like to use a matte varnish on my Nurgle models, as it helps to reduce the shine and create a more realistic look. With the final touches added, your Nurgle proxy is now complete! Stand back and admire your handiwork. You've successfully transformed a blank canvas into a grotesque masterpiece. Pat yourself on the back, and get ready to unleash your creation on the tabletop!

Showcasing the Finished Nurgle Proxy

And there you have it, guys! My newly repainted Nurgle proxy is finally complete, and I couldn't be happier with the results. This project was a real labor of love, and I poured a lot of time and effort into bringing my vision to life. I'm incredibly proud of how it turned out, and I can't wait to field it in my next game of Warhammer 40k. But more than that, I'm excited to share my process with you and hopefully inspire you to tackle your own Nurgle-themed projects. Nurgle's aesthetic is so unique and challenging, and it offers a fantastic opportunity to push your painting skills and create something truly special. Whether you're a seasoned painter or just starting out, I encourage you to give it a try. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and techniques, and most importantly, have fun! The world of Nurgle is a place of decay, disease, and grotesque beauty, and it's waiting to be brought to life on your tabletop. I hope this step-by-step guide has been helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I'd love to hear your thoughts and see your own Nurgle creations. And who knows, maybe this will inspire you to start your own Nurgle army! Thanks for joining me on this painting journey, and I'll see you in the next project!