Write down your paint schemes

02 Jun, 2026

I have a Black Templars Warhammer 40k army. These guys are zealous space warriors on an eternal crusade in the name of the God emperor. Even compared to the most committed Space Marine from other chapters, these guys are fanatics.

As you might guess from their name, they wear black armour.

I have a rough and ready paint scheme for my Black Templars.¹ I am not the best painter, but I am pleased with what I have painted. I use a limited colour palette, focusing on the elements of the models which help them to stand out on the table, leaving any excess features black. Look too close and the model might look unfinished, but on the table they make a serviceable army.

I took a break from my this army to work on other projects. Yesterday, I came back to the army, intent to get it 100% finished before I add more models with the arrival of Armageddon.

Despite the break, getting back into painting this army was a breeze. Why? Because I had written the paint scheme down. I had the exact recipe I needed for each element on hand. This let me get straight to the painting.

And I had a lot of fun. It helps that the two models I have painted are a Repulsor Executioner and a Redemptor Dreadnought. These are both enormous models, with oversized weapons and huge panels. I don't usually edge highlight my models² but these big vehicles are a really good way to get better at edging.

If I had not made a note of the scheme, I would have spent this time racking my brain trying to remember it, or testing out combinations of paints to get the right colours.³ Instead, I had a great time painting, and I am now just a few finishing touches away from completing the army.

So I am grateful to past me. Well done you.

Quack

#40k