By Manul Chandilla
Over the years at PaintedFigs Miniature Painting Service, we’ve had the opportunity to paint a wide range of Space Marine factions, spanning both Loyalists and Chaos Legions. Each faction has its own distinctive look and feel, and we’ve worked hard to reflect that in our painting. From the proud colors of the Ultramarines to the dark, twisted schemes of the Chaos Legions, we try to approach each project with care and attention to detail, aiming to capture the essence of what makes each faction unique.
When we think about the Space Marine factions we’ve worked on, it’s clear that there’s more to them than just their color schemes. Every chapter and legion tells a story—whether it’s of loyalty to the Imperium or rebellion against it. Our role is to bring those stories to life through paint. Loyalist factions like the Raven Guard or the Blood Angels come with a sense of duty and history, while Chaos factions like the Word Bearers or the Death Guard challenge us to capture their darker, more chaotic nature.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the factions we’ve had the pleasure of painting, sharing what makes each one special from a painter’s perspective. We’ve had the opportunity to do a lot of Space Marine armies throughout the years. Whether you’re looking to paint up a Loyalist chapter or bring some Chaos to the battlefield, we’re here to share what we’ve learned along the way.
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to help you get the best possible version of your army on the table. We know that your minis represent more than just plastic and paint—they’re part of the stories you want to tell, the battles you want to fight. And if we can play a small part in making those stories a reality, we’re happy to do so.
A Massive Ultramarine Army - 163 Miniatures
One of the most memorable commissions we've had the privilege of working on was an Ultramarine army of truly impressive size. This wasn’t just any Ultramarine project—it was the largest we’ve ever tackled at PaintedFigs Miniature Painting Service, and it pushed us in ways we hadn’t anticipated. The client was meticulous, with a clear vision for how every detail should be handled. From the paint shades to the placement of decals on each and every unit, the instructions were comprehensive and detailed. This was no small undertaking, but the results we feel were more than worth the effort.
The army included multiple squads of Tactical Marines, Devastators, Terminators, Dreadnoughts, vehicles like Rhinos and Land Raiders, and several high-ranking characters like Marneus Calgar himself. Every unit had a role to play in this grand force, and each had to be painted with the utmost care to ensure consistency and precision across the entire army. With so many units to cover, the key was to stay organized and take things step by step, without letting the sheer size of the project become overwhelming.
What made this commission challenging was the client's attention to detail. From the very start, it was clear they had a strong vision for their Ultramarine army, and they weren’t afraid to communicate it. They provided us with references, down to the exact placement of chapter symbols, squad markings, and battle honors on each model. Decals had to be applied with precision, and any slight variation from the specifications would have been noticeable. While this level of detail required an extra layer of care and planning, we knew it was essential to meet the client’s expectations.
Throughout the process, we found ourselves taking on a variety of challenges. The sheer number of models alone was enough to make this project stand out, but it was the complexity of the instructions that really set it apart. Each unit had its own set of specific guidelines, meaning that no two squads were alike. This difference mainly took place through differing decals and marks. It wasn’t just about painting—they wanted their army to tell a story through every unit, every detail, and every mark of honor.
The decals, in particular, were a delicate task. Working on a large army means working with a lot of decals, and in this case, the placement of each one had to be precise. Every squad had their own unique badges and identifiers, and the client had requested that we go the extra mile in making sure they were aligned. It required a steady hand and a lot of patience, but as the army began to come together, the decals added a layer of authenticity that brought the Ultramarines to life. Each unit felt cohesive yet unique, contributing to the overall narrative of the army.
Despite the challenges, this project was an incredibly rewarding experience for our team. We had to dig deep into our skills, learning new techniques along the way and refining our process to handle the scale and level of detail required. This wasn’t a project we could do in our sleep. Every step of the way, we made sure to review our progress with the client, ensuring that their vision was coming to life as they had imagined.
One of the most satisfying moments of the entire project came when we were able to deliver the completed army to the client. Reading their reaction made all the hard work worth it. Their meticulous feedback throughout the project had set high expectations, and meeting those expectations was a huge achievement for our team. The army wasn’t just a collection of models anymore—it had become a unified force, ready to take on the battlefields of the 41st millennium.
Looking back on this Ultramarine commission, it’s easy to see why it stands out as one of the most significant projects we've taken on. It pushed us to our limits, challenged our abilities, and required a level of coordination and communication that we don’t often encounter. But that’s the nature of this work—every project is a learning experience, and every client brings something new to the table.
At the end of the day, we’re proud of the work we did for this army. It's satisfying to know that we were able to deliver a high-quality product that met the exacting standards of our client. It’s commissions like these that remind us why we do what we do—helping players bring their armies to life, one detail at a time, no matter the scale of the challenge.
A Huge Chaos Army - 234 Miniatures
After completing the massive Ultramarine army, we were approached by the same client with another exciting commission: a Word Bearer Chaos Space Marine army of equally impressive scale. Given the attention to detail they had demonstrated with their Ultramarines, we knew this Chaos project would be just as meticulous—and we weren’t wrong. The client once again brought a high level of care and concern to how every aspect of this army should be handled, from the color schemes to the placement of symbols and decals on each model. This order proved to be just as challenging as the Ultramarines, but also just as rewarding.
The Chaos army was vast, filled with a variety of units that reflected the dark and twisted nature of the Chaos Legions. From warped Daemon Engines to corrupted Space Marines and even imposing Lords of Chaos, each model demanded a unique approach to bring out the sense of rebellion and decay that defines Chaos factions. The color palette for this project was drastically different from the clean, bright blues and golds of the Ultramarines. Instead, we worked with darker, more sinister tones—deep reds, blacks, and rusted metallics—along with vibrant, eerie highlights to emphasize the unnatural energy that these forces channel.
The client’s vision for this Chaos army was just as clear as it had been for the Ultramarines. They wanted each model to tell a story of corruption and rebellion, with symbols of their allegiance to the Dark Gods visible on every unit. This meant that, once again, we had to pay close attention to the placement of decals, ensuring that each squad’s allegiance was clearly marked. The client provided detailed instructions, specifying where certain symbols of Chaos should go—whether they were the eight-pointed star of Chaos Undivided or the specific iconography of the Traitor Legions like the World Eaters and the Death Guard.
The decals themselves were a challenge. Just as with the Ultramarines, precision was key. The twisted, chaotic designs meant that placement was more than just aligning them perfectly—it was about making sure they felt integrated into the models. Chaos decals often involve intricate, warped patterns that had to blend into the weathered, battle-worn look of the army. We spent a lot of time making sure that these symbols didn’t just look placed on, but rather like they had become part of the armor and skin of the models, as though they had been branded by the Dark Gods themselves.
Painting the Chaos army also posed its own unique challenges. The Ultramarines had been all about clean lines and bright colors, whereas Chaos required a more organic, chaotic approach. We experimented with blending techniques to give the models a more “corrupted” look, using layering and washes to create a sense of decay and wear. The use of darker tones, combined with vibrant, unnatural highlights, helped bring the models to life, capturing that menacing aura that defines Chaos forces.
Despite the differences between the Ultramarine and Chaos armies, there was a similar level of care and precision required for both projects. The client had high expectations, and we knew from our previous experience with them that meeting those expectations would require patience and meticulous attention to detail. Each unit, whether a hulking Chaos Terminator or a twisted Daemon, had its own set of specific instructions, and we approached each with the same level of care we had brought to the Ultramarines.
Looking back, this Chaos army commission stands out not just because of its scale, but because of the creative challenges it posed. It pushed us to explore new techniques and approaches, especially in terms of blending, weathering, and making sure the army felt cohesive while still embracing the chaotic, fragmented nature of Chaos forces. Like the Ultramarines, it was a project that tested our skills, but in the end, it was worth every moment of effort.
For us at PaintedFigs Miniature Painting Service, this Chaos army was another opportunity to bring a client's vision to life, helping them create a force that not only looks incredible on the tabletop but also captures the essence of the Warhammer 40k universe. It’s projects like these that remind us how much we enjoy the challenge of working on large-scale commissions, no matter how chaotic they may be.
Black Templars in All Their Glory - 81 Miniatures
One of the more recent commissions PaintedFigs Miniature Painting Service worked on was a Black Templars Space Marine army of such a size that we had to split the project into two separate phases. The client came to us with a very clear vision for how they wanted their army built and painted. Right from the start, we knew this was going to be another amazing project, with a lot of attention to detail. This also includes the weapon configurations and the overall appearance of the figures as well.
What stood out to us the most was the level of preparation the client had put into this commission. They provided us with a detailed document outlining exactly how they wanted each figure constructed—down to the specific weapon loadouts and poses for each unit. It’s not uncommon for clients to request specific builds, but the precision and clarity in this case were impressive. Not only that, but the client requested photos after the building process to double-check that everything had been done according to their specifications. This level of involvement was something we admired—it was clear they had a deep connection to the project and a vision they wanted to see realized down to the smallest detail.
We wanted to ensure the client was completely satisfied, so after we finished building the models according to their instructions, we sent over the requested photos. Seeing the models in this pre-paint stage allowed the client to verify that everything was in order before we moved on to the painting process. It also gave us an extra level of reassurance that we were on the right track, and the client’s feedback at this stage was crucial for ensuring that everything was progressing smoothly.
One part of this process that we found particularly rewarding was creating a sample model for the client before diving into the full army paint job. This sample allowed us to nail down the details of the paint scheme and gave the client a chance to make any final adjustments before we proceeded. The Black Templars have a striking and iconic color scheme—predominantly black armor with white and red accents—and the client wanted to stay true to that traditional look. However, after reviewing the sample, they did request one change to the color of the shoulder pads for certain models, which we were more than happy to accommodate.
Here’s what the client said after seeing the sample:
"The model looks great! There'll only be one change that I'd like with the shoulders that my build instructions will address. Basically on veterans, sergeants, and characters, the shoulder should be a black base with the cross being red. The red trim will stay for veterans as well, so the only change to the example model will be white --> black, Black cross --> red cross. The grime effect on the white background looks great and is exactly what I'm looking for with the rank and file of the army!"
This adjustment to the shoulder pads added a nice touch of character and distinction between the ranks, and it was a simple change that really enhanced the overall look of the army. The grime effect the client mentioned was another important element we incorporated, adding a weathered and battle-worn feel to the rank-and-file troops, which helped to emphasize the Black Templars’ relentless crusading nature.
With the sample approved and the final details clarified, we moved on to the full army. The Black Templars, known for their close-combat prowess and fanatical devotion to the Emperor, deserved a paint scheme that reflected their zeal. We stuck with the traditional black-and-white color palette, incorporating the red crosses and trim where needed, and made sure that each model had the gritty, battle-worn look that the client had requested. Each figure, from the rank-and-file Initiates to the towering Dreadnoughts and heroic HQ units, was painted with care to reflect the noble yet brutal nature of the chapter.
The result was an army that stayed true to the iconic look of the Black Templars while also incorporating those small, personalized touches that made it truly unique to the client. Seeing it all come together in the end was incredibly satisfying, especially knowing that we had worked so closely with the client to ensure every detail was just right. This commission, like the Ultramarines and Chaos projects before it, was a reminder of how rewarding it can be to take on large-scale, complex orders—especially when the client’s vision is so clearly defined.
It was quite the experience working on this client’s miniatures. With his claim that there’s more Black Templars to come, we are eager to see how big this army will grow with each passing order. Whether it’s a traditional scheme like the Black Templars or something entirely unique, we’re always eager to take on new challenges and help bring our clients’ visions to life.
The Emperor’s Children: Post-Heresy Brilliance in Full Display
One of the more striking commissions PaintedFigs Miniature Painting Service worked on was an Emperor’s Children army, painted in their Post-Heresy color scheme. Unlike some of the more rigid and detailed commissions we receive, this client was flexible with their instructions. They provided a collection of reference art, primarily drawing from Warhammer 40k’s established aesthetic, but they gave us the creative freedom to make decisions regarding the build and painting process.
The Emperor’s Children, as followers of Slaanesh, are known for their indulgence in excess, both in terms of their battlefield tactics and their visual style. The Post-Heresy color scheme reflects this perfectly, with its bold purples and golds. The client wanted to stay true to this palette, emphasizing the traditional look of the Emperor’s Children without deviating too far into custom territory. However, they weren’t overly specific about details like weapon loadouts or poses, which gave us room to explore the models creatively while ensuring the core visual style was maintained.
Building the army itself was a smooth process. The client allowed us to make decisions about how the units were configured, which is always a great opportunity for us to ensure each figure looks dynamic and engaging. While some clients are very particular about exact poses and weapon configurations, this one was happy to leave those choices up to us, as long as the end result captured the essence of the Emperor’s Children. Despite the creative freedom, they did request photos after the building process to ensure everything was on track, which we gladly provided. This allowed the client to review the models before we began painting, giving them peace of mind that everything was progressing as expected.
The painting process was where the project really came to life. Sticking closely to the established Emperor’s Children color scheme, we worked with a palette dominated by rich purples and shimmering golds. The deep, royal purple armor of the Emperor’s Children is iconic, and it was important to get the tones just right. We used careful blending techniques to give the armor a polished, almost luxurious appearance, contrasting nicely with the gold details that adorned the figures. Black and silver accents were used to break up the brighter colors and add depth to the overall look.
The client’s reference art gave us a good idea of what they were looking for, but they also encouraged us to take some liberties with smaller details. For example, while we stayed true to the established scheme, we added subtle variations in shading and highlights to give the army a sense of depth and movement. The models were also given a slightly weathered look to reflect their battle-hardened nature, without going overboard on grime or damage. This balance between a clean, regal appearance and a worn, battlefield-ready aesthetic was something the client was very happy with.
One of the key challenges with any Emperor’s Children project is ensuring the models don’t become too overwhelming visually. The bright colors and bold designs can easily dominate if not handled carefully, so we focused on keeping the details crisp without overloading the models with too much flair. By focusing on the natural contrast between the purple and gold, we managed to create a cohesive look that was striking without feeling too chaotic.
In the end, the client was very pleased with how the project turned out. The flexibility they allowed us made the process enjoyable and gave us the opportunity to bring their vision to life while adding our own touch. Working on an Emperor’s Children army, with its iconic color scheme and rich history in Warhammer 40k, is always a rewarding experience, and this project was no exception. It was a great reminder of how a balance between client input and creative freedom can lead to a fantastic result.
For anyone considering a Chaos faction for their next Warhammer 40k army, the Emperor’s Children offer a chance to work with a visually stunning and narratively rich palette. Whether you're sticking to Games Workshop’s established designs or adding your own twist, the possibilities with this faction are nearly endless, and we’re always excited to see what clients bring to us next.
Painting the Wolfspear: A Chapter Born from the Space Wolves
One of our more detailed projects involved painting a Wolfspear army—a relatively new successor chapter of the Space Wolves. The client came to us with a clear idea of what they wanted, but instead of providing a long list of instructions, they handed us an issue of White Dwarf magazine, which featured an entire section dedicated to how the Wolfspear Space Marines are painted. The article included everything from color schemes to weathering techniques, along with a decal sheet specifically designed for this chapter. Our task was to use the article as a guide to bring the Wolfspear to life on the tabletop.
The Wolfspear is a successor chapter that retains much of the feral, wolf-like nature of the Space Wolves, but with a distinct color scheme and personality. Their armor is primarily grey with black and white details, which gives them a stealthy, tactical appearance. The client specifically requested that we follow the painting guide in the magazine to the letter, ensuring that the models stayed true to the established look of this chapter. They wanted their army to reflect the lore and design that Games Workshop had laid out for the Wolfspear, which made the White Dwarf article an invaluable resource for us throughout the process.
One of the key elements of this project was the use of decals. The magazine issue provided a decal sheet for the Wolfspear, which we applied to various units. These decals helped define the chapter markings and other insignias, such as the chapter symbol and tactical squad identifiers. However, as the project went on, it became clear that the decals provided weren’t quite enough to cover the entire army. Rather than cut corners or leave any models unfinished, we decided to take matters into our own hands. Using the decals from the magazine as a template, we printed additional decals ourselves to make sure every unit was properly marked and consistent with the Wolfspear theme.
While this required a bit of extra effort, we knew it was important to meet the client’s expectations. They had trusted us to stay true to the Wolfspear design, and cutting back on the decals would have diminished the overall impact of the army. By going the extra mile and printing more, we were able to maintain the high standard of quality the client was looking for, and ensure that every model looked cohesive and true to the chapter.
The painting process itself followed the guide closely. The Wolfspear have a muted, tactical color scheme, which meant a lot of focus on clean lines and subtle highlights. We paid careful attention to the black and white details, making sure they contrasted well with the grey armor without overpowering it. The client didn’t request any major deviations from the established scheme, so we worked to keep everything in line with the official guide, adding some light weathering to give the models a battle-worn look. This helped emphasize their role as a more tactical, stealth-oriented chapter compared to their parent chapter, the Space Wolves.
The project wasn’t without its challenges, but those challenges were what made the process so rewarding. The client was clear in their expectations, but flexible enough to allow us to find solutions—like printing the extra decals—when necessary. This kind of collaboration always makes for a smoother experience, and the result was an army that reflected the client’s vision, as well as the established lore of the Wolfspear chapter.
In the end, the client was pleased with the result, especially the attention to detail we had given to ensure the decals matched the official design. For us at PaintedFigs Miniature Painting Service, it was a reminder of how important it is to adapt and find solutions when working on armies that have specific, lore-based designs like the Wolfspear.
Whether it’s a project based on classic Space Marines, a newer successor chapter like the Wolfspear, or even a completely custom faction, we’re always happy to work with clients to bring their armies to life. This Wolfspear commission was a great example of how even the most detailed and specific requests can be met with the right tools, patience, and a bit of creativity. It’s commissions like this that remind us why we love what we do.
Thousand Sons: Bringing Magnus and His Legion to Life
This particular project marked the first time we worked with a new client who was looking to commission a Thousand Sons army. From the very beginning, it was clear that they wanted to stay faithful to the official colors of the Thousand Sons, the infamous legion of sorcerers that serves Tzeentch, the Chaos God of change. The vibrant blue and gold color scheme of the Thousand Sons is iconic, and the client wanted to ensure that every model, from the rank-and-file Rubric Marines to the towering Magnus the Red, stayed true to Games Workshop’s official vision.
Magnus the Red, the Primarch of the Thousand Sons, was the centerpiece of this order. This massive figure, with its dynamic pose and intricate details, stood out as the star of the entire army. The client wanted Magnus to be painted with a level of care and attention that would make him truly stand out on the battlefield, while still being in line with the established lore and colors of Warhammer 40k. We knew that the success of this project hinged on getting Magnus just right, and we took the time to ensure every detail was handled carefully.
The challenge with painting Magnus, and the Thousand Sons in general, is balancing the vivid colors with the intricate details. Magnus himself features a lot of contrasts, from the fiery red of his skin to the deep blues of his armor and the shining golds of his embellishments. To stay true to the official scheme, we made sure that the blues were rich and deep, contrasting beautifully with the gold trim. Magnus’s massive wings were another focal point—carefully blending the colors to give them a dynamic, almost ethereal look was essential to capturing his larger-than-life presence.
The client had a clear idea of what they wanted, but they also trusted us to bring our own expertise into the mix. While they were firm about staying true to the official Thousand Sons colors, they gave us some room to enhance certain elements. For Magnus, we focused on shading and highlights to bring out the depth in his muscular form and armor, while making sure the figure looked cohesive with the rest of the army. We avoided any excessive custom details, instead leaning into the natural grandeur of the model and letting the official design do most of the talking.
For the rest of the army, we followed the same approach. The Thousand Sons are known for their Rubric Marines—soulless warriors encased in their distinctive blue and gold armor. These units needed to reflect the same attention to detail as Magnus, ensuring that the army looked cohesive while still allowing Magnus to stand out as the central figure. The vibrant blue armor of the Rubric Marines, paired with their ornate gold details, provided a lot of opportunity for crisp, clean painting, with the goal of making them look as though they had stepped straight out of a Games Workshop showcase.
Despite the high level of detail required for this project, it was a smooth process from start to finish. The client was clear in their vision, and they trusted us to handle the execution. That trust gave us the space to focus on what we do best—delivering high-quality painting that stays true to the lore while adding just enough flair to make the army feel unique.
The end result was a Thousand Sons army that remained faithful to the official color scheme while still feeling dynamic and visually striking. Magnus the Red, with his imposing presence, stood as the centerpiece of the army, commanding attention both on and off the battlefield. The client was pleased with how the project turned out, especially with the way Magnus was handled, which is always gratifying for us as painters.
Working on armies like the Thousand Sons, where color and detail are so integral to the faction’s identity, is always a rewarding experience. It reminds us of how important it is to balance faithfulness to the source material with the need to make each model stand out. Whether it's a new client or someone we've worked with for years, we always strive to bring their vision to life in a way that stays true to Warhammer 40k’s rich lore while adding our own touch.
Crafting a Warhammer 40k army can be pretty satisfying. Whether it’s the unwavering loyalty of the Ultramarines, the chaotic brilliance of the Emperor’s Children, or the mysterious might of the Thousand Sons, each army tells a unique story. Staying true to the iconic colors and designs, while capturing the spirit of the game, is key to making these armies stand out on the battlefield.
From meticulous attention to decals on a Wolfspear Space Wolves force to recreating the grandeur of Magnus the Red in a Thousand Sons army, each project carries its own set of challenges and rewards. Staying true to the established color schemes and lore—whether loyalist or chaos factions—ensures that the models not only look cohesive but also feel authentic to the Warhammer 40k universe. The careful combination of official guidelines and personalized details results in armies that are visually striking and lore-accurate, without compromising the player’s vision.
From Warhammer 40k Painting Commissions to Custom Warhammer 40k Models and Unique Miniature Commissions, the world of Warhammer offers endless possibilities for crafting armies that are both beautiful and battle-ready. Each project is a journey, from selecting the color palette to ensuring the right decals and finishes are applied. Whether its loyalist chapters like the Ultramarines or the corrupted ranks of the Thousand Sons, the process of building a Warhammer army is a rewarding and creative endeavor.
When working on Custom Warhammer 40k Models and Terrain, staying true to Games Workshop’s vision while embracing personal touches allows each army to stand out as a unique force. Every completed commission is a testament to the balance between official lore and individual creativity, ensuring the models are both faithful to their origins and reflective of the player’s personal style.
