How to Paint Stone Terrain for Warhammer

In this guide, I will show you how to paint stone terrain for Warhammer quickly and effectively using simple drybrushing and washes. This method is ideal for creating realistic stone, weathering effects, and subtle colour variation with minimal effort.

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Paints required:

• Mechanicum Standard Grey
• Dawnstone
• Administratum Grey
• Athonian Camoshade
• Elysian Green
• Karak Stone
• Screaming Skull
• Agrax Earthshade (optional)
• Seraphim Sepia (optional)
• Nuln Oil (optional)
• Grey Seer (optional)

Step 1 – Undercoat and Base Drybrush

The terrain was first undercoated with Chaos Black. Once dry, the entire piece was drybrushed with Mechanicum Standard Grey using a large, round-ended brush. I tend to use a make-up brush for this, as it allows for quick coverage and a soft finish.

When drybrushing, use a circular motion and focus on raised areas and edges. If too much paint is applied, it can simply be wiped away with a finger, which helps create a natural, patchy stone texture. This was followed by a lighter drybrush of Dawnstone, using the same technique.

Step 2 – Adding Colour with Washes

The stonework was then washed with Athonian Camoshade to introduce a subtle green tone and add depth. It is best to work on one side at a time and keep the piece flat while the wash dries. This prevents it from flowing and pooling unevenly.

While the wash is still wet, patches of Agrax Earthshade, Nuln Oil, and Seraphim Sepia can be added to create additional variation. This helps break up the surface and gives the stone a more natural appearance.

Step 3 – Rebuilding Highlights

Once the washes are fully dry, the stonework was drybrushed again with Dawnstone, followed by a lighter drybrush of Administratum Grey. Again, use a circular motion and focus on raised areas.

As an optional final highlight, a very light drybrush of Grey Seer can be applied to the sharpest edges to improve definition.

Step 4 – Painting the Brickwork

To create contrast, the brickwork was painted to appear as a later addition to the structure. Using a smaller round-ended brush, the bricks were drybrushed with Karak Stone, followed by Screaming Skull.

This was applied using an up-and-down motion, taking care to avoid the surrounding stonework and maintain clean separation between materials.

Step 5 – Adding Environmental Effects

To simulate algae or weathering, Elysian Green was lightly drybrushed onto the stone using a downward motion. This creates the effect of organic buildup along upper surfaces and edges.
This step should be used sparingly. The aim is to slightly shift the colour of the stone rather than overpower it.
I tend to leave this stage until the very end, once all other details on the terrain are complete, including wood, moss, or other features.

Final Thoughts

This is a quick and highly effective method for painting terrain. By combining simple drybrushing with controlled washes, you can achieve a realistic stone effect with very little effort.

Terrain does not need to be painted perfectly to look good, variation and texture actually improve the final result and help the piece blend naturally into the tabletop.

Related Articles

• Moss
• Wooden Planks
• White Marble

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Discussion

How do you paint your terrain?

Do you prefer a more natural look or something cleaner and stylised?

Let me know in the comments, I would be interested to hear what techniques you use.

Happy Hobbying!

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