How to Paint Aeronautica Imperialis

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Aeronautica Imperialis Painting Guide – How I Paint Warhammer 40k Aircraft 

Aeronautica Imperialis is a specialist game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, focused on fast-moving aerial combat between iconic factions. In this guide, I’ll show how I paint Aeronautica Imperialis aircraft using a simple, repeatable method designed for epic scale miniatures. These models are very different from standard Warhammer 40k or Age of Sigmar figures, with large flat panels, clean surfaces, and mechanical detail that require a more controlled approach to painting.

Aeronautica Imperialis miniatures are produced at epic scale, with a human figure standing roughly 6–8mm tall compared to the 28–33mm heroic scale used in most Warhammer ranges. Because these models represent aircraft rather than infantry, they rely much more heavily on smooth basecoats, controlled shading, and clean highlights to achieve good results.

New to Aeronautica Imperialis? Start here →

These aircraft can also be used in Legions Imperialis, making them a flexible part of the wider epic-scale Warhammer range.

Most of my Aeronautica aircraft were painted using a combination of clean basecoats, careful recess shading, and drybrushed highlights. This approach works particularly well at this scale, providing a fast and reliable way to define panels, pick out detail, and produce clean, well-defined models.

It is a quick, reliable process that produces clean, consistent results. It can be applied across the full range of Aeronautica aircraft and adapts easily to a wide variety of colour schemes. If you are already familiar with the core painting workflow used on this site, this method is simply an adaptation of those same principles for vehicle-scale models.

I intend to continue adding material to this guide as time passes.


Imperial Navy

Imperial Navy look best in miltary greys and drab greens, focusing on clean panels and subtle shading.



Adeptus Astartes

Space Marine aircraft rely on bold colours, clean panel work, and strong highlights to achieve a clear, consistent finish.

Ork Aircraft

Ork aircraft favour rougher finishes, strong clan colours, and simple techniques that emphasise character without losing overall consistency.


Aeldari Aircraft

Aeldari aircraft benefit from smooth basecoats, precise highlights, and clean lines to reflect their sleek, advanced design.


Tau Aircraft

Tau aircraft work best with smooth, controlled application of colour, focusing on clean panels and subtle shading.


Necron Aircraft

Necron aircraft rely on simple colour schemes and controlled metallics to produce a clean, coherent and durable finish.


Terrain - Epic Scale

Epic scale terrain benefits from simple textures and drybrushing to create clear, effective results at a small scale.

Aeronautica Imperialis Bases

Aeronautica bases should be clean and minimal, supporting the model without drawing attention away from the aircraft.


Related Articles

Easily find the tools, paints and materials used in these guides→


Discussion

Are there any guides you would like me to add to this hub?

Let me know in the comments, I’d be interested to hear what’s worked for you.

Happy hobbying!

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