Quick answer
Start by priming your Inner Sphere BattleMechs with a light gray primer, then apply a base coat in your chosen faction color, wash with a dark shade, dry brush a lighter tone, and finish with details like cockpits and weapons.
Why the Inner Sphere ForcePack is a great starting point
The BattleTech: ForcePacks: Inner Sphere includes four high-quality, fully assembled BattleMechs like the Marauder, Archer, Valkyrie, and Stinger. These models have clear panel lines and distinct silhouettes, making them ideal for practicing a unified Inner Sphere paint scheme. Because they come pre-assembled, you can jump straight into painting without worrying about glue or flash lines.
Choosing a color scheme for your lance
Inner Sphere forces often use military greens, tans, or blues, but you can also adopt a specific house or mercenary unit scheme. A unified lance color scheme helps your force look cohesive on the tabletop. If you're new to painting, stick to two or three main colors plus a metallic for weapons to keep the process manageable.
Step-by-step painting guide
- Prime the miniature: Use a light gray spray primer in thin, even coats. Hold the can about 8-10 inches away and rotate the model to cover all sides. A common mistake is applying too thick a coat, which obscures detail. Let the primer cure for at least 24 hours before painting.
- Apply the base coat: Paint the main armor panels with your chosen base color using a medium-sized brush. Thin the paint with a drop of water to achieve a smooth, opaque layer. Two thin coats are better than one thick one. A common mistake is not thinning the paint, which leaves visible brush strokes. Use a wet palette to keep your paint workable longer.
- Wash the recesses: Apply a dark wash (like Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade) to the panel lines and crevices. Let it flow naturally; don't over-brush. This adds depth and definition. A common mistake is letting the wash pool on flat surfaces, creating splotches. Wick away excess wash with a clean brush tip.
- Dry brush the highlights: Dip a dry, stiff brush in a lighter shade of your base color, wipe most of it off on a paper towel, then lightly brush over the raised edges. This brings out the 'Mech's contours. A common mistake is using too much paint, which leaves streaks instead of subtle highlights. Test the brush on your hand first to ensure it's almost dry.
- Paint the details: Use a fine detail brush for cockpit glass (a bright color like red or blue), weapons (metallics), and any hazard stripes or unit markings. Steady your hands by resting them together. A common mistake is rushing the cockpit lens, which can look messy. Apply a small dot of white in the cockpit corner for a glossy effect.
- Seal the miniature: Spray or brush on a matte varnish to protect your paint job from chipping during gameplay. A common mistake is using gloss varnish, which leaves a shiny finish that can look unnatural on military models. Apply varnish in a well-ventilated area and let it dry completely.
Product facts
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BattleTech: ForcePacks: Inner Sphere: Each Inner Sphere ForcePack includes four high-quality, fully assembled BattleMechs, four Alpha Strike cards, and four pilot cards. You can start painting immediately without assembly, and the included cards let you use the 'Mechs in Alpha Strike games right away.
BattleTech: ForcePacks: Inner Sphere
