Quick answer

Start by priming in white, then block in the red coat, white facings, and black shako. Use washes for depth and drybrush for highlights to bring out the details on these elite shock troops.

Understanding the Uniform

The 5th Regiment of Foot Grenadiers wore the standard British infantry uniform of the Napoleonic era: a red coat with white facings, white breeches, and a tall black bearskin cap. The grenadier company was an elite unit, so pay extra attention to details like the cap plate and shoulder wings to distinguish them from line infantry.

Step-by-Step Painting Process

  1. Step 1: Prime and Base Coat: Prime the miniature with a white or light gray spray primer. Then, block in the main colors: use a deep red for the coat, off-white for the breeches and facings, and black for the shako and shoes. Common mistake: using a dark primer can make the red coat look muddy. Stick with a light primer for a brighter finish.
  2. Step 2: Layer and Shade the Coat: Apply a wash of dark brown or crimson to the red coat to create shadows in the folds. Once dry, layer the raised areas with a lighter red, leaving the recesses dark. Checkpoint: ensure the wash doesn't pool on flat surfaces. Use a clean brush to wick away excess.
  3. Step 3: Detail the Shako and Facings: Paint the bearskin cap with a dark brownish-black, then drybrush with a lighter gray-brown for texture. For the white facings (collar and cuffs), use a pure white after shading with a thin gray wash. Common mistake: painting the shako pure black loses detail. Use a dark gray or brown-black to keep the fur texture visible.
  4. Step 4: Add Metallic Elements: Paint the cap plate, buttons, and belt fittings with a bronze or gold metallic paint. Use a fine brush for the cap plate to keep the design crisp. Checkpoint: metallic paints can be thick. Thin them slightly to avoid obscuring fine details.
  5. Step 5: Face and Hands: Paint the face and hands with a flesh tone, then apply a thin brown wash to define the eyes, nose, and mouth. Highlight the cheeks and forehead with a lighter flesh tone. Common mistake: using too much wash on the face can make it look dirty. Keep it minimal and focused on the eye sockets and jawline.
  6. Step 6: Basing: Apply a layer of sand or texture paste to the base. Once dry, paint it with a earthy brown, then drybrush with a lighter tan. Add static grass or small tufts for a finished look. Checkpoint: ensure the base texture doesn't cover the miniature's feet. Apply it carefully around the legs.

Product Facts

  • 5th Regiment of Foot Grenadiers: The grenadier company of the 5th was tasked to lead attacks and act as shock troops to break through enemy lines. This elite status means the miniatures feature distinctive details like bearskin caps and shoulder wings that set them apart from standard line infantry, making them a rewarding painting project.

    5th Regiment of Foot Grenadiers

    5th Regiment of Foot Grenadiers