Quick answer
To paint your British SAS/Commandos miniatures, start with a base coat of khaki for uniforms, add detail colors for webbing and weapons, then apply a wash and drybrush for depth. Finish with basing and a matte varnish for durability.
Why paint SAS/Commandos differently from standard British infantry?
SAS and Commando units wore a mix of standard British battledress and specialized gear, often with less webbing and more personal equipment like the Thompson submachine gun. Their uniforms were typically khaki drill or wool, and they used camouflage in some theaters. Keep the palette simple—khaki, brown, and green—to reflect their role as light raiding forces.
Step-by-step painting guide
- Clean and assemble: Remove mold lines with a hobby knife and file. Glue parts together with plastic cement, but leave off arms and backpacks if you plan to paint sub-assemblies for easier access. Check that all joints fit flush; gaps will show after painting.
- Prime the miniatures: Spray with a light gray or khaki primer. This keeps the base colors bright and avoids the darkening effect of black primer on khaki uniforms. Shake the can for two minutes and spray in short bursts from 20 cm away to prevent pooling.
- Base coat the uniform: Paint the battledress and trousers with a khaki color like Vallejo Green Brown or Army Painter Skeleton Bone. Use two thin coats for smooth coverage. If the paint is too thick, it will obscure detail like webbing straps and pockets.
- Paint webbing and equipment: Apply a brown-green shade (e.g., Vallejo English Uniform) to belts, pouches, and backpacks. Use black or gunmetal for weapons and boots. Keep the webbing color distinct from the uniform so it reads clearly on the tabletop.
- Apply a wash: Use a brown wash (e.g., Army Painter Strong Tone) over the entire figure. Let it settle in recesses to create shadows and define creases. Wipe excess wash from flat areas with a damp brush to avoid staining.
- Drybrush highlights: Lightly drybrush the uniform with the original base color mixed with a little white or ivory. Focus on raised areas like knees and elbows. Use a stiff, flat brush and remove almost all paint on a paper towel before touching the miniature.
- Paint skin and details: Use a flesh tone for exposed skin (faces and hands). Add a thin brown wash to the face for depth. Paint any unit markings or insignia in a contrasting color. A steady hand and a fine brush tip prevent paint from spilling onto the uniform.
Products used in this guide
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British SAS/Commandos: This box contains 28mm plastic miniatures inspired by the British SAS and Commandos of WWII, including a variety of weapons and equipment options. The multi-part kit lets you customize poses and gear, so you can build a unique squad for skirmish games or dioramas.
British SAS/Commandos
