Warhammer paint scheme guide

Blood Angels Paint Scheme: paints, steps and equivalents | ChromaStack

Updated April 11, 2026

The Blood Angels scheme uses fewer colours than it seems, but it depends on a precise balance between deep red, rich crimson shading and warm highlights. When Carroburg Crimson is handled well, the whole army keeps that dramatic Blood Angels presence immediately.

Here you will find the useful paint list, the recommended painting order and quick access to the /equivalent/ pages for the reds and metallics that matter most. It is the safest base if you want a coherent force without wasting time testing every red combination blindly.

Direct answer

How to keep the identity of the Blood Angels scheme

Updated April 11, 2026

Follow the ordered paint list on this page, then verify substitutions on the linked equivalent pages.

Method

This page is built from the local army paint list, tutorial order, and dedicated equivalent links so the workflow remains traceable from scheme to paint.

Limits

Equivalent pages help with colour drift, but finish and application order still need to match the recipe you want on the miniature.

Recommended paint list

Prioritized Citadel palette with direct links to the equivalent pages.

Painting steps

The key is to preserve the depth of the red: lay the base, shade boldly, then rebuild the volumes gradually without pushing the armour too far into orange.

Quick links to equivalents

Each core colour links to its dedicated /equivalent/ page.

Practical tips

Useful shortcuts to keep the scheme credible without overcomplicating the recipe.

Go further with the pillar guide

Use the full conversion chart when you want to swap one specific colour for a cheaper alternative.

The ChromaStack pillar guide brings together the most searched Citadel, Vallejo and Army Painter matches, with Delta-E CIEDE2000 scores and practical advice for choosing a believable substitute.

Open pillar guide

FAQ

Mephiston Red for the armour, Carroburg Crimson for the shadows and Evil Sunz Scarlet for the first highlight form the backbone of the scheme. Add Retributor Armour and Leadbelcher for the most visible details and you already have the essentials covered.

Carroburg Crimson remains the safest choice if you want a rich, deep red. A shade that leans too brown quickly weakens the Blood Angels identity, while Carroburg Crimson reinforces the recesses without killing the saturation.

Yes, but you need to control hue drift. Use the Mephiston Red equivalent page and favour an option with a tight Delta-E so the whole army keeps the same base red.