Learn to Paint: New Antioch — Trench Crusade: A Comprehensive Guide to Defending the Faithful

The Trench Crusade is more than just a tabletop wargame; it is an immersive journey into a desperate conflict where faith clashes with infernal forces. At the heart of this struggle lies the magnificent, yet embattled, city of New Antioch. Our mission, as dedicated painters and strategists, is to bring this pivotal battlefield to life, showcasing the unwavering spirit of the Faithful and the terrifying might of their adversaries. This guide is meticulously crafted to equip you with the knowledge and techniques to paint your New Antioch miniatures with exceptional detail, ensuring your armies stand proud and resonant with the very essence of the Trench Crusade. We aim to delve deeper than any other resource, providing an unparalleled level of detail to help you achieve truly legendary painting results that will not only impress but also dominate search engine rankings for those seeking the ultimate in hobby insight.

Understanding the Lore and Visual Language of New Antioch

Before we even touch a brush, it is crucial to understand the narrative that defines New Antioch and the Trench Crusade. This is a world steeped in divine protection and desperate defense. The Faithful, imbued with righteous fervor, stand against the encroaching darkness of Hell. This dichotomy must be visually represented in every stroke of paint.

The Aesthetic of the Faithful

The forces defending New Antioch are characterized by their resilience, their faith, and their often utilitarian, yet divinely inspired, equipment. Think of weathered, battle-hardened armor, sturdy, practical uniforms, and weaponry that speaks of both craftsmanship and divine blessing.

Color Palettes for the Faithful

We propose a core palette that emphasizes both the grim realities of trench warfare and the radiant hope of the Faithful.

• Sanctified Golds and Bronzes: These are not just for ornamentation; they represent divine favor and the enduring light of faith. We recommend using a combination of rich, metallic gold paints for insignia, ceremonial elements, and divine embellishments. For a battle-worn look, apply washes of dark brown or black to deepen recesses and highlight the textured wear. Consider layering with brighter metallics to catch the light and convey an inner glow. Brands like Citadel’s Retributor Armour and Liberator Gold, or Vallejo’s Game Color’s Glorious Gold and Bright Bronze, offer excellent starting points.
• Imperial Whites and Creams: These colors symbolize purity, martyrdom, and the unyielding resolve of the defenders. Achieve a believable white by starting with a light grey basecoat, followed by multiple thin layers of pure white. Weathering with subtle sepia or bone washes can introduce grime and realism, reflecting the harsh conditions of the Trench Crusade. For a more muted, off-white effect, introduce hints of brown or grey into your white mix.
• Deep Crimson and Scarlet: This vibrant hue signifies sacrifice, divine blood, and the fervent passion of the defenders. Use crimson for religious symbols, tabards, or strategic accents. When painting blood effects or battle damage, consider a layered approach with gloss varnishes to simulate wetness and a darker shade for dried blood. Scale 75’s Victorian Crimson or P3’s Red Ink can provide intense saturation.
• Earthy Browns and Khakis: Essential for depicting the weathered uniforms, leather straps, and the very earth of New Antioch’s trenches. A variety of brown tones, from dark chocolate to light sandy beige, will add depth and realism. Use washes and drybrushing techniques to highlight textures and create a sense of accumulated dirt and grime.
• Steel Greys and Tarnished Silvers: For the ubiquitous weaponry, armor plating, and mechanical components. Aim for a spectrum of greys, from dark gunmetal to lighter, almost polished steel. Consider using weathering powders or pigment powders to simulate rust and chipping. A good starting point is Vallejo’s Metal Color range, particularly their Dark Aluminum and Steel.

Weathering and Battle Damage for the Faithful

No army in a Trench Crusade remains pristine. Every model should tell a story of its battles.

• Chipping and Scratches: Use a fine brush or a sponge to apply small dots of a dark brown or black in areas where paint would naturally chip, such as edges of armor, weapon hilts, and boot toes. Then, highlight the top edge of these chips with a lighter metallic color to simulate exposed metal.
• Mud and Grime: Apply washes of dark, earthy tones to the lower legs, boots, and bases of your miniatures. Pigment powders, once fixed with a weathering agent, can create incredibly realistic mud effects. Consider using textured basing materials to enhance this.
• Battle Scars and Burn Marks: For areas of impact or close-quarters combat, consider subtle scorch marks with black and dark brown washes, or even subtle dents simulated with dark washes and highlights.

The Menace of the Forces of Hell

The adversaries of New Antioch are a terrifying manifestation of corruption and infernal power. Their aesthetic should convey dread, decay, and unnatural, chaotic energy.

Color Palettes for the Infernal Forces

The infernal forces require a distinct and disturbing color palette that evokes their otherworldly nature.

• Putrid Greens and Sickly Yellows: These colors represent corruption, decay, and disease. Use them for skin tones, organic weaponry, or glowing, malevolent energy. Washes of dark green or even black can be used to deepen the sickly tone and add a sense of rot. Consider using fluorescent paints for truly unnerving, otherworldly glows.
• Blood Reds and Deep Maroons: While the Faithful use red for sacrifice, Hell uses it for brutality and carnage. These reds should be darker, richer, and more menacing, often with hints of black or brown to suggest dried, viscous gore.
• Charred Blacks and Ash Greys: For armor that has been burned, scorched, or is made of infernal materials. Layering these colors with hints of deep purple or crimson can suggest latent heat or unholy energy.
• Ominous Purples and Violets: These colors often represent arcane energies, corruption, and the unnatural. They can be used for magical effects, glowing eyes, or as accent colors to make infernal units truly stand out as unnatural.
• Corroded Bronzes and Rusted Irons: Unlike the sacred metals of the Faithful, infernal metals should appear diseased and decaying. Use sickly greens and browns to wash over metallic bases, simulating rust and decay.

Infernal Textures and Effects

The visual language of Hell is one of torment and unnatural distortion.

• Eldritch Glows: Use thin glazes of bright, unnatural colors like electric blue, toxic green, or vibrant purple to create the illusion of internal, malevolent energy emanating from weapons, eyes, or arcane conduits.
• Slime and Gore: Employ gloss varnishes and specialized technical paints like Nurgle’s Rot or Blood for the Blood God to create visceral, dripping slime and fresh gore effects. These are crucial for conveying the horrific nature of the infernal legions.
• Distorted Forms: If your miniatures feature warped or mutated elements, use washes and highlights to emphasize these unnatural shapes, making them appear even more unsettling.

Mastering the Art of War Machine Painting

The Trench Crusade is defined by its brutal and imposing war machines. These titans of industry and faith deserve special attention to detail, reflecting their vital role in defending New Antioch.

Painting Imperial War Machines

These machines are a testament to the ingenuity and devotion of the Faithful, built for defense and delivering divine retribution.

The Foundation: Sturdy and Reliable

• Basecoats: Start with solid, practical basecoats. For the primary armor plating, consider a mid-tone grey, a deep olive drab, or a weathered brown. For metallic components, a dark iron or steel is a good starting point.
• Washes for Depth: Apply generous washes of black, dark brown, or even a dark blue into all the recesses. This will instantly add depth and definition to the numerous panels, rivets, and mechanical details.
• Layering and Highlighting: Build up layers of lighter shades on raised areas and edges. For metal, use progressively lighter silvers and greys. For painted armor, use a slightly lighter shade of your basecoat, focusing on the flat surfaces.
• Imperial Emblems and Markings: This is where the divine aspect truly shines. Carefully paint the holy symbols of New Antioch and the Faithful. Use bright golds, silvers, and clean whites. Consider freehanding scripture or prayerful inscriptions for an extra touch of detail.
• Weathering for the Front Lines: Even divine machines bear the scars of war. Apply chipping, rust effects, and mud splashes to simulate their arduous journey through the trenches. Think about how different materials would weather: steel rusts, painted surfaces chip, and exposed wood (if any) would be stained and warped.
• Ocular Lenses and Power Sources: Paint these with vibrant, eye-catching colors. A glowing red, blue, or even a holy golden light can make these details pop and convey the operational status of the machine. Use glazes to enhance the glow effect.

Painting Infernal War Machines

These abominations are twisted mockeries of technology, designed to sow terror and destruction.

The Foundation: Chaotic and Corrupted

• Basecoats of Despair: Begin with dark, oppressive basecoats. Think charred blacks, deep purples, or sickly, desaturated greens. Metallic elements should be a dark, corroded bronze or a rusted iron.
• Washes of Decay: Use washes of black, dark brown, and particularly sickly greens or purples to pool in the recesses, emphasizing the organic, twisted nature of the machine.
• Layering of the Unnatural: Build up layers with desaturated tones. For dark metals, highlight with lighter shades of rust or corroded bronze. For corrupted plating, use muted versions of your chosen sickly colors.
• Demonic Iconography and Markings: These are not emblems of faith but sigils of damnation. Paint them with dark reds, blacks, and perhaps an unsettling, glowing purple or green. The strokes should be jagged and chaotic.
• Infernal Weathering: The weathering here should be more extreme. Think oozing slime, warped metal from intense heat, and perhaps even skeletal or fleshy growths integrated into the machine. Use technical paints for extreme textures.
• Eldritch Power and Core: The heart of an infernal machine should pulse with malevolent energy. Use vibrant, unnatural colors like toxic green, fiery orange, or an unholy purple for energy conduits, glowing vents, or exposed demonic cores. Use layering and glazes to create intense, pulsating effects.

Basing Your New Antioch Forces: The Battlefield Underfoot

The base of your miniature is the stage upon which its story is told. For New Antioch and the Trench Crusade, the basing must reflect the grim, muddy, and contested terrain.

The Trenches of New Antioch

The primary aesthetic for New Antioch should be one of war-torn earth and desperate fortification.

Materials and Techniques

• Textured Pastes: Start with a good quality textured paint or modeling paste. Earth tones, muddy browns, and dark greys are essential. Apply these thickly to create natural-looking undulations and rough terrain.
• Grit and Sand: While the paste is still wet, or after applying a matte medium, sprinkle on various grades of sand, grit, and even small gravel. This will add realistic texture and detail. Different sizes will create different effects, from fine dust to larger debris.
• Static Grass and Tufts: Apply static grass in muted greens and browns to represent sparse, hardy vegetation struggling to survive. Consider adding small tufts of longer grass or even dead, brown foliage for a more desolate feel.
• Mud and Puddles: Once the base is dry, use washes of dark brown and black to create the effect of dried mud. For water effects, utilize specialized resin products, layering them carefully to create depth and reflection. Adding a touch of gloss varnish to areas of mud can simulate dampness.
• Rubble and Debris: Small pieces of broken plasticard, cork, or even actual debris like tiny twigs can be incorporated to represent shattered fortifications, spent shell casings, or fragments of buildings.
• Fortification Details: For bases representing the immediate vicinity of New Antioch, consider adding elements like sandbags (made from putty), wooden planks, or even barbed wire (thin wire or specialized modeling products).

The Infernal Blight

The areas touched by the forces of Hell should be visibly corrupted and alien.

Materials and Techniques

• Alien Textures: Use modeling pastes tinted with unnatural colors like deep reds, purples, or sickly greens.
• Corrupted Growths: Incorporate modeling materials that can be sculpted into twisted, organic shapes. Think of warped, fleshy textures or crystalline growths. Technical paints designed for slime and gore are excellent here.
• Dark Washes and Glazes: Use deep purple, black, and blood reds to wash over these textures, making them look diseased and corrupted. Glazes of vibrant, unnatural colors can create a sense of sickly luminescence.
• Scorched Earth and Ash: For areas of intense infernal activity, use dark grey and black textured paints, then dust with pigment powders to simulate ash and cinders.
• Bones and Demonic Remnants: Small sculpted bones, horns, or other infernal detritus can be added to enhance the theme of destruction and torment.

Advanced Techniques for an Unrivaled Finish

To truly stand out and achieve a level of quality that commands attention, consider incorporating these advanced painting techniques.

Airbrushing for Smooth Transitions and Basecoats

An airbrush can revolutionize your painting workflow, providing smooth, even basecoats and seamless blends that are difficult to achieve with traditional brushwork.

Applications in the Trench Crusade

• Pre-shading: Before applying your main colors, use a dark wash or a black airbrush coat in the recesses. Then, airbrush your main colors from above, allowing the dark tones to remain in the shadows, creating instant depth.
• Zenithal Highlighting: Similar to pre-shading, but with a light color. Spray from directly above to create a natural-looking highlight on all the raised surfaces. This provides a perfect guide for subsequent brushwork.
• Smooth Camouflage Patterns: For larger vehicles or war machines, an airbrush allows for incredibly smooth and realistic camouflage patterns, blending colors seamlessly.
• Overspraying Grimy Effects: After painting, a light overspray of a thinned brown or grey can tie all the elements together and create a unified grimy appearance.

Chroma Blending and Glazing for Depth and Luminosity

These techniques are crucial for achieving vibrant colors, subtle transitions, and that coveted luminous glow.

Mastering the Art of Glazing

• Building Color Intensity: Glazing involves applying very thin, translucent layers of paint. By repeatedly applying glazes of a certain color over a lighter base, you can build up rich, deep tones that have incredible depth. This is perfect for sanctified golds or infernal reds.
• Smooth Transitions: Glazing is the key to smooth gradients on curved surfaces, such as the rounded armor of a war machine or the skin of a demonic creature. Apply multiple thin layers, blending each one into the next while wet.
• Creating Luminous Effects: For glowing eyes, power sources, or magical effects, apply bright, saturated glazes over a white or light yellow base. Build up the intensity of the glow from the center outwards.

Weathering Powders and Pigments for Realism

These fine powders can add an unparalleled level of realism to your models, simulating dust, rust, and atmospheric effects.

Applying Pigments Effectively

• Dry Application: Use a soft brush to gently dust powders onto areas where accumulated dirt or dust would naturally settle, such as the lower parts of vehicles, the bases of miniatures, or in crevices.
• Washes with Pigments: Mix pigment powders with a pigment fixer or a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to create a thick paste or a thinned wash. This can be used to create realistic rust streaks, mud effects, or filter the color of an entire area.
• Fixing Powders: Always fix your pigment powders with a dedicated pigment fixer or a matte varnish. This will prevent them from rubbing off and ensure your hard work lasts.

Conclusion: Bring the Trench Crusade to Life with Your Art

The Trench Crusade in New Antioch is a narrative rich with potential for stunning visual representation. By understanding the lore, mastering your color palettes, and applying advanced painting techniques, you can create New Antioch miniatures that not only look incredible but also tell a compelling story of faith, defense, and the unending struggle against the forces of Hell. We have explored the foundational elements of color theory, the importance of weathering, and delved into sophisticated techniques like airbrushing and glazing, all aimed at helping you achieve a truly legendary painting standard. Your artistry will not just be a hobby; it will be a testament to the enduring spirit of the Faithful and a terrifying display of infernal might on your gaming table. With this comprehensive guide, we are confident that your painted New Antioch forces will stand out, capture the imagination, and embody the very heart of the Trench Crusade, making your gaming experience, and your visual presence within the hobby community, utterly unforgettable.