Priming My First Miniatures
7 March 2026
Today I moved on to the next step in the process — priming my miniatures.
From everything I’ve read and watched online, priming is an important step because it gives the paint something to stick to and helps create a smooth base layer.
I used the Citadel Wraithbone spray primer that I bought from Games Workshop.
To do it properly I took the models outside and placed them on a piece of cardboard so I wouldn’t accidentally spray anything else. I held the can about 20 cm away from the models and applied the primer using short, controlled sprays in a sweeping motion across the miniatures.
I was a little nervous about this step because I’d heard that spraying too heavily can obscure the details of the model. Luckily it went pretty smoothly.
After a few light passes I managed to get a nice even coating across all three models without any pooling or thick patches.
They’re now sitting on the desk drying, ready for the next stage — painting.
To make things a bit easier going forward, I also ordered a few additional hobby tools from Amazon:
- Contacta Professional plastic glue
- A cutting mat
- A magnifying lamp
The magnifying lamp in particular should help a lot when working with the smaller details on the Sentinels.
The hobby definitely requires patience, but I’m starting to see why so many people enjoy it.
Next step: putting the first layers of paint onto the models.
Assembling My First Sentinels
21 February 2026
This weekend I sat down and assembled my first three Vanari Auralan Sentinels, and it was definitely more challenging than I expected.
The models come on plastic sprues, with each miniature made up of multiple small components that need to be clipped out and glued together. Some of the pieces are extremely tiny, especially the arms, bows, and smaller decorative parts.
At first it felt a little fiddly and slow going. Trying to carefully clip the parts out without damaging them, then lining everything up properly before gluing it together, definitely requires patience.
But after a while I started to really enjoy the process.
There’s something surprisingly relaxing about sitting down with the sprues, focusing entirely on the model in front of you, and carefully putting the pieces together. For a few hours I was completely absorbed in the task.
When your mind is concentrating on one particular thing — making sure a piece fits properly, lining up the arms, positioning the bow — it’s almost like everything else fades away for a while. Work stress, day-to-day worries, all of that disappears when you’re focused on the model.
By the end of the afternoon I had three Sentinels fully assembled.
They’re not painted yet of course, but just seeing the models standing there on the desk felt like a small milestone.
Next step will be priming them before I start the painting process.
First Steps into the Warhammer Hobby
14 February 2026
Today I took my first real step into the Warhammer hobby.
I’ve been reading and watching videos about Warhammer for a while now, but I decided it was finally time to get started properly. So this morning I headed into Games Workshop on Bathurst Street in Sydney to pick up my first set of miniatures.
Walking into the store was actually a pretty cool experience. The place is packed with painted miniatures, huge armies displayed in cabinets, and shelves full of models, paints, and hobby tools. It’s a bit overwhelming at first if you’re completely new like I am.
After chatting with the staff and looking through a few options, I decided to start with a box of Lumineth Realm-lords – Vanari Auralan Sentinels. I’ve always liked the aesthetic of the Lumineth models — very clean, elegant designs compared to some of the darker factions.
Along with the models, I picked up my first set of paints and brushes to get started.
Here’s what I ended up buying:
Citadel Paints
Corax White (Base)
Space Wolves Grey (Contrast)
Akhelian Green (Contrast)
Blue Horror (Layer)
Retributor Armour (Base)
Cygor Brown (Contrast)
Wyldwood (Contrast)
Stormhost Silver (Layer)
Wraithbone (Base)
Wraithbone Spray (Primer)
Brushes
Citadel Colour Shade M Brush
Citadel Layer Brush
Citadel Starter Brush
I also grabbed a can of Wraithbone spray primer, which I’ll use to prime the miniatures before painting them.
At this stage I have absolutely no idea how well I’ll actually paint these models, but that’s part of the fun. Everyone starts somewhere, and the goal of this blog is to document the process as I learn.
Next step: assembling the miniatures.
Harry's Warhammer Journey 