Painting Tyranid Hive Fleet Leviathan: The Contrast Hack

Tyranids are biological nightmares, and painting them traditionally can be a slog. By using Citadel Contrast, you can achieve the pale flesh and purple carapace of Hive Fleet Leviathan in half the time.

What to Buy

• Primer: White Scar or Wraithbone
• Skin: Magos Purple (diluted)
• Carapace: Shyish Purple

The Workflow

1. Prime White: A bright white primer is essential for Contrast paints to work correctly.

2. Organic Skin: Apply Magos Purple. It will naturally tint the recessed areas while leaving the raised skin nearly white.

3. The Shell: Paint the carapace plates with Shyish Purple. The pigment is heavy, so one coat is usually enough to create a deep, menacing purple with natural highlights.