Painting Napoleonic Infantry with INDOMITABLE
By SCALE75 - HOBBIES & GAMES – SCALE75 - Hobbies & Games | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to paint Napoleonic infantry using the SCALE75 INDOMITABLE miniature. Step-by-step guide for historical figure painting enthusiasts.
Quick answer
Start by priming the unpainted INDOMITABLE figure, then build up layers with acrylics for a historically inspired Napoleonic infantryman.
Why the INDOMITABLE figure works for Napoleonic painting
The 75mm scale gives you generous surface area to paint details like shako cords, crossbelts, and brass buttons. Because the figure is unpainted and requires assembly, you have full control over the color palette and finish—ideal for historical accuracy. The included SCALE75 painting reference helps you choose period-appropriate colors without guessing.
Step-by-step painting process
- Clean and assemble the figure: Wash the resin parts in warm soapy water to remove mold release. Dry thoroughly. Assemble the figure with cyanoacrylate glue, filling any gaps with putty. Check that arms and head align with your reference. Skipping the wash can cause paint to bead up on oily resin.
- Apply a primer coat: Spray or brush on a thin, even layer of primer. Use gray or black to create shadows; white if you want brighter colors. Let it cure for 24 hours. Rushing the primer cure leads to paint chipping later.
- Paint the base uniform colors: Start with the coat: for French infantry, use a deep blue. Paint trousers, facings, and shako in order from largest to smallest area. Thin your paints to a milk-like consistency and apply two thin coats. Thick paint hides detail. If you see brush strokes, the paint is too thick.
- Add shading and highlights: Mix a drop of black or dark blue into your base color for shadows; use a lighter tint for highlights. Apply only to recesses and raised areas respectively. Keep a wet palette to control drying time. Over-shading makes the figure look muddy. Less is more.
- Paint small details and metal areas: Use a fine detail brush for buttons, belt plates, musket metal, and shako badges. For brass, try a mix of bronze and gold. Apply a tiny dot of white to create a reflection on shiny surfaces. A steady hand and good lighting are essential. Use a magnifier if needed.
- Seal and base the figure: Apply a matte varnish to protect the paint. Let it dry. Glue the finished figure to a 25mm or larger base, then texture the base with sand or static grass. Add a final coat of varnish to the base only. Varnish the base separately to avoid a glossy soldier.
Product facts
- INDOMITABLE: 75mm scale figure made with high quality resin. Unpainted figure. Assembly required. Each box includes a SCALE75 painting reference. The larger scale makes it easier to paint fine uniform details, and the painting reference gives you a reliable starting point for historical color choices.
INDOMITABLE
