By Manul Chandilla
When it comes to Warhammer 40k armies, Necrons are both one of the most striking and lore-rich factions. Their ancient, mechanical forms and the unique themes that surround them make painting Necrons a challenge and a thrill for any professional painting service. Over the years, we've had the opportunity to work on many Necron commissions, each as unique as the dynasties they represent. Whether it's an elaborate Warhammer 40k custom paint job or more traditional takes, every Necron project brings its own set of intricacies, both in design and in execution.
The Necrons are a faction of undead robots—once a powerful and advanced race, now locked in a grim existence as mechanical overlords. From standard Necron infantry to towering Monoliths and Doomsday Arks, painting Necrons involves balancing cold, mechanical elements with flashes of eerie energy. Their skeletal figures, adorned with ominous green or blue glowing effects, demand a style that captures both the ancient and the futuristic.
While many clients come to us for traditional Necron color schemes—those iconic metal and glowing green combinations—others are looking for something more customized. And we’ve been fortunate enough to explore both sides. For example, we've had the pleasure of executing numerous custom Warhammer 40k Necron projects that incorporated unique color schemes to match specific dynasties or battle-worn themes, giving the models a narrative edge. Customizing Necrons allows for a vast range of creativity, as their lore leaves room for dynasties that range from polished metallic to worn and corroded looks, each telling a different story of the long-dormant warriors awakening.
As with any Warhammer 40k painting commission, there are key elements to watch out for when working on Necrons. Maintaining consistency in metallic finishes across units, ensuring the glowing elements contrast effect, and creating a dynamic sense of energy even in such skeletal models are all essential. Whether a client is after a basic tabletop standard or the highest-level Exhibition Quality, getting those details right is critical. That's why our professional Warhammer 40k painters always take extra care to consult with clients on their specific vision—whether they want their Necrons to have that 'freshly awakened' shine or look like they're dragging themselves out of millennia-old tombs.
At PaintedFigs, we've developed a wide range of techniques to make sure each commission looks both distinct and faithful to the universe. With every Necron army, we aim to balance the lifelessness of their metal bodies with the vibrant energy cores and glowing weapons that define their presence on the battlefield. Over the years, we've painted everything from standard Necron warriors to custom Necron lords, each designed to fit into their dynasty’s story while standing out as a awe-striking painted miniature.
In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the most memorable Necron armies we’ve painted—ranging from classic schemes to custom-crafted dynasties.
A Necron Army of Huge Scale (Joe)
Every now and then, a commission comes along that reminds us just how vast the Warhammer 40k universe can feel. One such project was a Necron army requested by a client who wanted the entire force painted in the faction’s classic color scheme. Necrons, with their metallic silver bodies and glowing green accents, are recognizable, and the client was determined to stay true to that iconic look. What stood out most wasn’t just the color scheme, but the scale of the order itself—this was one of the largest armies we’d had the opportunity to work on.
The size of the project was impressive. It was large enough that even laying all the miniatures out on a table during the painting process was a sight to behold. This was something different from what we’re used to—an entire Necron dynasty in the making. The uniformity of the models, all standing in neat rows, gave a sense of order and purpose, as if the Necrons themselves were readying for battle. But while the size of the order was striking, it was the client’s approach that defined this project.
The client was clear from the outset about what he wanted, and that made a real difference. He was methodical, providing detailed instructions for every unit, ensuring that we understood how he wanted each miniature to look. Every element of the classic Necron color scheme was important to him, from the polished metallics to the exact hue of green for the energy rods. It’s always helpful when a client has such a precise vision, as it allows us to focus on bringing that vision to life without any uncertainty. His attention to detail was a clear reflection of his passion for his army, and it was that passion that guided the entire process.
There was a real sense of collaboration throughout the project. The client wasn’t just handing over his miniatures and waiting for the final product; he was involved in making sure we captured the look he had in mind. It was clear that he had spent a lot of time thinking about how he wanted his Necron army to appear, and his methodical approach helped us understand exactly what he was aiming for. He made sure that we stayed on track, which, in turn, made the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
From a painting perspective, the challenge was less about individual creativity and more about consistency. The classic Necron scheme may seem simple—metallics paired with glowing green—but getting that clean, mechanical look across an entire army requires a certain level of precision. Each miniature needed to fit with the others while maintaining the cold, ancient aesthetic that Necrons are known for. The uniformity of the army was key, and we worked carefully to ensure that every model, from basic Necron Warriors to larger Monoliths, fit within the client’s detailed instructions.
By the time the project was complete, seeing the entire army assembled was striking. There’s something about the Necrons, with their uniform metallics and eerie green energy, that gives them an imposing presence on the tabletop. While the scale of the project certainly added to that impact, it was the client’s clear vision that brought everything together. His methodical nature and dedication to getting everything just right made all the difference.
In the end, this commission was a reminder that every project is different. Some are defined by creativity, others by scale, and some—like this one—are shaped by the client’s passion and attention to detail. We were glad to be part of bringing his vision to life, and we’ll always remember the sheer scale of this Necron army as one of those moments that makes you stop and appreciate just how much care goes into each and every miniature.
A Necron Army in a Custom White Scheme (Adam Grady)
While the classic Necron color scheme is iconic, every so often, a client comes to us with a more unique vision for their army. One particular project involved a Necron army that was anything but standard. The client wanted his entire force painted in a custom white color scheme, far removed from the traditional metallic look that Necrons are known for. It was a bold choice, and we knew from the start that executing this vision would require careful planning and precision.
The client’s custom scheme didn’t stop at the white base. He had chosen gold for the joints and underbody—an interesting contrast that gave the Necrons a regal, almost ethereal appearance. The usual green energy rods were swapped for a vivid blue, which paired well with the snow-themed basing he requested. Snow-covered bases added an extra layer of character to the models, giving the impression that these ancient mechanical warriors were rising from an icy tomb, ready to reclaim the galaxy.
The entire project was commissioned at our Showcase Quality, which is a middle-tier service we offer, focusing on strong detail while maintaining efficiency. It’s not our top level, but it still requires attention to key elements to ensure the models stand out on the battlefield. The client’s vision was clear, but ensuring that we captured it required collaboration. To bring his vision to life, we started by creating several sample models. These samples allowed the client to see how the colors and basing would come together and gave us a chance to fine-tune the details until we reached something he was happy with.
Custom Necron color schemes like this are always an exciting challenge because they break away from the traditional Warhammer 40k aesthetic. White, in particular, is a tricky color to work with, especially when applied across an entire army. It requires a delicate balance to avoid looking too flat or too harsh. We worked through different layering techniques to give the white armor a clean yet worn look, fitting the ancient, battle-hardened nature of the Necrons. Meanwhile, the gold underbody provided a stark contrast, giving the models a touch of elegance while still maintaining their mechanical roots.
The blue energy rods and highlights were another key element. Switching from the standard green to blue gave the models a colder, more ancient technological feel, which worked well against the snowy bases. The blue added a vibrant energy to the otherwise cold, white figures, bringing them to life in a way that felt both unique and true to the spirit of the Necron faction. It’s not every day you see a Necron army walking through a snowstorm, so this particular color palette allowed us to play with contrasts in a creative way.
Throughout the project, the client remained involved, offering feedback and refining the vision until we reached a result that captured what he had in mind. It’s always helpful when a client has a clear idea of what they want, and in this case, the samples we produced along the way helped ensure that every aspect, from the snowy bases to the gold and blue accents, matched the client’s expectations.
Snow-themed bases, in particular, added another layer of complexity to the project. Snow basing, when done well, can create a stark contrast between the cold, lifeless Necron warriors and the harsh environment they walk through. We used various techniques to ensure the snow looked realistic without overpowering the models themselves. The aim was to complement the custom white armor and blue energy rods, creating a cohesive look that told a story through the visuals.
By the time the project was completed, the client’s Necron army stood out for its custom scheme and for the level of detail and care that went into every miniature. Seeing the whole army assembled with its snowy bases and striking color contrasts was a testament to the client’s creativity and the collaborative effort we put in to bring it all together. Custom Warhammer 40k commissions like this remind us that while the lore and standard color schemes are iconic, there’s always room to push the boundaries and explore new ideas.
A First Order in Black and Red (Martin Dunelind)
One of the things we value most is when a new client comes to us through the recommendation of someone we’ve worked with before. That’s how this particular Necron project began. The client was referred to us by an existing customer, and for his first order, he wanted something striking but simple: a Necron army painted in black, with silver as the underbody color and red energy details to add a sense of danger to the models. It was a clean, effective scheme that allowed the grim aesthetic of the Necrons to shine through.
The project itself was divided into two quality tiers. The bulk of the army was done in our Standard Quality, which focuses on delivering clean, game-ready miniatures at a more accessible level. Meanwhile, the HQ units—those critical leaders and centerpieces of the army—were painted in our Showcase Quality, giving them a bit of extra attention and detail to make sure they stood out on the battlefield. This combination allowed the client to get the best of both worlds: an army that looked cohesive, but with standout models that added an extra layer of impact.
When working with black as the primary color, it’s important to create depth so that the models don’t look flat. Black can be tricky in that regard, but we approached this scheme by subtly layering and highlighting certain areas to give the Necrons a sense of weight and age. The silver underbody served as a perfect contrast, creating the mechanical feel of exposed internal structures beneath the armored plates. Silver also added a sense of worn, ancient metal, fitting the Necrons' lore as a race of long-dormant, resurrected warriors.
The red energy accents were a bold choice. Necrons are often depicted with glowing green or blue, so the red gave these models a more aggressive, almost sinister feel. The glow from their weapons and power cores stood out against the dark armor, giving the sense that these Necrons were not just ancient machines—they were machines of destruction, brought back to life with a violent purpose. The color contrast between the black, silver, and red gave the models a stark, high-contrast look that was both striking and appropriate for the Necrons.
As with any commission, we made sure to stay in close communication with the client throughout the process. Since this was his first order with us, we wanted to ensure that he was comfortable with how everything was progressing. While the majority of the army followed a straightforward black and silver scheme, the HQ models required a bit more attention. These models, painted in Showcase Quality, needed extra highlights, detail work, and shading to stand out. HQ units are often the focal points of an army, and we wanted to make sure that the added detail was enough to distinguish them from the rank-and-file troops while still keeping the overall color scheme consistent.
One of the advantages of painting the HQ units at a higher quality tier is the ability to add subtle touches that elevate the model without deviating from the established color scheme. For example, we used fine edge highlights on the black armor to give the HQ models a more defined silhouette, and we added additional shading and texture to the silver underbody. The red energy on the weapons and power cores was given extra attention as well, ensuring that it had a vibrant, glowing effect that caught the eye without overpowering the rest of the model.
In the end, the client was very pleased with the results, and we were grateful for the opportunity to work with him on his first commission. It’s always rewarding to bring a client’s vision to life, especially when they come to us through a recommendation. The combination of Standard Quality for the army and Showcase Quality for the HQ units allowed us to strike the perfect balance between efficiency and detail, giving the client a cohesive force with a few standout models that captured the spirit of the Necron faction.
A Thokt Dynasty-Inspired Necron Army from 2013 (Benton)
One of the memorable commissions we worked on back in 2013 was for a client who wanted a unique take on the Necron Thokt Dynasty’s color scheme. Necrons have a wide variety of striking paint schemes across their dynasties, but the Thokt Dynasty stands out with its dark black metals and cool blue energy highlights. The client, who had been inspired by this particular dynasty’s look, came to us with detailed instructions on how he wanted his Necron army to be painted, and it was clear from the start that he had a strong vision for his models.
The instructions were thorough and divided into tiers. The first tier, which covered the main body color of the Necron units, was all about recreating the dark black metal that defines the Thokt Dynasty. This would form the core of the army's aesthetic, giving the Necrons that sleek, ancient look with a heavy metallic finish. The second tier dealt with the offset metal coloring on the weapons—lighter black metals that provided contrast without overpowering the dark body of the models. These subtle differences helped ensure that the weapons stood out but didn’t distract from the overall theme.
Where things got more interesting was in the third tier—the energy signature color. For most Necron armies, this would be a familiar green, but the client wanted something different. Drawing inspiration from the Thokt Dynasty, he opted for a vibrant blue energy signature instead. This blue would replace the standard green on Necron weapons and armor markings, but with an added twist: depending on the model, the shade of blue would vary in intensity. For units that used a lighter green, a brighter blue would be applied, while units with a deeper green would receive a darker, more intense blue. This ensured that the energy glow across the army wasn’t uniform but nuanced, lending a sense of dynamic movement to the models.
One of the standout features of this commission was the request to replicate the black and blue striped pattern from the Thokt Dynasty’s gauss flayer. This was no easy task, as the intricate striping required precision and careful layering to achieve the desired effect. The client was very understanding about the potential challenges of recreating such a detailed look, but we were pleased to say that we were able to pull it off. The gauss flayers turned out to be a striking feature of the army, adding an extra layer of detail that tied the models back to the Thokt Dynasty lore.
Moving into the fourth tier, the client requested that higher-ranking Necrons, such as Lords and Lychguards, be distinguished with gold highlights. This touch of gold, used on small sections of the armor pieces, signified rank and added a sense of hierarchy to the army. The dark black metal paired with the glowing blue energy already gave the models a sleek and ominous look, and the addition of gold provided a regal contrast without clashing with the overall color scheme.
Finally, the fifth tier focused on the HQ models. For these, the client wanted something special to indicate leadership. He asked us to use blood red instead of the aqua blue seen in the codex for these high-ranking figures. The red, paired with an energy wave pattern, would help distinguish these models while fitting with the rest of the army. It was a bold choice, but it worked well alongside the black, blue, and gold tones. The red marked out the HQ units and also gave them an added sense of authority and importance.
The vehicles, on the other hand, followed a simpler approach, keeping in line with the Thokt Dynasty’s default scheme from the codex, with the same black body, gold markings, and blue energy effects. The client was content to let the codex guide the look of his C'tan shards as well, opting for the familiar patterns that represent these mysterious entities.
In the end, this was one of the most planned commissions we’ve had the pleasure of working on. The client’s clear instructions and the striking color scheme of the Thokt Dynasty made for a memorable project. It’s always exciting to bring a vision to life, especially when the colors and details come together in such a cohesive and dramatic way.
Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to paint a wide variety of Necron armies, each with its own distinct look. Whether it’s a classic Necron color scheme or something custom, every project we’ve worked on has been a new experience. From the traditional metallic and green designs to more unusual choices like white with snowy bases or black and blue, it’s been interesting to see how each client’s vision shapes their army.
We’ve learned a lot from working on these Warhammer 40k painting commissions. Clear instructions from clients always help us understand what they’re aiming for, and we do our best to bring that vision to life. Whether the commission is for a small unit or a large Necron force, we take the same care with each project, aiming to create models that our clients are happy with.
Painting Necrons, in particular, has been rewarding because of the range of possibilities within their faction. Every client brings something different to the table, and that’s what makes these projects enjoyable. We’re grateful for the trust our clients place in us, and we’ll continue to approach each new order with the same attention to detail.
As we look ahead, we’re looking forward to seeing what new ideas and challenges come our way, whether it’s for Necrons or any other Warhammer 40k army. Every project, big or small, is a chance for us to learn and improve, and we appreciate each opportunity to help clients create the army they envision.
Manul Chandilla