⚔️ How to Paint an NMM Sword with Vallejo

Want to achieve a stunning metallic effect without using metallic paint? 💥
In this tutorial, we show you step by step how to paint an NMM (Non Metallic Metal) sword with a professional finish, using Vallejo's Model Color, Game Air and Game Color ranges from Vallejo.

The NMM technique replicates the shine of metal using only greys, whites and cool shadows. In this tutorial, artist Jon Gómez (Pintureando) works on an energy sword from a Warhammer 40K Space Marine, demonstrating how to achieve perfect light and shadow contrast using both airbrush and brush.

Get all the paints used in this tutorial

Download the PDF version here

⚫ Step 1: Priming and Base Coat

Start with a miniature primed using Black Primer 70.602.
Then apply an even coat of Model Color Dark Sea Blue 70.898 across the entire sword.
This tone will act as a deep, cool base from which to build up the metallic highlights.

✏️ Step 2: Initial Sketch

Using a mix of Model Color Dark Sea Blue (70.898) and Game Color Neutral Grey (72.050), brush in the main volumes of the sword.
This step maps out your light and shadow areas.

For the initial highlights, mix Game Color Neutral Grey (72.050) with Stonewall Grey (72.049), then add a touch of Dead White (72.001) for the brightest reflections.

🌫️ Step 3: Airbrushing and Blending

This is where the NMM magic happens ⚡
Use Game Air Neutral Grey (76.050) to smooth the transitions between shadows and mid-tones.
You can mask off nearby areas to preserve clean, sharp edges.

Next, apply Game Air Wall Grey (76.049) to the transition area where the highlights are most intense.
If the white gets partially covered, don't worry — you'll bring it back in the next steps.

💡 Step 4: Maximum Highlights

Mix a 1:1 blend of Game Air Wall Grey (76.049) and Skull White (76.001), and apply it to the centre of the blade.
Then, using Game Air Skull White (76.001) thinned with Airbrush Thinner (71.261), carefully build up the brightest areas with controlled passes.

This step captures that characteristic metallic shine — no metallic paints required.

⚔️ Step 5: Deep Shadows

To add contrast, apply a mix of Game Air Shadow Grey (76.048) and Black (76.051) to the darkest areas.
This creates a sense of depth and volume along the blade's edge.

🖌️ Step 6: Final Details

Using a mix of Game Color Wall Grey (72.049) and Skull White (72.001), use a fine brush to edge-highlight the blade and sharpen those reflections.

Simulate small nicks and wear with Wall Grey (72.049), then finish with precise dots of Skull White (72.001) on the brightest points and sharpest edges.

🏁 Final Result

And there you have it! ⚡
Your NMM sword will have a flawless metallic shine — not a single drop of metallic paint used.
The contrast between cool highlights and deep shadows gives it a professional, highly realistic finish.

👉 Want to try this technique? Browse the full range of Vallejo paints at Mr Resin

✨ Happy Printing! 🚀