Lenses and gems are tiny details, but they're often the first thing people look at on a finished model. Painted well, they look like glass catching the light. The method is the same for eye lenses, sensors, scopes and gemstones, and it works in any colour.
The short answer: paint the lens dark, add a lighter gradient towards the bottom, place a small white reflection dot near the top, and finish with a dab of gloss varnish.
Why do my lenses and gems look flat?
A single flat colour reads as a coloured dot rather than glass. Real gems and lenses show a gradient from dark to light and a sharp reflection, and those two things are what make them convincing.
What's the basic method?
This works on any size of lens or gem.
- Paint the whole lens or gem black or a very dark version of your colour.
- Paint a mid tone of your colour over the lower two-thirds.
- Add a lighter tone in a smaller crescent at the bottom.
- Add a tiny dot of the palest tone at the very bottom edge.
- Place a small pure white reflection dot near the top.
- Finish with a thin coat of gloss varnish.
Why is the light at the bottom?
Light from above passes through a gem or lens and lights up the far side, so the brightest colour sits at the bottom. The white dot at the top is a reflection on the surface. Painting them on opposite sides is what creates the glassy look.
Which colours work best?
Red, green and blue are classic choices because each has clear dark, mid and light tones. Pick a lens colour that contrasts with the armour, such as green or blue against red, or red against green.
How do I paint helmet eye lenses?
Use the same gradient on each eye, keeping both reflections on the same side so the light looks consistent. If you want eyes to glow rather than reflect, use a bright pale core instead; see our guide to painting glow effects.
Do I need gloss varnish?
It makes a big difference, giving lenses and gems the shine of real glass. If you matt varnish the whole model, add the gloss afterwards, just on the lenses.
What brush should I use?
A detail brush with a sharp point, ideally size 0 or 1, rather than the smallest brush you can find. Tiny brushes run out of paint before the dot is placed. Our guide to what brushes you need covers sizes.
How do I paint very small lenses?
Simplify. On tiny lenses, a dark base, one lighter crescent and a white dot are enough to read as glass at tabletop distance. Brace your hands together and paint on the out-breath for control.
How do I paint larger sensors and searchlights?
Larger lenses give room for a smoother gradient and a curved reflection line rather than a dot. A thin highlight around the rim on the side facing the light adds depth.
How do I paint gems in metal settings?
Paint the metal setting first, then the gem, then tidy around it. A thin dark line between gem and setting separates them and makes both look sharper. Our guide to painting metallics covers the settings.
What if I make a mistake?
Let it dry, repaint the lens dark and start again; it's a tiny area and takes seconds. If paint strays onto the armour, tidy it with the armour colour.
Can I use special gem paints?
Translucent gem or candy paints over a silver basecoat give a quick jewel-like effect. They work well on larger gems, especially with a white reflection dot added on top.
Do lenses need edge highlights?
Not on the lens itself, but a crisp edge highlight on the surrounding casing helps the lens stand out. Keep the lens the brightest, most saturated point in that area.
What colour should the reflection dot be?
Pure white works for most lenses and gems. On yellow or orange gems, a very pale yellow can look more natural. Keep the dot tiny: a large dot reads as a white spot rather than a reflection.
Should every lens on a model match?
Yes. Use the same colour and the same light direction on every lens across a squad, so the unit looks lit by the same light. Consistency matters more than any single lens being perfect.
Where else can I use this technique?
Anywhere glass or polished stone appears: vehicle viewports, scopes, power cells and jewellery. Once you've learned the gradient and reflection, it takes a minute per lens.
More hobby guides
- How to Paint Glowing Effects on Warhammer 40,000 Miniatures (OSL)
- What Brushes Do You Need for Warhammer 40,000 Miniatures?
- How to Edge Highlight Warhammer 40,000 Miniatures
- How to Paint Metallic Armour and Weapons on Warhammer 40,000 Miniatures
- Warhammer 40,000 Hobby Guides & Free Tools
Warhammer 40,000® is a registered trade mark of Games Workshop Limited. This is an independent hobby guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed or sponsored by Games Workshop.