How to Paint the Wardlings Boy Ranger and Wolf Miniature

By WizKids Store | Published: 2026-10-19

Category: How-to Guides

Learn to paint the Wardlings Boy Ranger and Wolf miniature with a step-by-step guide, including priming, base coating, shading, and finishing tips.

Quick Answer

Paint the Wardlings Boy Ranger and Wolf by priming in gray, base coating in earthy tones, shading with a wash, and finishing with dry brushing and a matte varnish.

Why Pre-Painted Doesn't Mean Paint-Proof

The Wardlings Boy Ranger and Wolf comes pre-painted, but that doesn't mean you can't repaint it. In fact, repainting is a great way to personalize your miniature and match your campaign's palette. However, the factory paint can be smooth and slightly glossy, so you'll need to prepare the surface properly to ensure your new paint adheres well.

Choosing Your Paint Scheme

The Boy Ranger's sculpt features a young adventurer with a bow and a loyal wolf companion. For a natural look, use earthy greens and browns for the ranger's clothing, and grays or warm browns for the wolf's fur. If you want a more fantastical vibe, consider a winter wolf with pale blue-gray fur or a dire wolf with darker, richer tones.

Step-by-Step Painting Process

Clean and Prime: Wash the miniature with warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush to remove any mold release or oils. Let it dry completely, then apply a light coat of gray primer. Gray provides a neutral base that works well for both the ranger's skin tones and the wolf's fur. Check that the primer is smooth and even; avoid thick coats that obscure details.
Base Coat the Ranger: Paint the ranger's skin with a flesh tone, then use earthy browns for his leather armor and greens for his cloak. Keep the paint thin (two thin coats are better than one thick) to preserve the sculpted details. Ensure the paint is fully dry between coats to prevent smudging.
Base Coat the Wolf: Paint the wolf's fur with a mid-tone gray or warm brown. Use a slightly lighter shade on the belly and muzzle to create natural variation. Paint the wolf's eyes carefully with a dark color, leaving a tiny white dot for a catchlight. If the eye paint goes outside the lines, use a small brush with the base color to clean up the edges.
Shade with a Wash: Apply a dark wash (like Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade) to the recesses of the miniature. Use a brush to guide the wash into the crevices, avoiding pooling on flat surfaces. This will add depth and definition to the details. Check for any large pools of wash and wick them away with a clean brush to prevent staining.
Dry Brush Highlights: After the wash dries, dry brush a lighter shade of the base colors onto the raised areas. For the wolf, use a light gray or tan; for the ranger, a lighter green or brown. This will make the details pop and give a more three-dimensional look. Make sure the brush is almost dry before applying to avoid streaks.
Seal with Varnish: Once everything is dry, apply a matte varnish to protect your paint job. This will also reduce any unwanted shine from the wash and keep your miniature looking natural. If you plan to handle the miniature frequently, a coat of gloss varnish followed by matte can provide extra durability. Let the varnish cure fully for at least 24 hours before using the miniature in a game.

Product Spotlight

WizKids Wardlings RPG Figures: Boy Ranger & Wolf: The Wardlings line features pre-painted miniatures designed for families and gamers of any age, with a magical ability to see animal companions. This means the miniature is ideal for beginners, but you'll still need to prepare the surface before repainting to ensure your paint job lasts.
WizKids Wardlings RPG Figures: Boy Ranger & Wolf