How to Paint the WizKids Deep Cuts Giant Rhinoceros Beetle
By WizKids Store | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to paint the WizKids Deep Cuts Giant Rhinoceros Beetle miniature with step-by-step guidance on chitin armor, shell colors, and finishing details.
Quick Answer
Paint the WizKids Deep Cuts Giant Rhinoceros Beetle by layering iridescent shell colors, drybrushing chitin armor, and adding a glossy varnish for that beetle shine.
Why This Beetle Is a Fun Project
The Giant Rhinoceros Beetle from WizKids Deep Cuts comes pre-primed and requires little to no assembly, so you can jump straight into painting. Its large shell plates and chunky legs make it ideal for practicing layering and drybrushing techniques on insect armor.
Beetles are famous for their colorful, lustrous shells. You can choose a natural brown-black palette or go fantasy with emerald green or royal purple. The deep cuts in the sculpt help guide your brush and keep paint where it belongs.
What You'll Need
Gather acrylic paints in your chosen shell colors (dark brown, green, or purple), a metallic gold or bronze for the legs, black or dark grey for the underbelly, and a glossy varnish. You'll also need a medium brush, a detail brush, a drybrush, and a palette.
A primer is not required because the miniature comes pre-primed, but a thin coat of black or white primer can help unify the base if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Painting Guide
- 1. Base Coat the Shell: Apply a thin, even coat of your chosen shell color (dark brown, green, or purple) over the entire carapace and head. Let it dry completely. A common mistake is applying paint too thickly, which fills in the sculpted ridges. Thin your paint with a drop of water to preserve detail.
- 2. Drybrush the Chitin Armor: Load a drybrush with a lighter shade of your shell color, wipe most of it off on a paper towel, then lightly brush over the raised edges of the shell plates and legs. This highlights the chitin armor texture. Check that the brush is nearly dry to avoid streaking. Test the brush on your hand first; if it leaves a wet line, it's too wet.
- 3. Paint the Legs and Underbelly: Use a metallic gold or bronze for the legs and antennae, and a dark grey or black for the underbelly. A detail brush helps reach between the legs. Common mistake: painting the legs all one color without shading, making them look flat. Add a wash of brown or black to the legs for depth.
- 4. Add Shell Highlights and Gloss Varnish: Mix a tiny amount of white or a bright version of your shell color with water to make a glaze. Apply it to the highest points of the shell. Once dry, seal the entire miniature with a glossy varnish to mimic a beetle's lustrous shell. Avoid matte varnish—it kills the shine. Two thin coats of gloss varnish give a more realistic insect finish than one thick coat.
Product Details
- WizKids Deep Cuts: Giant Rhinoceros Beetle: Fearsome foe, faithful familiar, or part of a summoned swarm—there are many ways for the incredible Giant Rhinoceros Beetle to join your game. Beetles are famous for their colorful, lustrous shells. This miniature is versatile for RPG encounters and gives you creative freedom to choose any shell color scheme that fits your campaign.
WizKids Deep Cuts: Giant Rhinoceros Beetle
