What's the difference between Citadel Base, Layer, and Contrast paints?

Base paints have high pigment density for initial coverage. Layer paints are thinner for smooth blending and highlighting. Contrast paints are revolutionary one-coat paints that flow around details to create shading and highlighting simultaneously over a light primer — ideal for painting armies quickly.

Can I use Citadel Contrast paints over any primer?

Contrast paints work best over Citadel's Wraithbone or Grey Seer primers, or any light grey/white primer. They don't work over dark primers — the contrast effect requires a light base. Citadel Contrast Medium can be mixed with Contrast paint to thin them for subtler effects.

Are Citadel paints compatible with Vallejo?

Yes — both are water-based acrylics and mix freely. Many painters use Citadel shades over Vallejo base colours. Avoid mixing Citadel Technical paints with other brands as they have special properties.

What's the best spray primer for Citadel miniatures?

Citadel's own spray primers (Chaos Black, Corax White, Wraithbone) are formulated specifically for plastic miniatures. Always prime in a warm, dry environment — cold or humid conditions cause powdering or blushing.

Does Access Models stock all Citadel colours?

We stock a broad range of Citadel paints, tools, and accessories. Contact us if you're looking for a specific colour not currently shown — our stock is regularly replenished and we can often source items to order.

Citadel Paints

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Citadel Colour, produced by Games Workshop, offers a comprehensive range of high-quality acrylic paints specifically designed for miniature painting. With over 300 colours, the range caters to various painting techniques and skill levels, ensuring hobbyists can achieve exceptional results.

The Citadel Colour range is categorised into several types to assist painters in achieving desired effects:

Base Paints: Highly pigmented paints that provide a strong foundation for your models.
Layer Paints: Designed for building up colours and adding highlights over base coats.
Shade Paints: Formulated to flow into recesses, enhancing depth and shadow.
Contrast Paints: Innovative paints that combine base and shading in a single application, ideal for quick and effective results.
Technical Paints: Specialised paints for creating specific effects, such as textures or weathering.
Dry Paints: Thicker paints intended for dry brushing techniques to highlight raised areas.
Air Paints: Pre-thinned for airbrush use, providing smooth and even coverage.

For those new to miniature painting, Citadel Colour offers starter sets that include a selection of paints, brushes, and sometimes miniatures, providing a convenient introduction to the hobby.

Games Workshop & Citadel Paints — Buying Guide

Games Workshop is the creator of Warhammer — the world's most popular tabletop miniature hobby. Their Citadel Miniatures (the physical models), Citadel Paints (the paint range), and Citadel Tools are all designed to work together as a complete, integrated system. Access Models stocks Games Workshop products alongside our full Warhammer range.

The Citadel Paint System

Games Workshop's Citadel paint range is divided into logical categories: Base paints provide excellent coverage for initial coats. Layer paints are used for highlighting and building up colour. Shade washes flow into recesses for instant depth and shadow. Contrast paints are revolutionary single-coat paints that shade and highlight simultaneously — ideal for painting armies quickly. Technical paints create special effects (texture, blood, verdigris, etc.).

Citadel Tools

Games Workshop's range of tools is designed specifically for plastic miniature assembly — clippers, files, plastic glue, and spray primers are all engineered for the hobby. The Citadel Colour System App (free) provides step-by-step painting guides for every Warhammer faction.

Starter Paints

The Citadel Colour Paint Sets bundle paints, brushes, and guides for specific factions — an excellent, cost-effective way to get everything you need for your chosen army. For broader painting, consider our full paints and tools range which includes Vallejo as an alternative.

Games Workshop FAQs

What's the difference between Citadel Base, Layer, and Contrast paints?: Base paints have high pigment density for excellent coverage — use these for your initial colour coat. Layer paints are slightly thinner for smooth blending and highlighting. Contrast paints are revolutionary one-coat paints that flow around details to create shading and highlighting simultaneously over a white or grey primer — ideal for painting large armies quickly.
Can I use Citadel Contrast paints over any primer?: Contrast paints work best over Citadel's own Contrast Medium primer (Wraithbone or Grey Seer) or any light grey/white primer. They don't work over dark primers — the contrast effect requires a light base to show properly. Citadel's Contrast medium can also be mixed with Contrast paint to thin them for more subtle effects.
Are Citadel paints compatible with Vallejo?: Yes — Citadel and Vallejo paints are both water-based acrylics and mix freely. Many painters use Citadel shades (washes) over Vallejo base colours, or vice versa. The only thing to avoid is mixing Citadel Technical paints (which have special properties) with other brands.
Does Access Models stock all Citadel colours?: We stock a broad range of Citadel paints, tools, and accessories. If you're looking for a specific colour not currently shown, contact us — our stock is regularly replenished and we can often source items to order.
What's the best spray primer for Citadel miniatures?: Citadel's own spray primers (Chaos Black, Corax White, Wraithbone) are formulated specifically for plastic miniatures and give excellent adhesion. They're available as spray cans. Always prime in a warm, dry environment and avoid priming in cold or humid conditions which cause the paint to powder or blush.

Read our Complete Warhammer Beginner's Guide for tips on paints, brushes, and getting the most from your Citadel range.

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