AMMO ATOM Color for Beginners
ATOM is not "just paint" – the biggest difference is the process
Beginners often wonder which exact blue to buy. In reality, it’s mainly about how you apply the paint and in which layers.
For miniatures, the magic is in light and shadow. Once you master base, shadow, and highlight, your miniature will look "3D" without complicated techniques.
ATOM works great for this: good coverage, easy to thin, and consistent.
Good news? For your first miniature, 5–7 colors + one wash (or shading with another technique) is enough.
What "types" of ATOM paints and related products exist (and what they’re for)
1) Basic ATOM colors – for main areas
This is the core. Choose the main shades (armor, cloth, skin, metal) and apply them in 2 thin layers.
Too thick a layer. Better 2 thin than 1 "concrete" layer – details stay sharp.
2) Thinning / medium – for smooth paint
ATOM works well with a bit of water, but for consistent results, having a medium on hand is great (especially for fine layers).
3) Wash / shadows – fastest result upgrade
Shading is the "magic" that turns a good base into a great model. One universal brown wash for organic parts and one dark wash for metals/mechanics is enough.
4) Highlight – edges create the "wow" effect
Just a lighter shade (or mix) on edges makes the miniature look sharp and "expensive."
5) Metallics – metal for weapons and details
One dark metallic + one light metallic covers almost everything. Shadows on metal do the rest.
6) Effects (rust, mud, blood, glow)
This is the "cherry on top." Makes the model more lively and tells a story.
Effects & Pigments7) Sprays / primer – fastest start
Primer is the foundation to make paint adhere and behave consistently. Black or gray is easiest, white/bone for quick light painting.
Primers / SpraysAMMO ATOM vs Citadel paints – differences, advantages, and which is better for you
Both brands are top-tier in miniature painting. One isn’t “better” than the other, just different. Here’s a clear overview of their differences, pros/cons, and who they suit.
Brand philosophy – why these paints are different
Modern acrylics focused on layer control, thinning, and realistic results. Ideal for painters who want full control over light and shadow and enjoy experimenting with paint.
Systematic approach Base → Shade → Layer. Paints and shades are designed to get good results quickly, even without deep technical knowledge.
Main advantages of both systems
- Very smooth consistency – ideal for thin layers
- Great for realistic and "clean" model looks
- Mixes excellently with each other
- High control over transitions and lighting
- Suitable for airbrush (after thinning)
- Clear system: Base → Shade → Layer
- Citadel Shade does shading almost automatically
- Lots of ready guides for specific armies
- Many shades tailored for factions
- Quick results even for beginners
Disadvantages and what to watch out for
- Doesn’t have an “automatic” shading system like Citadel Shade
- Requires more work with thinning and technique
- Fewer ready “recipes” for specific Warhammer armies
- Strict system – less freedom in approach
- Some paints need more thinning, otherwise they "cement" details
- Shade can sometimes darken the model too much if overdone
Differences in paint types and workflow
- Classic acrylics – base, shadow, and light are created by technique
- Shadows done with wash/ink or mixing a darker shade
- Highlights done with lighter paint or mix with white
- More focus on gradual layers
- Base = main covering colors
- Shade = automatic shading
- Layer = highlights and details
- Dry / Technical / Contrast = effects and faster workflow
Who each paint is better for
- You want realistic-looking miniatures
- You enjoy working with layers and thinning
- You want full control over the result
- You plan to try advanced techniques later
- You are a beginner and want a clear "step by step" guide
- You want quick nice results without worrying about technique
- You mainly paint Warhammer and follow GW guides
- You want ready-made shades for specific factions
Practical start – what to buy first
- 1 main army color
- Black + white (for mixing)
- Dark + light metallic
- 1 dark wash + 1 brown wash
- Primer (black / gray)
- Base army color
- Agrax Earthshade / Nuln Oil (Shade)
- Layer color for highlights
- Leadbelcher (metal)
- Citadel primer spray
Quick summary
- AMMO ATOM = control, technique, realistic look
- Citadel = system, simplicity, fast results
- Both brands are top – the difference is mainly in painting approach.