Paints are not "just paints" – Warhammer has a system

Newbies often think paints are just paints. But for miniatures, a different rule applies: you build layers.

Not because it’s overly complicated, but because light and shadow turn a figure into a model – not a flat piece of plastic.

Once you understand the difference between base layer, shade, and highlight, painting becomes much more fun.

Citadel paints have their own system for this: Base → Shade → Layer → (Dry / Technical / Contrast) → Done.

Good news? You don’t need to use everything. For your first figure, 5–7 paints are enough.

What a beginner really needs

Types of Citadel Paints and Their Uses

1) Base – for first layer

Base paints have more pigment. They cover gray or black plastic and create a “foundation surface.”

2) Shade – shadow and depth

Liquid paints that flow into recesses and create shadows. This does 80% of the work for you.

3) Layer – highlights and light

Applied over Base paint. Creates transitions, highlights, edges, and fine details.

4) Dry – for dry brushing

Gel consistency → sticks to brush hairs → ideal for armor ridges, fur, stone, skulls.

5) Contrast – "quick painting"

Applied over a light base, it does Base + Shade + light Layer at once. Perfect for getting to play fast.

6) Technical – effects

Blood, rust, glow, cracks, swamp, etc. Technical paints make the model “come alive.”

7) Sprays – primer + base in one

The fastest way to start. Pick a background color, spray, and you have the foundation.

Recommended paint selection for first miniatures

We keep it universal so it works for anything:

• Abaddon Black – Base (basic black)
• Corax White – Base (light primer base)
• Leadbelcher – Base (metals)
• Wraithbone – Base (contrast-friendly undercoat)
• Agrax Earthshade – Shade (shadow for everything)
• Nuln Oil – Shade (metal & machinery shadow)
• Runefang Steel – Layer (lighter metal)
• Rhinox Hide – Base (leather / boots / bags)
• Bugman’s Glow – Base (skin)
• Seraphim Sepia – Shade (warmer tones)

Most common newbie mistakes

• Direct from pot → no thinning.
• White primer → no Shade → flat model.
• Shade too dark → details lost.
• Trying to paint everything at once → overwhelm.
• Buying 20+ paints → using 6.

How to care for paints (so they don’t dry out)

Paints are not disposable – taking care saves money.

• Don’t leave the pot open longer than necessary.
• Add a drop of medium occasionally (not water).
• Don’t shake – stir (shaking creates bubbles).
• Don’t store in sunlight or near a radiator.