Citadel paints offer colors, shades, and effects for Warhammer miniatures and other model-painting projects. Browse Base, Layer, Contrast, Shade, Dry, Technical, and Air options, along with painting supplies.

Our hobby support can help you choose a paint type and the supplies for your next figure or army. Start with the painting stage you need to complete, or ask us about the range before ordering.

Citadel Colour by Games Workshop

Discover the Citadel Paint Range for Miniatures

Citadel's paint types serve different stages of miniature painting. Choose by the task, then the color, rather than treating every pot as a direct substitute for another formulation.

Games Workshop announced Warhammer Color as the new name for Citadel Color in March 2026. Our listings still identify many products by their Citadel names. Check the paint name, type, and size on the individual listing when matching an existing collection.

Citadel Colour Paint Ranges

  • Base paints: opaque color for establishing the main painted areas over a suitable undercoat.
  • Layer paints: colors for building transitions, highlights, and details.
  • Contrast paints: transparent color that creates different tones over a suitable light undercoat.
  • Shade paints: fluid washes for adding depth to recesses.
  • Dry paints: thicker paint for drybrushing raised texture.
  • Technical paints: product-specific textures, effects, mediums, and finishing applications.
  • Air paints: formulations intended for airbrush application.
  • Sprays: aerosol undercoats and colors with their own application and safety instructions.

For example, Citadel Base Color: Abaddon Black and Citadel Shade Paint: Nuln Oil fill different roles: a solid black base color and a shading wash. Citadel Colour: Contrast BLACK LEGION (18 ml) is an 18 ml Contrast paint whose result depends on the underlying color and application.

Our guide to preparing a light and shadow undercoat can help explain how an undercoat influences later layers. Follow the paint's own directions before applying it over a new primer or base color.

Tool Sets and Brushes

We also carry a wide selection of Citadel Colour brushes, hobby tools, and boxed sets to help you begin or expand your collection. Choose a set by its actual colors and included supplies rather than assuming it contains everything needed for your model.

Check whether primer, brushes, tools, and finishing products are included or need to be purchased separately. Our miniature painting equipment guide explains the preparation tools as well as the paints.

Choosing Citadel Paints for Your Miniatures

Basecoating, shading, highlighting, and texture effects need different paint behavior. Begin with a small palette suited to the model's color scheme, then add specialist effects when the project calls for them.

You can explore light placement and highlighting methods before choosing highlight colors. If you also need models and assembly supplies, the broader Games Workshop hobby collection keeps those purchases separate from selecting paint.

Paint and Hobby Safety

Read the paint, primer, glue, and cleaner labels before use. Airbrushed paint produces mist, including water-based paint, so use the ventilation and protective equipment specified for the product. Aerosol sprays also require the precautions on the can, including ignition-source and ventilation instructions.

Keep paint separate from food and drinks, and handle sharp hobby tools carefully. Follow product age guidance and supervise children where tools, sprays, or small components are involved.

Citadel Paint Questions for Your Next Miniature

Can I use Contrast paint over a dark undercoat?

You can test different undercoats, but a dark base will change or reduce the visible Contrast effect. Follow the recommended undercoat for the result shown in the paint guidance. Test an unfamiliar combination before painting the model.

Is a Shade paint the same as a Base paint?

No. Shade paints flow into details to create depth, while Base paints establish more opaque color coverage. Choose the type for the painting step rather than the closest color name alone.

Can I airbrush every Citadel paint straight from the pot?

No. Air paints are intended for airbrush use, while other formulations can need preparation or may not suit spraying. Check the specific product and airbrush instructions before thinning or loading paint.

Do Citadel paint sets include miniatures or tools?

Some sets include additional items and others contain paints only. Read the contents of the exact set you select. Do not assume the miniature shown in a painting example is included.

How do I match a color I already own?

Compare the paint name and paint type on the listing with your existing pot. Check the size and current product description as well. Similar-looking names from different paint types are not necessarily direct replacements.

Pick the Citadel paints for the next stage of your miniature, from its first basecoat to the final details. Call us at +1 (877) 707-8767 if you need help checking a color, paint type, or set before adding it to your order.