Citadel Contrast Paints: Which Purples Are Worth Buying?

Purple is a regal color that adds depth and mystery to any miniature, whether you're painting Space Marines, Tyranids, or Age of Sigmar armies. Citadel's Contrast paint line has revolutionized the hobby, offering a quick and easy way to achieve vibrant, shaded results in a single coat. But with so many purples to choose from, how do you know which ones are worth adding to your paint collection?

In this buying guide, we'll break down the most popular Citadel Contrast purples, compare their characteristics, and help you decide which shades deserve a spot on your hobby desk. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first pot or a veteran seeking to expand your palette, this guide has you covered.

Why Choose Contrast Paints?

Contrast paints are specially formulated to flow into recesses and leave highlights on raised areas, creating a base coat, shade, and layer in one application. This makes them ideal for tabletop-ready miniatures in record time. For purple lovers, Contrast paints offer a range of hues from deep royal purples to bright violets, each with its own unique character.

When choosing a purple Contrast paint, consider the effect you want: a dark, brooding shade for evil armies or a vibrant, eye-catching color for heroes. Also think about the undercoat—Contrast paints work best over light primers like Wraithbone or Grey Seer, as they allow the paint to shine through.

• Contrast paints are perfect for beginners and speed painters.
• Use a light primer to get the best results from Contrast paints.
• Layer Contrast paints over metallics for interesting effects.

The Purple Spectrum: Comparing Shades

Citadel offers several purple Contrast paints, each with a distinct tone. Here are the most notable ones you'll encounter:

Luxion Purple is a bright, almost neon violet that pops on the tabletop. It's perfect for Eldar, Tyranids, or any model that needs a bold, otherworldly look. Its high pigment load means it covers well, but it can be a bit intense for subtle shading. For a more muted, regal purple, consider Shyish Purple, which leans toward a deep, dark violet. This shade is excellent for cloaks, robes, and armor panels where you want a rich, shadowed appearance.

Another option is Magos Purple, which is a softer, more pinkish purple. It's great for organic surfaces like skin or carapaces, giving a subtle gradient. Finally, there's Leviadon Blue, which is technically a blue but often reads as a dark purple-blue—perfect for deep sea creatures or night lords.

Top Picks: Our Favorite Purples

After testing various purples on different miniatures, we've narrowed down our top picks. For a versatile, all-around purple, Shyish Purple is a must-have. It works beautifully on both armor and cloth, and it layers well with other paints. If you want a vibrant highlight, Luxion Purple is the way to go—it's perfect for adding a pop of color to weapons or energy effects.

For those who love experimenting, consider mixing Contrast paints with mediums or other colors. For example, combining Luxion Purple with a bit of Contrast Medium creates a subtle glaze, while adding a drop of Shade Black can deepen the tone for shadows. Don't be afraid to customize your shades!

• Shyish Purple: Best for dark, realistic shading.
• Luxion Purple: Best for vibrant, eye-catching effects.
• Magos Purple: Best for organic textures and subtle gradients.

How to Use Purple Contrast Paints Effectively

To get the most out of your purple Contrast paints, follow these tips: First, always shake the pot well before use. Contrast paints can separate, so a thorough shake ensures consistent color. Second, apply a smooth, even coat over a light primer. If you apply too thick, you'll lose the contrast effect; too thin, and you'll get patchy coverage.

For large flat surfaces, use a larger brush and work quickly to avoid streaks. For recesses, let the paint pool naturally—this creates the shading effect. You can also use a damp brush to clean up any mistakes before the paint dries.

If you're painting a purple army, consider using a complementary color like yellow or green for accents to make the purple stand out even more.

Building a Purple Paint Collection

When building your collection, you don't need every purple available. Start with one or two shades that fit your army's theme. For example, if you're painting a Thousand Sons army, you might want a rich, deep purple like Shyish Purple for their robes. If you're painting a Tyranid hive fleet, a brighter purple like Luxion Purple could be perfect for their carapaces.

You can also expand your collection with related products like the Citadel Layer: Krieg Khaki, which pairs well with purples for warm highlights, or the Aqueous Hobby Color H6 Gloss Green for a striking contrast effect. And don't forget the essential tools: a good brush and a wet palette will make your painting sessions more enjoyable.

For a complete painting setup, consider adding a Gundam Marker - EX Shine Silver for metallic details that complement purple, or the Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Helsmiths of Hashut Dice to roll in style while you play.

• Start with 1-2 purples that match your army's color scheme.
• Pair purples with complementary colors for best results.
• Invest in quality brushes and a wet palette.

Choosing the right purple Contrast paint can elevate your miniatures to new heights. Whether you go for the vibrant Luxion Purple or the deep Shyish Purple, you'll be adding a versatile color to your arsenal. Remember to experiment and have fun—painting is all about creativity. Check out our selection of Citadel Contrast paints and other hobby essentials at GUNNZO to start your purple journey today!