How to Use Citadel Contrast Paints on Warhammer Miniatures: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

To use Citadel Contrast paints effectively, apply them over a light primer (like Wraithbone or Grey Seer) in smooth, controlled strokes, letting the paint pool in recesses to create natural shading. Work in small sections and avoid over-brushing to prevent streaks. For best results, use a wet palette and keep a pot of water nearby to thin the paint if needed.

Citadel Contrast paints have revolutionized miniature painting, offering a quick and easy way to achieve base coat, shade, and highlight in one step. Whether you're a beginner looking to paint your first Warhammer army or a seasoned hobbyist seeking to speed up your workflow, mastering Contrast paints can dramatically improve your results. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparation to finishing touches, ensuring you get the most out of these versatile paints.

Contrast paints work differently from traditional layer paints. They are designed to flow into the recesses of a miniature while leaving a lighter color on raised areas, creating an instant shading effect. However, to achieve this, you need to follow specific techniques. In this step-by-step guide, we'll cover everything you need to know, including surface preparation, application methods, and common mistakes to avoid.

Preparing Your Miniature for Contrast Paints

Before you start painting, it's crucial to prepare your miniature properly. Contrast paints are translucent, so any imperfections in the surface will show through. Begin by cleaning the model with warm soapy water to remove any mold release agent. Then, assemble the model as desired, but consider leaving off large parts like shields or arms to make painting easier.

Next, apply a primer. For Contrast paints, a light-colored primer is essential. White, off-white, or light grey primers work best, as they allow the Contrast paint to shine through and create vibrant colors. Avoid dark primers, as they will dull the effect. Spray primer is recommended for an even coat, but you can also brush on a suitable base paint like Citadel's Grey Seer or Wraithbone.

• Always shake your Contrast paint thoroughly before use to ensure an even consistency.
• If you're using a brush-on primer, apply it in thin, even coats to avoid obscuring details.

Applying Contrast Paint: Techniques for Smooth Coverage

Once your miniature is primed, it's time to apply the Contrast paint. Load your brush with a generous amount of paint, but not so much that it drips. Apply the paint to a small area of the model, such as a leg or an arm, and then quickly spread it out with smooth, even strokes. The paint should flow into the recesses and leave a lighter tone on the raised areas.

Work in small sections to prevent the paint from drying before you can manipulate it. If you need to blend wet edges, do so immediately. Avoid going back over areas that have already started to dry, as this can cause streaking. If you make a mistake, you can clean it up with a damp brush or by applying water to the area before it dries.

• Use a larger brush for larger areas to speed up the process and ensure even coverage.
• For fine details, use a smaller brush and control the amount of paint you apply.

Layering and Highlighting with Contrast Paints

One of the advantages of Contrast paints is that they can be layered to create depth. After the first coat has dried, you can apply a second coat to darken the recesses further or to build up color on raised areas. For highlighting, you can use a drybrush with a lighter shade of Contrast paint or a traditional layer paint to pick out the edges.

If you want to create a smooth gradient, you can thin the Contrast paint with Contrast Medium. This allows you to apply multiple thin coats, gradually building up the color. This technique is especially useful for large flat surfaces like vehicle panels or cloaks.

• Test your layering on a spare piece of sprue to see how the paint behaves before applying to your model.
• For best results, let each coat dry completely before applying the next.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced painters can make mistakes with Contrast paints. One common issue is applying too much paint, which can flood the details and obscure them. To avoid this, use a damp brush to wick away excess paint from areas that are too saturated. Another mistake is using a dark primer, which makes the Contrast paint look muddy and dull.

Another frequent problem is overworking the paint. Once you've applied it, resist the urge to keep brushing. Let it dry naturally. If you need to make corrections, wait until it's dry and then apply a thin layer of water to reactivate the paint, or simply paint over it with a thin layer of the same color.

• If you notice pooling in areas you don't want, use a clean, dry brush to soak up the excess.
• Always keep a pot of water nearby to rinse your brush and thin the paint if needed.

Step-by-Step Process for Using Contrast Paints

1. Step 1: Prepare the Miniature: Clean the model with soapy water, assemble as needed, and apply a light primer (white, off-white, or light grey). Shake your Contrast paint well. Checkpoint: Ensure the primer is fully dry and the model is free of dust.
2. Step 2: Load the Brush and Apply to a Small Area: Load your brush with a generous amount of Contrast paint. Apply to a small section, spreading it evenly. Let the paint flow into recesses. Checkpoint: Avoid overloading the brush; you want a wet but controlled application.
3. Step 3: Work in Sections and Manage Drying Time: Move systematically across the model, working in small areas to keep the paint wet. If needed, use a damp brush to blend edges. Checkpoint: Don't go back over areas that have started to dry to prevent streaks.
4. Step 4: Layer for Depth: After the first coat dries, apply a second coat to darken recesses or build up color. Use Contrast Medium to thin the paint for smoother transitions. Checkpoint: Test on a sprue first to see how the paint layers.
5. Step 5: Highlight and Finish: Use drybrushing or edge highlighting with a lighter paint to bring out raised details. Seal the model with a matte varnish to protect your work. Checkpoint: Ensure all layers are dry before varnishing.

Recommended Products for Contrast Painting

• Citadel Layer: Fenrisian Grey 12ml: Water-based formula with a smooth matt finish, formulated for crisp highlights and building up layers. This paint is ideal for edge highlighting after using Contrast paints, helping you add sharp, clean highlights to your miniatures.
• Citadel Dry: Underhive Ash 12ml: Water-based dry paint with a smooth matt finish, designed especially for drybrushing. Drybrushing with this paint can add texture and depth to your models, complementing the shading from Contrast paints.

With these steps, you can master Citadel Contrast paints and achieve stunning results on your Warhammer miniatures. Remember to practice and experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. For your next project, consider trying out products like Citadel Layer: Fenrisian Grey for crisp highlights or Citadel Dry: Underhive Ash for drybrushing. Happy painting!