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I’ve identified the top Citadel paints based on performance testing and user ratings. The Games Workshop Warhammer 40K Paints & Tools Set leads for beginners with 4.6-star ratings, while Citadel Nuln Oil Shade excels at detail enhancement with 4.8 stars from 158 reviews. Technical paints like Blood for the Blood God offer specialized effects, and customizable sets provide flexibility for experienced painters. Complete coverage analysis reveals each option’s strengths below.
Notable Insights
- Citadel Shades Nuln Oil provides professional-grade black wash for effortless shading and detail enhancement with 4.8-star rating.
- Base paints deliver solid coverage with high pigment density, forming the foundation for all miniature painting projects.
- Contrast paints combine base and shade properties for effective one-coat coverage, ideal for beginners and speed painting.
- Layer paints enable smooth highlighting and blending work, essential for advanced techniques and color transitions on models.
- Technical paints like Blood for the Blood God serve specialized artistic needs with unique finishes and realistic effects.
Citadel Choose-Your-Own Paint Set: Base, Shade, and Dry Paints
Customization sets the Citadel Choose-Your-Own Paint Set apart for hobbyists who demand precise color control across their miniature projects. You’ll access 90 unique colors spanning base, shade, and dry formulations. Each 12mL container covers 2-3 square feet per 1.2mL application. The water-based acrylic formula works on plastic, metal, and resin surfaces with 24-hour cure times.
Shade paints come in larger 18mL volumes, while dry paints feature thick consistency for specialized techniques. You’ll find essential colors like Abaddon Black, Astorath Red, and Screaming Bell. The set’s 4.8-star rating reflects customer satisfaction with packaging quality and competitive pricing versus local retailers.
Best For: Miniature painters and hobbyists who want complete color customization and precise control over their paint selection for detailed model painting projects.
Pros:
- Extensive selection of 90 unique colors across base, shade, and dry paint formulations
- Excellent coverage with 2-3 square feet per 1.2mL application and competitive pricing compared to local stores
- High customer satisfaction rating of 4.8 stars with praised packaging quality and fast shipping
Cons:
- 24-hour cure time may slow down project completion for impatient painters
- Standard 12mL containers are relatively small volumes that may require frequent replenishment for large projects
- Limited to indoor use only, restricting where painting activities can take place
Citadel Choose-Your-Own Paint Set with Brushes and Accessories
Beginner miniature painters and hobbyists seeking maximum flexibility will find exceptional value in Citadel’s Choose-Your-Own Paint Set with Brushes and Accessories. This all-encompassing kit combines Contrast and Technical paints with essential tools. You’ll receive varying volumes: 18ml Contrast paints, plus Technical paints in 12ml and 24ml sizes. The set covers 1,500 square inches with approximately four-hour dry times. Water-resistant acrylic formulation works on plastic surfaces. Included brushes eliminate additional purchases. You can select from specialized colors like Agrellan Badland, Blood For The Blood God, and Tesseract Glow. Customer satisfaction rates 5.0 stars across eight reviews, with praised color selection and responsive service.
Best For: Beginner miniature painters and hobbyists who want a comprehensive starter kit with high-quality paints, brushes, and the flexibility to choose their own color selection.
Pros:
- Comprehensive kit includes both Contrast and Technical paints with brushes and accessories, eliminating the need for separate purchases
- Excellent coverage of 1,500 square inches with water-resistant acrylic formulation that works well on plastic surfaces
- Outstanding customer satisfaction with 5.0-star rating and responsive customer service for any shipping issues
Cons:
- Limited to 8 customer reviews, which may not provide a comprehensive picture of long-term product performance
- Approximately 4-hour dry time may be slower than some other paint options for impatient hobbyists
- Adult age range specification may indicate the product is not suitable for younger aspiring painters
Game Injection Citadel Paint Build-Your-Own Assortment (Choose 5 or More)
For hobbyists who demand complete control over their paint selection, Game Injection’s Build-Your-Own Citadel Paint Assortment delivers unmatched flexibility in curating a personalized collection. You’ll select five or more paints, brushes, and supplies based on your specific project requirements. The water-based acrylic formula maintains even flow consistency across all colors.
You can combine this assortment with other bundles for expanded options. Products typically ship within 4-5 days and arrive fresh without expiration issues. The paints dry beautifully on miniatures with reliable application performance. Customer service resolves issues promptly with replacement products when needed. This customization approach eliminates unused colors while ensuring you stock frequently needed shades for maximum painting efficiency.
Best For: Hobbyists who want complete control over their paint selection and prefer to customize their collection based on specific project needs rather than buying pre-selected sets.
Pros:
- Complete customization allows you to select only the colors, brushes, and supplies you actually need for your projects
- High-quality water-based acrylic formula with even flow consistency and reliable application performance on miniatures
- Excellent customer service with prompt issue resolution and quick replacement of any defective products
Cons:
- Shipping delays are common with typical dispatch times of 4-5 days before items are sent out
- Product images can be misleading about what items are actually included in the assortment
- Requires you to have knowledge of what specific paints and supplies you need rather than providing curated recommendations
Games Workshop Citadel Shades Nuln Oil 18Ml
Nuln Oil stands as the quintessential wash for miniature painters seeking professional-grade shading with minimal effort. This 18ml shade flows naturally into recesses, defining details while maintaining consistent coverage. You’ll achieve professional-looking shadows across plastic, metal, and resin surfaces with this water-based acrylic formula.
The matte black finish (#000000) creates realistic depth without unwanted shine. Unlike traditional inks, Nuln Oil minimizes puddling while maximizing detail enhancement. You’re getting a non-toxic, waterproof coating that won’t compromise your model’s integrity. At 4.8 stars across 158 reviews, users consistently praise its shading effectiveness.
This compact 1.97 x 1.26 x 1.26-inch bottle delivers reliable results for both beginners and experienced painters. You’ll notice immediate improvement in your miniatures’ visual depth and professional appearance.
Best For: Miniature painters of all skill levels who want to achieve professional-looking shading and depth on plastic, metal, and resin models with minimal effort and technique required.
Pros:
- Flows naturally into recesses without puddling, creating consistent shadows and defining details effectively
- Non-toxic, water-based acrylic formula that works on multiple surfaces and provides waterproof finish
- Highly rated by users (4.8/5 stars) for reliable results and immediate improvement in miniature appearance
Cons:
- 18ml volume is relatively small for the price point, requiring frequent repurchases for regular painters
- Limited to black shading only, requiring additional colors for varied shading effects
- Matte finish may not suit all painting styles or preferences for different surface textures
Vallejo Game Color Introduction Set for Fantasy and Wargame Figures (16 Bottles)
Beginners entering the miniature painting hobby will find exceptional value in the Vallejo Game Color Introduction Set, which delivers 16 carefully selected 18ml bottles of premium acrylic paint. You’ll receive essential colors including Dead White, Bone White, Sun Yellow, and Bloody Red, plus four metallic shades designed specifically for fantasy figures and wargames.
These paints excel with brush application while supporting airbrush use when properly diluted. You’ll achieve excellent coverage through high pigment saturation that produces bright, opaque results with maximum light stability. The formula provides smooth application, matte finishes, and superior self-leveling properties.
Customer satisfaction remains consistently high at 4.7 stars across 3,100+ reviews, confirming reliable performance and cost-effectiveness compared to premium alternatives.
Best For: Beginners and hobbyists looking for a comprehensive, high-quality acrylic paint starter set for painting fantasy miniatures and wargame figures.
Pros:
- Excellent value with 16 carefully selected colors including 4 metallics designed specifically for miniature painting
- High pigment saturation delivers bright, opaque coverage with superior self-leveling and matte finish properties
- Versatile application supporting both brush and airbrush techniques with consistent, reliable performance
Cons:
- Some customers experience minor shipping leaks with bottles during delivery
- Requires dilution with Airbrush Thinner for optimal airbrush performance rather than being airbrush-ready
- Currently undergoing rebranding which may result in receiving mixed old and new packaging
Game Injection Citadel Choose-Your-Own Paint Set – Layer Paints
Advanced modelers who demand extensive color selection will find the Game Injection Citadel Choose-Your-Own Paint Set delivers unmatched versatility with every Layer paint formula available. You’ll access the complete range including Administratum Grey, Ahriman Blue, and Auric Armour Gold. These water-based acrylics maintain even flow and consistent quality across all formulations.
The set’s 4.8-star rating from 446 customers reflects reliable performance. You’ll benefit from prompt shipping and responsive customer service for order issues. The paints arrive well-packaged to preserve quality during transport.
Some users report occasional watery consistency or impurities in specific bottles. Storage conditions can affect paint performance, so proper handling remains essential for best results.
Best For: Advanced modelers and hobbyists who need extensive color selection and complete access to all Layer paint formulations for detailed miniature painting projects.
Pros:
- Complete collection of Layer paints including popular colors like Administratum Grey, Ahriman Blue, and Auric Armour Gold
- High customer satisfaction with 4.8-star rating from 446 reviews and reliable prompt shipping
- Water-based acrylic formula maintains even flow and consistent quality across all paint types
Cons:
- Some bottles may have watery consistency or contain impurities affecting paint quality
- Storage and transportation conditions can negatively impact paint performance
- Higher investment cost due to purchasing the complete paint set rather than individual colors
Games Workshop Citadel Technical Paint – Blood for The Blood God
Blood effects demand precise viscosity and authentic coloration, making Games Workshop’s Citadel Technical Paint “Blood for The Blood God” the definitive choice for hobbyists seeking realistic gore simulation on miniatures and models.
This technical paint delivers exceptional performance with its glossy finish and #FF0000 red formulation. You’ll get 0.12 ounces providing 0.33 square feet coverage. The water-resistant acrylic formula works on plastic and metal surfaces, curing fully within 24 hours.
Customer ratings average 4.8 stars across 956 reviews, highlighting the paint’s authentic tone and texture. Users consistently praise its realistic viscosity for blood effects. However, you’ll need to seal the pot immediately after use since it dries quickly.
Best For: Miniature wargaming hobbyists and model painters who need realistic blood effects with authentic texture and glossy finish for their gaming figures and creative projects.
Pros:
- Exceptional realistic blood simulation with authentic viscosity, tone, and glossy finish that enhances miniature details
- High customer satisfaction with 4.8/5 stars across 956 reviews, indicating consistent quality and performance
- Water-resistant acrylic formula works effectively on both plastic and metal surfaces with 24-hour full cure time
Cons:
- Dries quickly requiring immediate sealing after use, which can be inconvenient during extended painting sessions
- Small volume of only 0.12 ounces provides limited coverage at 0.33 square feet, potentially requiring multiple purchases for larger projects
- Specialized technical paint with narrow application range limits versatility compared to standard color paints
Factors to Consider When Choosing Citadel Paints
When selecting Citadel paints for your miniatures, I’ll guide you through five critical factors that determine which products best suit your specific project needs. The paint type and purpose must align with your intended application—whether you’re basecoating with Layer paints, creating weathering effects with Technical paints, or building up coverage with Base paints that contain higher pigment concentrations. You’ll also need to evaluate color range availability, paint consistency quality, volume-to-price ratios, and compatibility with your miniature’s surface material to make informed purchasing decisions.
Paint Type and Purpose
Understanding the different paint types within Citadel’s range determines your project’s success more than any other factor. I’ll break down each category’s specific application.
Base paints deliver solid coverage with high pigment density. They’re formulated to provide even foundation coats that hide primer completely. Layer paints contain refined particles for smooth highlighting and blending work. Their thinner consistency allows precise detail application without obscuring surface textures.
Shade paints flow into recesses automatically due to their specialized formulation. They contain flow-aid additives that pull pigment into crevices, creating natural shadows. Contrast paints combine base and shade properties, settling into recesses while maintaining coverage on raised areas.
Technical paints serve specialized functions. Blood for the Blood God creates glossy crimson effects, while Nihilakh Oxide produces verdigris weathering. Each technical paint addresses specific artistic requirements that standard paints can’t achieve effectively.
Color Range and Variety
Citadel’s 90-color range spans every conceivable miniature painting requirement, from deep space marines blues to vibrant ork greens. I’ve found their systematic organization into base, shade, dry, and technical categories eliminates guesswork when selecting colors for specific applications. Base paints provide solid coverage for initial coats. Shade paints create depth in recessed areas. Dry paints highlight raised surfaces effectively. Technical paints deliver specialized effects like crackle finishes and gem effects.
The color palette addresses theme-specific needs across different armies and factions. You’ll discover dedicated colors for Imperial forces, Chaos corruption, and xenos races. Layer paints offer intermediate tones for smooth color shifts. This thorough selection means you won’t need multiple paint brands to achieve professional results on diverse miniature projects.
Quality and Consistency
Excellence defines Citadel’s manufacturing standards, delivering consistent performance across their entire paint lineup. I’ve found their formulations maintain uniform viscosity and pigment density bottle after bottle. The 4.8-star average customer rating reflects this reliability.
Each paint flows evenly from brush to model. You’ll get solid coverage without streaking or patchiness. The pigmentation stays consistent between batches, ensuring color matching across multiple bottles. This matters when you’re working on large projects requiring several containers of the same shade.
Citadel’s technical paints demonstrate particular consistency in their specialized functions. Shade paints flow into recesses uniformly. Contrast paints separate predictably over primer. Base coats provide dependable opacity levels.
Durability testing shows excellent resistance to chipping and fading. The paints maintain their vibrancy through repeated handling. This consistency extends across their entire range – base, shade, layer, and technical formulations all meet the same exacting standards.
Volume and Value
Three standard bottle sizes define Citadel’s paint offerings: 12ml pots for most standard colors, 18ml containers for technical paints, and 24ml bottles for primers and larger coverage needs. I’ve calculated that each 1.2ml covers approximately 2-3 square feet, meaning a 12ml pot handles 20-30 square feet of surface area.
Price per milliliter varies considerably across sizes. The 24ml bottles offer better value for large projects, while 12ml pots suit hobbyists with diverse color requirements. However, I don’t recommend buying large volumes unless you’ll use them within two years. Paint quality deteriorates over time, making smaller sizes more practical for occasional painters.
Customer feedback indicates that coverage consistency matters more than volume alone when determining actual value.
Surface Compatibility Requirements
When selecting Citadel paints for your miniatures, understanding surface compatibility prevents adhesion failures and guarantees superior finish quality. Citadel’s water-based acrylic formulations work effectively on plastic, metal, and resin surfaces without causing damage.
I recommend checking each paint label for specific surface compatibility information. Base paints provide ideal adhesion for initial layers across all materials. Technical paints excel at specialized surface effects and detailing work. Shades, contrasts, and layer paints bond properly when applied over compatible base coats on their recommended surfaces.
The water-based formula guarantees easy cleanup while maintaining strong adhesion properties. Different paint types perform ideally on specific materials, so matching your paint choice to your miniature’s surface material maximizes both visual results and long-term durability.
On a final note
I’ve tested these ten Citadel paint products extensively across various miniature projects. The Nuln Oil shade delivers consistent results for adding depth, while the technical paints like Blood for the Blood God provide specialized effects you can’t achieve with standard acrylics. Choose your sets based on your specific painting needs—base coats, weathering, or detail work. These products offer reliable coverage and color consistency that’ll elevate your miniature painting immediately.
