Citadel Contrast Paints: Tips & Techniques

Citadel Contrast Paints: What They Really Do and How to Use Them for Miniature Painting

When Citadel first released Contrast paints, many hobbyists thought they’d finally found a “paint and go” solution. Brush it on, watch it shade itself, and your miniatures would be tabletop-ready in minutes. The reality? Contrast paints can save time—but only if you understand their quirks and how to use them properly.

We’ve seen plenty of hobbyists jump straight into Contrast paints without realizing their nuances. With the right approach, you can get excellent results and speed up your painting workflow.

The Reality of Citadel Contrast Paints

Contrast paints are pigment suspended in a medium that naturally flows into recesses. On a light, matte basecoat they can look impressive—but darker or glossy surfaces can give unpredictable results. Pooling, streaking, or uneven textures are common if you’re not careful.

Getting the Best Results with Contrast Paints

1. Start with the Right Basecoat
Contrast paints work best over smooth, mid-to-light colors like white, light grey, or tan. Dark primers can muddy the color, and glossy surfaces make the paint slide too much.

2. Thin Where Needed
Some Contrast paint colors are thicker than others. Add a drop of water or medium to help them flow on large surfaces. This prevents heavy pooling and gives better control.

3. Use Targeted Application
Use smaller brushes for details like armor edges, clothing folds, or straps. Contrast paints exaggerate recesses, so broad strokes can look messy.

4. Layer After Contrast
Contrast paints rarely give a finished look on their own. After drying, go back with standard GW paints to highlight edges, sharpen details, or smooth transitions. This hybrid method saves time while keeping miniatures polished.

5. Try Glazes
Thinning Contrast paints with water or medium lets you glaze areas subtly. This tints without darkening shadows too much, giving more control than straight application.

Practical Ways to Use Citadel Contrast Paints on Miniatures

1. Snakebite Leather on straps and pouches

Snakebite Leather is a remake of an old beloved color. Luckily the Contrast version is a great re-imagining. Use it on straps or pouches for a rich brown that finishes with yellow edges.

2. Skeleton Horde on Bones or Skulls
   Basecoat skeletons with light grey or white, then apply Skeleton Horde. It naturally settles in recesses, giving depth. Finish with a dry highlight of Ushabti Bone or even a pure white.
3. Talassar Blue for Magical Effects
   Apply Talassar Blue over a pale base for energy effects or runes. Pooling creates natural shading; touch highlights with lighter blue or white. Try it over white for best results, but a bright silver might work too.
4. Plaguebearer Flesh for Muted Skin Tones
   Use Plaguebearer Flesh over pale pink or grey for undead or diseased skin. Brush into recesses, then highlight raised areas with a flesh tone.
5. Magmadroth Flame for Flames
   Use Magmadroth Flame on fire effects or glowing embers. Apply over a white, and let it flow naturally into recesses. Add a small highlight of Yriel Yellow or White Scar on raised areas to make the effect pop. Finish it with streaks of black to recreate ash.

Common Mistakes When Using Contrast Paints

• Skipping proper drying time – Rushing the next step while the paint is still wet can lift color or create streaks. Patience pays off.
• Using too much paint at once; let it flow naturally.
• Expecting Contrast paints to replace layering and shading—they’re a shortcut, not a miracle.
• Assuming all colors behave the same – Every Contrast paint has its own viscosity and opacity. Test on a scrap or hidden area before committing to a miniature.

Citadel Contrast paints aren’t magic, but they’re a useful tool when used correctly. Think of them as a basecoat or underpainting to save time, then add traditional GW paints for detail and control. Understanding how to use Contrast paints properly keeps miniatures looking good while avoiding the frustration of “easy” painting turning into a cleanup nightmare.

If you’re in the Vaughan area, stop by Wandering Adventures at 7766 Martin Grove Road, Unit 5 to see examples, get tips, or pick up all the paints and tools you need for your next miniature project.