Citadel Paints vs. Vallejo Paints: Let's Take A Look

There are a lot of occasions when someone will come here to Wandering Adventures and ask me; Mike, which paint is better to paint my minis? Citadel or Vallejo?

Citadel Paints and Vallejo Paints are two popular brands of acrylic paints used by tabletop gamers, model painters, and hobbyists for miniature painting. Each brand has its own characteristics and advantages, so the choice between them often comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the painter. Here are some key points to consider when comparing Citadel Paints and Vallejo Paints:

Citadel Paints:

1. Games Workshop Affiliation: Citadel Paints are produced by Games Workshop, the company behind the Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar tabletop miniature games. As a result, Citadel Paints are often preferred by players of these games due to their color compatibility with the official miniature range.

2. Wide Range: Citadel offers a wide range of colors, including base colors, layer paints, shades, and technical paints. They also release new paint sets and colors regularly, keeping up with the latest trends and releases in the miniature gaming world.

3. Consistency: Citadel Paints are known for their consistent quality and ease of use. They are designed to work well with Games Workshop miniatures and are formulated to provide good coverage in multiple thin layers.

4. Layering System: Citadel promotes a specific layering technique, which involves using base colors, layer paints, and shades to achieve detailed and vibrant results. Some painters find this layering system helpful for achieving specific effects.

5. Pots: Citadel Paints come in small, screw-top pots, which some painters find convenient for keeping paint fresh and preventing spillage.

Vallejo Paints:

1. Variety: Vallejo offers an extensive range of paints, including Model Color, Game Color, and Model Air lines. This variety allows painters to choose paints that suit their preferences and needs, whether for gaming miniatures, historical models, or other projects.

2. Dropper Bottles: Vallejo Paints come in dropper bottles, which many painters appreciate for their precision and the ability to dispense small amounts of paint without waste.

3. High Pigment Density: Vallejo paints are known for their high pigment density, which can result in vibrant colors and good coverage. This is particularly beneficial for achieving opaque layers on miniatures.

4. Compatibility: Vallejo paints are generally considered to be compatible with a wide range of miniatures, not limited to specific gaming systems. This makes them a popular choice for diverse hobby projects.

5. Price Point: Vallejo paints are often seen as more cost-effective than Citadel paints, especially when considering the amount of paint you get in each bottle.

Ultimately, the choice between Citadel and Vallejo paints often comes down to personal preference, project requirements, and the type of miniatures or models you are painting. Some painters prefer the convenience and color-matching of Citadel for Games Workshop miniatures, while others prefer the versatility and cost-effectiveness of Vallejo for a broader range of projects. It's also common for painters to use a mix of both brands in their toolkit to take advantage of each brand's strengths.