Using the Citadel Contrast Method

There are 3 ways to paint using the Citadel Colour paint range from Games Workshop.

• The Classic Method (base paint + shade + highlights)
• The Contrast Method (contrast paint + highlights)
• The Air Brush Method (air paint)

In this section, we will explain how to paint your miniatures using Citadel Contrast Paint. This method is quicker than the Classic Method, but generally doesn't achieve the same quality level.

Step 1: Undercoat

To achieve the best results, make sure to use a grey or bone primer. Contrast Paint will not work on top of a black primer. If you haven't read our section about priming your miniatures, please do so before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Apply Contrast Paint

To quote Games Workshop: "Contrast paints are formulated to speed up the painting process, combining a vibrant base colour and shading in one application".

Instead of applying two thin coats of Base Paint, then a Shade (or Wash) to your miniature as per the Classic Method, you only need a single coat of Contrast Paint. Sounds amazing, right?

Contrast Paint is very liquid so a shade brush is ideal for the job.

What does it look like? Golden Goblin Games has prepared a cheat sheet for you below.

Step 3: Add Highlights

Once your Contrast Paint is dry, your miniature should already look good as the various recesses will be darker. To make it look great, you should add highlights to simulate light hitting your miniature.

There are 2 techniques to add highlights: drybrushing and layering.

Drybrushing is a technique that uses Dry Paint, a compound that is very thick and powdery. Don't try to water it down! To apply Dry Paint, use a rough brush to take some out of the pot. Wipe the excess on a piece of tissue or kitchen roll until there is only a bit left in the bristles. With quick back and forth swipes of your brush, hit the raised areas of your miniature. 

Layering is a technique that uses Layer Paint. Layer Paint is thinner than Base Paint and you should choose a lighter tone than your base color to create the highlights. Layering is more precise but slower than drybrushing. Using a small brush, proceed to apply the paint to the raised areas of your miniature.

Contrast Paint Cheat Sheet

Our staff has done the awesome work of testing all 34 Contrast Paints on top of Grey Seer primer (left) and Wraithbone primer (right). No need to guess what the final result will look like!