Citadel Base Paints

Citadel Base Paints – The Perfect Start to Your Painting Journey

Citadel Base paints are high-quality acrylics designed specifically for applying the first, foundational layer of color to your models and miniatures. They form the cornerstone of the Citadel Colour painting system, developed by Games Workshop. Their primary function is to provide solid, uniform coverage over a primed surface, regardless of whether you've used a white, black, or colored spray primer. Thanks to a very high pigment concentration, these paints offer excellent opacity, often allowing you to achieve a smooth and even coat in just a single application. This significantly speeds up the painting process, especially for entire armies of miniatures. They leave a matte finish, which creates the perfect surface for further work, like applying shades with Shade paints or adding highlights with Layer paints.

How to Use Citadel Base Paints Effectively?

Applying paints from the Base range is simple and intuitive, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced modelers. Before use, it's recommended to shake the closed pot vigorously to mix the pigment thoroughly. While you can apply the paint directly from the pot with a brush, for best results, it's advisable to transfer a small amount onto a palette (like a wet palette) and thin it with a bit of water if necessary. This will help you achieve a smoother coat and prevent obscuring the fine details on your miniature. Base paints are a key element of the "Battle Ready" painting method, which consists of applying a base color followed by shading with a Shade paint, enabling you to prepare your models for gaming quickly and effectively. The extensive color range of Base paints lets you find the perfect starting shade for every piece of armor, clothing, or skin on your character.