Citadel Shade paints are specialized washes that allow you to quickly and effectively add depth to your models and precisely define their details. Thanks to their very thin consistency, they easily flow into all the nooks and recesses of a miniature, where they create a natural, realistic shadow effect upon drying. They are a key component of the Citadel Colour painting system, most often applied over a Base coat.

How do Citadel Shade paints work and what are they for?

The formula of Citadel Shade paints is designed so that the pigment flows off the raised areas of the model and pools in its recesses. This makes shading incredibly simple and eliminates the need for hours of color blending. It's an ideal solution for both beginners who want to achieve great results with minimal effort and for experienced painters who value speed and consistent effects. Using a wash is one of the easiest ways to make a model look less "flat" and give it a three-dimensional character.

How to apply Citadel washes and which colors to choose?

Application is very simple – just apply the paint with a brush directly onto a previously painted surface. You can cover an entire element (e.g., armor, cloth) or apply it precisely only to select areas (a technique known as pin washing) to emphasize panel lines or rivets. The range includes a wide palette of colors, with the most popular being Nuln Oil (perfect for shading metallics and cool colors), Agrax Earthshade (great for creating a dirty effect and shading warm colors), and Reikland Fleshshade (indispensable for painting skin). With them, you can achieve professional-looking shadows on any part of your miniature.