Citadel Shade Paints are designed to give your miniatures a realistic and consistent finish. These paints can be difficult to control; however, if you know how to use them correctly, they can produce excellent results.
Shade paints are applied after the base coat. They are thinned down and flow easily into your model’s nooks and crannies, adding shading and depth.
In this article, we’ll show you how to use these paints to achieve the perfect finish for your models, whether you’re painting them for display or gaming purposes.
What are shade paints?
Shade paints are very thin paints designed to run into the recesses of your model, adding shading and depth. They are available in many colours, so you can find the perfect shade to complement your base colour.
What is the difference between shade, wash, and ink paint?
Shade Paint & Washes: These words can be used interchangeably, and the use of the word “shade paint” is a form of product marketing. They are all designed to do the same thing: flow into the crevasses and recesses of a model. These paints dry matte and do not add any shines.
Ink Paints: Inks are also designed to flow into the recesses and crevasses, but they have a higher pigmentation than washes and shades. They will leave a sheen/gloss on the model after drying and are often thinner than washes and shades.
Choose the right Citadel Shade Paint for your project.
The first step in using Citadel Shade Paints is to choose the right paint for your project. A wide variety of shades are available, so it’s essential to pick the one that best suits your needs. If you’re painting miniatures for gaming purposes, you’ll want to choose a shade that provides good coverage and is durable enough to withstand the rigors of gameplay. For display purposes, you may want to choose a more delicate shade that will add depth and realism to your painting.
How to use shade paints?
To get the best results out of your shade paint, follow the steps below:
- Choose the right brush: To use shade paint, you must use the right brush for your project. We recommend using a wash brush as this brush provides more control and coverage over the model.
- Load your brush: Start by loading your brush with a generous amount of shade paint. It would help if you did not worry about adding too much paint, as you can manipulate the paint on the model.
- Apply First Coat: Cover your model in the shade paint. Be sure to work in thin layers, so the paint doesn’t pool on the model. If the paint starts to pool in certain areas, run your brush over the pool, spreading it out over the model’s surface.
- Allow the paint to dry: Once you’re happy with the coverage, allow the paint to dry completely. This should take about 30 minutes.
Now that you know how to use shade paints, why not experiment with different colours and finishes? With a little practice, you’ll be able to produce beautiful results that will make your models stand out from the crowd.
Where does shade paint fit into the painting process?
Prepare your surface
Before you start painting, it’s essential to prepare your surface properly. If you’re painting miniatures, you’ll need to prime them first with a primer of your choice. This will help the paint adhere properly and prevent it from chipping or flaking. You should also ensure that your painting surface is clean and free of dirt or debris.
You can learn more about priming with our article How to Prime Your Miniatures.
Apply a basecoat of Citadel Colour paint
Once your surface is prepared, you can start painting. Begin by applying a base coat of Citadel Base Paint to your miniature. This will provide a good foundation for the shade paint and help it to adhere correctly. If you are not using citadel paints, apply your chosen paints to the key elements of your miniature. These will act as your “base colours,” and the following steps will enhance the details of your miniature.
Apply the shade paint
Once the basecoat is dry, you can start applying the shade paint. You’ll want to use a very thin layer of paint so that it doesn’t obscure the details of your miniature. Apply the paint using the steps above and ensure that you avoid any pooling.
Finish with a topcoat
Once you’re happy with the shading, you can finish your miniature with a topcoat. This protects the paint and gives your model a nice, glossy finish. You can learn more about applying varnishing and topcoats with our article How to Varnish Your Miniatures.
Do you need to thin shade paints?
Citadel Shade Paints are formulated to be used straight from the pot, so there’s no need to thin them. If the paint is too thick or difficult to work with, you can add a small amount of paint to your brush and add this to your shade paint.
How long do shade paints take to dry?
Citadel Shade Paints dry relatively quickly, so you won’t have to wait long for your miniature to be ready for the next painting stage. Shade paint should be completely dry within 30 minutes once you have finished applying it to your model. It is always best to allow the paint to dry thoroughly before moving to a second coat or your next stage in the painting process.
What are the different Shade Paints?
Many shades are available to find the perfect one for your project. Some of the most popular shades include:
- Nuln Oil: A deep black shade that can be used to create shadows and depth.
- Druchii Violet: A dark purple shade perfect for adding richness and realism to your paintings.
- Kroak Green: A bright, vibrant green shade perfect for adding life and energy to your models.
- Agrax Earthshade: A dark brown shade that can be used to create a natural and realistic look.
- Tyran Blue: This new shade paint is perfect for adding an otherworldly blue to your miniatures.
Citadel Shade Paints are a great way to add depth and realism to your miniature paintings. You can find the perfect colour for your project with various shades available. With a little practice, you’ll be able to produce beautiful results that will make your models stand out from the crowd.
Best ways to use shade paint
- Recessed Areas: One of the best ways to use shade paint is to create shadows and depth on your models. This can be done by applying the paint to the recessed areas of your miniature. The paint will settle into the crevasses and add a realistic shadow effect.
- Raised Areas: Another great way to use shade paint is to add richness and realism to your paintings. By applying the paint to the raised areas of your miniature, you can create a sense of light and form. This will add dimension and make your models pop.
- Entire Surface: Finally, shade paint can create a natural and realistic look. This can be done by applying the paint to the entire surface of your miniature. The paint will settle into the crevasses and add a realistic
Final Tips on Using Shade Paint
- Be vigilant for paint pooling and ensure that you work any pooling paint back into a smooth coat across your miniature’s surface.
- Ensure that you have a generous amount of paint on your brush before application. Don’t go overboard with the paint but don’t be shy.
- Ensure you shake your shade paints before use.
Final Thoughts
Citadel Shade Paints are a versatile tool that can be used to great effect on miniatures. You can find the perfect paint for your project with a wide range of shades available. Following the steps outlined in this article can achieve the ideal finish for your miniatures.
