Citadel Layer Paint is a range of water-based acrylic paints that can be used to paint miniatures. The paint is available in a wide variety of colours and can be thinned down with water.
Layer Paint is perfect for adding depth or details to your models. The light pigmentation and increased transparency of these paints make them ideal for creating highlights, contrast, and other effects that will make your models stand out.
This article will give tips on using Citadel Layer Paint to get the best results. We will also provide an overview of the key features of the paint.
What is citadel layer paint?
Citadel Layer Paint has a lighter pigmentation and increased transparency, so you can easily add depth over the top of a base coat or the detail of your model. These paints have been designed to provide highlights, contrast, and details that stand out from the crowd. It is recommended that layer paints are used as a two-step highlight using two-layer paints – a darker and lighter complementary layer paint.
How to use Citadel Layer Paint
The best way to use Citadel Layer Paint is to follow the easy-to-follow steps below:
- Start by priming your miniature. You can learn more about priming with our priming guide.
- Apply a base coat of paint to your model.
- Once the base coat is dry, you can add layers of paint to build up the colour and depth. When using Citadel Layer Paint, it’s important to remember that less is more. You don’t need to use a lot of paint to get good coverage; too much paint can make your model look muddy.
- Citadel layer paint is designed as a two-step highlight, meaning using two complementary layer paints is recommended to finish your highlights.
- Load your brush with the darker layer paint of your two chosen paints.
- Remove excess paint on your palette.
- Thin the paint with a very small amount of water by lightly dipping your paintbrush in water and adding it to the paint on your palette.
- Rotate your paintbrush, so the bristles are a fine tip.
- Apply paint to the raised areas of your model.
- Allow your model to dry.
- Apply a second coat of the darker layer of paint to remove areas where the base coat is showing through.
- Allow your model to dry.
- Once happy with your first layer, apply the second lighter layer paint following steps 5 to 8 and then move to the next step.
- Apply the lighter layer paint to the most raised points of your model (such as the nose and shoulders), focusing on areas that would be exposed to the most light.
- Once you’re happy with the colour, you can add a topcoat of paint to seal the colour and protect your model from damage.
Citadel Layer Paint is a great way to add depth and detail to your models. With a little practice, you’ll be able to produce beautiful results that will make your miniatures really stand out.
What are the benefits of using citadel layer paint?
There are many benefits to using Citadel Layer Paint, including:
- Increased transparency for easy layering
- Wide variety of colours to choose from
- Can be thinned with water.
- Light pigmentation for delicate details.
- Designed as a two-step highlight process
Are there any drawbacks?
- Citadel Layer Paint is a water-based paint, so it can take longer to dry than other types of paint.
- You’ll also need to be careful not to add too much paint to your model, making it look muddy.
- Using layer paint can take practice to get the perfect results on your miniatures.
Are citadel layer paints worth it?
We recommend using Citadel Layer Paint if you are looking for a way to add edge highlights and detailing to your model easily. Citadel Layer Paints are a great way to add depth and detail to your models. With a little practice, you’ll be able to produce beautiful results that will make your models stand out from the crowd.
Can I use layer paint as a base coat?
It is better to use paint specifically for base coats, as if you use layer paint, you will have to apply several coats to achieve good coverage. However, if you are short on time or paint, you can use layer paint as a base coat. Apply it liberally to your model and leave it to dry. Once dry, apply multiple coats until you have achieved the correct level of coverage where your primer no longer shows through the base coat.
What is the difference between citadel base and layer paint?
Citadel Base Paint is explicitly designed for applying base coats to your model. This paint provides full coverage with just one or two coats. Citadel Layer Paint has a lighter pigmentation and increased transparency, so you can easily add depth over the top of a base coat or the detail of your model. These paints have been designed to provide highlights, contrast, and details that stand out from the crowd.
Citadel Base Paint is thicker than Citadel Layer Paint, making it better for achieving full coverage with fewer coats. Citadel Layer Paint is thinner and has light pigmentation, making it ideal for adding delicate details and highlights.
Do I need to thin Citadel Layer Paint?
When applying the layered paint to your model, you can thin Citadel Layer Paint with water to gain a smoother finish. However, it is not necessary to thin the paint if you are using it straight from the pot. These paints are designed specifically to be applied on top of your model without the need for thinning. We suggest wetting your brush very finely and rotating your brush to a fine tip on your palette before applying layer paints. This will give you more control over the detail you apply to your miniature.
How do I clean my brush after using Citadel Layer Paint?
Citadel Layer Paint is water-based, so you can rinse your brush in water to clean it. However, we recommend using a brush cleaner designed explicitly for water-based paints to help extend your brushes’ life.
Tips for painting miniatures with Citadel Layer Paint
- Begin with a base coat of paint.
- Add layers of paint slowly, building up the colour.
- Use light coats of paint for best results.
- Remember that less is more – too much paint can make your model look muddy.
- Add a topcoat of paint to protect your model.
Final Thoughts
Citadel Layer Paint is an excellent choice for painting miniatures. It’s easy to use and provides beautiful results. With a little practice, you’ll be able to produce stunning models that will make your friends jealous. So, what are you waiting for? Give Citadel Layer Paint a try today!