CONTRAST: BLOOD ANGELS RED (18ML)

Tutorial: Contrast Paints

Contrast Paints are designed to simplify the painting process by combining basecoating, shading, and highlighting into a single application. With these paints, you can achieve stunning results with less effort, making them perfect for both new painters and experienced hobbyists looking to speed up their painting time.

Key Features:

• Bases, Shades, and Highlights in One: Contrast Paints provide the basecoat, shadow, and highlight all in one application, allowing you to get impressive results quickly. The formula naturally settles into the recesses to create shadows, while the raised areas remain lighter, giving you an easy-to-apply highlight effect.
• Water-Based Formula: Like all Citadel Colour products, Contrast Paints are water-based, which makes them easy to work with, clean up, and mix with other Citadel paints.
• Pot Size: 18ml: A larger pot size means you get more paint, making it perfect for painting multiple models or larger sections of your army.

How to Use Contrast Paints:

1. Preparation:

   • Prime Your Model: It's best to start with a light-coloured primer (like white or grey). Contrast Paints work best over light primers because the paint needs to flow into the recesses and create defined shadows.
   • Clean the Model: Ensure your model is free of mold lines and is clean for a smoother paint job.

2. Applying the Contrast Paint:

   • Shake the Pot: Before using the paint, shake the pot well to ensure the pigment is evenly mixed. This is crucial for the paint to apply correctly.
   • Use a Large Brush: For optimal coverage, use a Citadel Contrast brush, which is designed specifically for applying these paints. Apply the paint generously across the model, ensuring that it flows into the recesses and leaves the raised areas lighter.
   • Avoid Pooling: Be careful not to overload the brush, as the paint could pool in unwanted areas. You can use a clean brush to remove any excess.

3. Achieving Depth and Highlights:

   • Let the Paint Flow: Contrast Paints are designed to naturally create shadows in the recessed areas and highlight the raised areas as the paint dries. You don’t need to do much; just apply the paint and let it do its job.
   • Layering for Intensity: If you want more intense colours, you can apply a second layer once the first has dried.

4. After the Application:

   • Let the Model Dry: Contrast Paint dries relatively quickly, but make sure the model is completely dry before handling it.
   • Touch-ups: If you want to add additional detail (like eyes or small accessories), you can do so with regular Citadel paints after the Contrast layer has dried.

5. Sealing the Model:

   • Once the paint is dry, you can seal the model with a protective varnish to preserve the finish and make it more durable.

Tips for Best Results:

• Use Light Primer: A white or light grey primer works best for Contrast Paints as it allows the paint to flow smoothly and show off the highlights and shading effectively.
• Avoid Overworking the Paint: Let the Contrast Paint settle into the recesses naturally. Overworking it could remove the shading effect.
• Experiment with Application: You can experiment with applying multiple layers of Contrast Paints to create deeper contrasts or more vibrant results.

Advantages of Contrast Paints:

• Fast and Efficient: Contrast Paints speed up the painting process by combining multiple painting stages into one, allowing you to complete your models in less time.
• Natural Depth and Highlights: The paint automatically creates depth and highlights, giving your models a dynamic and professional look without requiring advanced techniques.
• Perfect for Large Armies: Contrast Paints are ideal for painters looking to complete large groups of miniatures quickly without compromising on quality.

Conclusion:

Citadel Contrast Paints are an excellent choice for anyone looking to achieve fast, stunning results on their miniatures. With just one coat, you can base, shade, and highlight your models, allowing you to get your army on the tabletop in record time while maintaining great detail. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, Contrast Paints offer an easy and effective way to bring your miniatures to life.