CONTRAST: IYANDEN YELLOW (18ML)

Tutorial: Contrast Paints

Contrast Paints are a revolutionary addition to the Citadel Colour range, designed to streamline your painting process and help you achieve stunning results quickly. These paints combine the properties of a basecoat, shade, and highlight in a single application, making them perfect for painters looking to save time without sacrificing quality.

Key Features:

• Base, Shade, and Highlight in One: Contrast Paints are specially formulated to create an even basecoat while simultaneously adding depth with shading and natural highlighting. This reduces the time and effort needed to paint your models, giving you professional results with fewer steps.
• Water-Based Formula: As with all Citadel Colour products, Contrast Paints are water-based, making them easy to apply, clean up, and mix with other Citadel paints.
• Pot Size: 18ml: The larger pot size ensures you get plenty of paint for your projects, making them ideal for painting entire armies or large units.

How to Use Contrast Paints:

1. Preparation:

   • Prime Your Model: Start by priming your model with a white or light-coloured spray primer. Contrast Paints work best on a light undercoat because they need a clear, bright base to flow into the recesses and provide that dynamic contrast.
   • Clean and Assemble: Ensure your model is assembled, cleaned, and free of mold lines for a smooth finish.

2. Applying the Contrast Paint:

   • Shake the Pot: Shake the pot well to ensure the pigments are evenly mixed. Contrast Paints are thinner than traditional base paints and need to be well mixed to perform correctly.
   • Apply Generously: Use a large brush or a Citadel Contrast Brush for optimal coverage. Apply the paint generously to the model, making sure to let the paint flow naturally into the recesses for shading while leaving the raised areas with a lighter finish.
   • Avoid Pooling: While applying the paint, make sure not to let the paint pool in large areas where you don’t want extra shading. You can use a clean brush to remove excess paint from high areas if necessary.

3. Achieving Highlights and Shadows:

   • The Paint Does the Work: As you apply the paint, the contrast between the recesses and raised surfaces will naturally form as the paint settles into the lower areas. The thicker parts of the paint will create deep shadows, while the raised areas will remain lighter, providing a natural highlight.
   • Layering: You can build up the contrast effect by adding additional layers of paint. For more intense colour, apply a second layer once the first one has dried, ensuring that the areas in shadow become even deeper, and the highlights get brighter.

4. Finishing the Model:

   • Let It Dry: Contrast Paints dry quickly, but make sure the model is fully dry before continuing. It’s important to let each layer set so the colours don’t mix or muddy.
   • Detailing: After the main application, you can go back with standard Citadel paints for any final detailing or accents that need more precision, such as the eyes, weapon blades, or other small elements that require a sharper finish.

5. Sealing:

   • Once your model is painted and fully dry, you may want to seal it with a varnish or matte finish to protect the paintwork. A protective coat will keep the vibrant Contrast colours looking great for a long time, especially if you plan to handle the models frequently.

Best Practices:

• Don't Overload the Brush: Use only as much paint as needed to cover the model. If you overload the brush, it could cause the paint to pool excessively and create uneven shading.
• Work in Sections: If you’re applying Contrast Paint to a large model or several models, it’s better to work in smaller sections so the paint doesn’t dry too quickly and leave streaks.
• Experiment with Techniques: Contrast Paints can be used in a variety of ways – you can thin them with water for a more subtle effect or layer multiple colours for more intricate detail.
• Try on Different Undercoats: Contrast Paints can produce different effects depending on the type of undercoat used. A white or light grey undercoat will give you vibrant, saturated colours, while a black or dark undercoat can create more subtle, shadow-heavy effects.

Advantages:

• Speed and Efficiency: Contrast Paints save time by combining multiple layers into one, so you can paint faster without losing detail.
• Excellent for Tabletop Quality: These paints are perfect for gamers who need to get their miniatures onto the tabletop quickly, while still maintaining a high level of detail.
• Ideal for Large Armies: With their easy application and natural shading, Contrast Paints are perfect for painting large groups of models in a short amount of time.

Conclusion:

Contrast Paints are a fantastic innovation for painters of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to speed up your painting process or an experienced hobbyist aiming for efficiency, these paints help you achieve bold, eye-catching results with minimal effort. The single-application process means you can focus on getting your models ready for battle without spending hours on each individual figure, making them an essential tool in any painter's arsenal.