CONTRAST: ULTRAMARINES BLUE (18ML)

Tutorial: Contrast Paints

Citadel Contrast Paints are designed to simplify the painting process by combining basecoating, shading, and highlighting into a single application. They make painting faster and easier, while still delivering fantastic results. Perfect for those new to the hobby or anyone looking to speed up their painting.

Key Features:

• All-in-One Application: Contrast Paints provide basecoating, shading, and highlighting all at once. This is especially useful when you want to achieve impressive results quickly, without needing to layer multiple paints.
• Water-Based Formula: Like all Citadel Colour paints, Contrast Paints are water-based, meaning they’re easy to clean up, mix, and work with.
• Pot Size: 18ml of paint in each pot. This larger size ensures you’ll have enough for many miniatures, especially if you’re painting an army.

How to Use Contrast Paints:

1. Prime the Model:

   • Contrast Paints work best when applied over a light-colored primer (such as white or grey). This allows the paint to flow smoothly into the recesses, creating natural shadows and highlights.
   • Ensure your model is clean and free of mold lines for the best results.

2. Shake the Paint:

   • Before applying the Contrast Paint, shake the pot thoroughly to ensure the pigment is well-mixed. This helps the paint to flow evenly onto your model.

3. Apply the Paint:

   • Use a large brush (a Citadel Contrast brush works best) to apply a generous coat of paint onto your model. The paint should cover the entire surface of the model, with the pigment naturally settling into the recesses for shading, while the raised areas remain lighter.
   • Be mindful not to overload your brush, as excess paint can pool in unwanted areas. If this happens, you can use a clean brush to remove the excess.

4. Let It Dry:

   • Contrast Paints dry relatively quickly. Once the paint is applied, allow it to settle and dry fully. The result will be a model with both depth and highlight effects, thanks to the unique properties of the Contrast paint.

5. Layering:

   • For more intense shading or highlighting, you can apply additional layers. Let the first layer dry completely before adding a second layer for more vivid results.

6. Sealing the Model:

   • Once the Contrast Paint has dried, you can finish by applying a varnish to protect the model and add a matte or glossy finish, depending on your preference.

Tips for Best Results:

• Light Primer Works Best: Use a white or light grey primer to allow the Contrast Paints to work their magic in creating shadows and highlights.
• Don’t Overwork the Paint: Apply the paint and let it naturally settle into the recesses. Avoid overworking the paint, as this can remove some of the shading effect.
• Experiment: Try different application techniques to see how Contrast Paints behave in different situations. You can also layer different colours of Contrast Paints for even more effects.

Advantages:

• Fast and Simple: Contrast Paints make painting quicker by combining multiple painting stages into one. Perfect for large armies or when you need to get miniatures ready fast.
• Great Depth and Highlights: The formula automatically creates depth and highlights, so you don’t need to worry about multiple layers and complex techniques.
• Perfect for Beginners: If you're just starting out in the hobby, Contrast Paints make it easy to achieve great results without advanced techniques like layering or highlighting.

Conclusion:

Citadel Contrast Paints offer a fast, easy, and effective way to paint your miniatures, providing basecoats, shading, and highlights all in one step. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to speed up their painting process without sacrificing quality. Simply apply, let dry, and enjoy the stunning results!