Citadel

Shop Citadel Paints – Official Warhammer Paints by Games Workshop at War Games USA
Bring your miniatures to life with Citadel Paints, the official paint line from Games Workshop! Designed specifically for Warhammer 40K and Age of Sigmar, Citadel paints deliver vibrant color, smooth coverage, and pro-level results. Choose from Base, Layer, Shade, Contrast, Dry, and Technical paints to suit every step of your painting journey.

Perfect for beginners and veteran hobbyists alike, Citadel paints are trusted worldwide for their consistency and quality. Available now at War Games USA — online and in-store.

What Are Shade Paints?

Shade paints are expertly crafted to flow into every nook and cranny of your models, settling in the deeper areas to enhance shadows and bring out the finest sculpted details. By emphasizing recesses and adding depth, shades create a dramatic, realistic contrast—making every miniature pop with definition and life.

Whether you're aiming for a quick, impactful finish or working on advanced techniques, a wash of shade paint is an essential step for achieving impressive, professional-looking results with minimal effort.

What Are Layer Paints—and Why They Matter

Layer paints are your go-to choice for building up color depth and subtle highlights on miniatures. After laying down a solid foundation with a Base paint, Layer paints let you add brighter shades and smooth transitions, helping your models stand out with realistic detail.

You don’t need to mix or fuss—they’re formulated to be applied right over your base coat, making it easy to develop vibrant highlights or subtle blends. Working in thin coats, you can create striking effects like gradients, texture, or the illusion of depth—perfect for giving cloaks that extra flutter or armor that just-right gleam.

By incorporating Layer paints into your painting routine, your armies will look as good in close-up as they do ranked up for action—ready to hold the line, claim objectives, or simply turn heads in your display case.

What Are Base Paints?

Base paints are essential for laying the groundwork on your miniatures. These acrylic paints are specially made to provide strong, even coverage right from the first brushstroke, whether you’re painting over a black or white undercoat. Their formula ensures vibrant color that sticks, making it easy to set the tone for your project with just a single coat.

Simply grab your brush and apply the base paint directly onto your model’s primed surface. The result? A smooth, matte finish that acts as the perfect foundation for additional layers, washes, and highlights. Whether you’re tackling your very first squad or refining your display pieces, base paints are where every great paint job begins.

Are Citadel Paints Non-Toxic and Water-Based?

Absolutely! Citadel paints are formulated as non-toxic, water-based acrylics, making them a safe choice for hobbyists of all experience levels. Whether you’re painting plastic, metal, or resin miniatures, these paints offer reliable performance with an easy cleanup—just rinse your brushes with water and you’re good to go.

What Can You Paint With Citadel Paints?

Citadel paints are specially formulated for versatility, making them an excellent choice whether you’re working with plastic, metal, or resin models. No matter your project—be it a fresh-out-of-the-box Warhammer miniature or a lovingly assembled custom piece—these water-based acrylics are ready to provide excellent adhesion and consistent results across all common hobby surfaces. So, you can confidently bring every part of your army to life, no matter the material.

Airbrush Paints: What Sets Them Apart

Looking to achieve ultra-smooth gradients and seamless blends on your miniatures? Airbrush paints are your new best friend. Specially formulated with a thinner consistency than standard brush-on paints, airbrush paints flow effortlessly through your airbrush for even, mist-free coats—making them perfect for covering large surfaces quickly or creating subtle transitions.

Unlike traditional acrylic paints, airbrush paints are ready to use straight from the bottle (no more guesswork with thinning ratios) and are engineered to minimize clogging from prolonged use. They're not ideal for direct brush application or manual techniques, but when you want that flawless, professional finish—especially for larger models, vehicles, or terrain—airbrush formulas shine. Just load up your airbrush, and watch your miniatures come to life with buttery-smooth color gradients and crisp effects.

What are technical paints?

Choose from Base, Layer, Shade, Contrast, Dry, and Technical paints to suit every step of your painting journey. Technical paints are specially formulated to help you create unique effects—think cracked earth, oozing slime, or realistic rust—bringing extra realism and character to your miniatures. Whether you’re looking to add texture to bases, simulate weathering, or achieve a dramatic finish, there’s a Citadel paint for every technique and creative vision.