Citadel Layer paint is designed for building highlights and colour transitions on miniatures. In this category you will find a wide range of Citadel Layer colours in the familiar 12ml pots, including shades such as Yriel Yellow, Sotek Green, Eshin Grey and Skrag Brown. These acrylic paints are meant to be applied in thin coats over a base colour, allowing painters to gradually build brighter highlights and more depth on their models. Many hobbyists use Citadel Layer paint to refine Warhammer miniatures, tabletop armies and display models. At Scenery Workshop you can find a large selection of colours to fine-tune every painting project.

What is Citadel Layer paint?

Citadel Layer paint is a water-based acrylic paint designed to be applied in multiple thin coats. Unlike highly opaque base paints, Layer paints are slightly more transparent, allowing you to gradually build colour intensity and highlights.

The paint comes in compact 12ml pots and is part of the Citadel Colour painting system. This system combines different types of paint such as Base, Shade and Dry to guide painters through the miniature painting process. Within that system, Citadel Layer paints are mainly used to refine colours and create highlights.

Why hobbyists use Citadel Layer paint

Miniature painters use Citadel Layer paint because it provides excellent control when working on details. The thinner consistency makes it possible to apply multiple coats without obscuring the sculpted details of a miniature.

This makes Citadel Layer paint ideal for:

• Edge highlights on armour panels
• Colour transitions on cloaks and fabrics
• Detail work on weapons and equipment
• Building natural skin tones
• Adding contrast to vehicles and scenery pieces

For many hobbyists, layering is an essential step between the basecoat and the finished miniature. That is why Citadel Layer paint is one of the most commonly used paints for miniature painting at Scenery Workshop.

How to use Citadel Layer paint for miniatures or scale models

Citadel Layer paint is usually applied after a model has been primed and painted with a base colour. The Layer paint is then applied to raised areas of the miniature to create highlights.

Many painters slightly thin the paint on a wet palette before applying it. This helps the paint flow smoothly and prevents visible brush marks. It is always better to work with several thin layers rather than a single thick coat, as this keeps details sharp and produces smoother transitions.

A common technique is to use two Layer colours together. Start with a darker highlight and then move to a lighter highlight. Gradually building these layers creates depth and contrast in the miniature paint job.

Citadel Layer paint can also be useful for scale modelling, especially for brush-painted details, colour modulation and finishing touches that are difficult to reach with an airbrush.

What to consider when choosing Citadel Layer paint

When choosing Citadel Layer paint, it is helpful to consider the base colour you used previously. Many Layer paints are designed to work as highlights over specific base colours.

The range includes many different colour families, such as:

• Blue and turquoise tones
• Green highlight colours
• Brown and earthy shades
• Grey and neutral colours
• Bright accent colours like yellow and orange
• Metallic colours for metal effects

Because all colours are sold individually, Scenery Workshop makes it easy to select exactly the shades that match your army, diorama or display miniature.

Frequently asked questions about Citadel Layer paint

Is Citadel Layer paint suitable for beginners?

Yes. While layering takes some practice, it is one of the best techniques to learn in miniature painting.

Should you thin Citadel Layer paint?

Often yes. Adding a small amount of water or using a wet palette helps create smoother and thinner layers.

What is the difference between Citadel Base and Citadel Layer?

Citadel Base is used for the first solid basecoat, while Citadel Layer is used to build highlights and refine colours.

Is Citadel Layer paint only for Warhammer miniatures?

No. These paints are also used for other miniatures, tabletop games, busts and scale models.

Why buy Citadel Layer paint from Scenery Workshop?

Scenery Workshop offers a large range of Citadel Layer colours, making it easy to find the exact shades you need for your miniature painting projects.