Citadel Shade paint is designed to add shadows and depth to miniatures. In this category you will find a wide range of Citadel Shade washes in the familiar 18ml pots, including popular colours such as Nuln Oil, Agrax Earthshade, Reikland Fleshshade and Seraphim Sepia. These thin acrylic washes naturally flow into the recesses of a model, highlighting details, panel lines and textures. For many hobbyists, using a wash is one of the fastest ways to add contrast and realism to a miniature. At Scenery Workshop, Citadel Shade paints are among the most commonly used products for painting Warhammer miniatures, tabletop armies and display models.

What is Citadel Shade paint?

Citadel Shade paint is a water-based acrylic wash designed to flow into the recesses of a miniature. Because of its thin consistency, the paint naturally settles into grooves, seams and textured details on the model. This creates natural shadows without needing to paint them manually.

These paints are part of the Citadel Colour system and are typically used after applying base colours and layering. By applying a Shade over the miniature, details become more visible and the model gains stronger contrast. The paint comes in pots of around 18ml, which is enough for painting many miniatures.

Why hobbyists use Citadel Shade paint

Miniature painters use Citadel Shade paint because it is a quick and effective way to create shadows and depth. Even simple paint jobs can immediately look more realistic after applying a wash.

Citadel Shade paint is commonly used for:

• Shading armour panels
• Enhancing sculpted details
• Aging metal surfaces
• Deepening skin tones and fabrics
• Creating natural contrast on miniatures

When applied over a base colour, the wash darkens the recesses while leaving raised areas lighter. This instantly gives miniatures a more three-dimensional appearance. At Scenery Workshop many hobbyists consider Citadel Shade an essential step in the miniature painting process.

How to use Citadel Shade paint for miniatures or scale models

Citadel Shade paint is usually applied after a miniature has been primed and painted with base colours or layers. Apply the wash generously with a brush and allow it to flow into the details.

It is important to manage excess wash. If too much paint pools on flat surfaces it may cause staining. Many hobbyists spread the wash across the model first and then remove excess paint with a clean brush.

A common technique is to use different washes for different materials. Dark washes are often used for metal or mechanical parts, while warmer shades work well for skin, leather and cloth. Scale modellers also use washes to highlight panel lines or add subtle weathering effects.

What to consider when choosing Citadel Shade paint

When choosing Citadel Shade paint it is helpful to consider the base colour and the type of shading effect you want to achieve. Some washes create neutral shadows, while others also tint the surface with colour.

The range includes several types of washes such as:

• Dark washes for metallic and mechanical surfaces
• Brown washes for leather, wood and earthy tones
• Reddish washes for skin tones
• Sepia washes for warm shadows
• Green or blue washes for special effects

Because each wash produces a different effect, many painters combine several shades in their painting workflow. At Scenery Workshop you can easily choose the Citadel Shade colours that fit your miniatures, terrain pieces or scale models.

Frequently asked questions about Citadel Shade paint

What does a Citadel Shade wash do?

A wash flows into the recesses of a miniature and automatically creates shadows, making details more visible.

Do you use Citadel Shade paint straight from the pot?

Yes. Citadel Shade paints are already formulated to be used directly as washes.

When should you apply Citadel Shade during painting?

Usually after applying base colours and layers, so the wash can add shadows and contrast.

Can Citadel Shade paint be used for scale models?

Yes. Many scale modellers use washes to highlight panel lines or add subtle weathering effects.

Why buy Citadel Shade paint from Scenery Workshop?

Scenery Workshop offers a wide range of Citadel Shade washes, making it easy to find the right shading colours for your miniature painting projects.