Match your Citadel Paints with these free color conversion chart PDFs for flawless layering, organizing, and painting your Games Workshop Warhammer miniatures!
Updated November 17th, 2024, by Rob Baer with new information and links to relevant content.
Warhammer miniatures are the ultimate blank canvas for painters who want to bring their army to life. But before you can make your Space Marines gleam with honor or your Orks ooze grime and chaos, you’ll need to get acquainted with the Citadel Paint Chart. These trusty guides serves as the holy book of miniature painting, a roadmap to navigating Citadel’s labyrinth of colors.
Convert Old Citadel Colors to New
If you’ve been in the Warhammer hobby for a while, you’ve probably experienced the chaos of Citadel’s paint range changes over the years. One minute you’re hoarding pots of your favorite Blood Red, and the next, it’s been discontinued and replaced with Evil Sunz Scarlet.
Fortunately, Citadel has a color chart conversion system that helps you navigate these changes, and we’ve got just the thing to keep your paint rack organized.
Free PDF Download of the Citadel Paint Color Chart
Need a quick guide to figure out whether that old pot of Snot Green is now Warpstone Glow? You’re in luck because they have this Citadel paint conversion chart, which you can download here. Think of it as your pocket companion for navigating the modern Citadel paint range while giving a nod to the classics.
This handy reference is a must for hobbyists who find themselves digging through a pile of old Citadel paints or want to maintain consistency in their army’s look. The days of guessing whether your Space Marine was originally painted with Regal Blue or Kantor Blue are over.
Now, you can convert your beloved old paints to their newer equivalents and keep your army cohesive. Plus, let’s be honest; it feels pretty great not to spend hours on the internet hunting for paint conversion answers!
Tips for Perfect Color Matching & Organization
Whether you’re new to Warhammer or you’ve been converting your spare bedroom into a hobbyist’s bunker for years, this chart is key to getting the most out of your paints.
And hey, Citadel didn’t make things easy over the years, with their old paint names evolving into new, more dramatic titles. A quick paint conversion chart is essential if you’re ever confused about whether you’re supposed to be using Mephiston Red or some elusive blood-red cousin from 2009. So, let’s break down this chart and get you ready to paint miniatures like the true commander of the battlefield you are.
Understanding the Citadel Paint Chart: A Breakdown of Paint Types
When you step into the realm of miniature painting, you’re quickly hit with a variety of paints, all labeled for different stages. No need to panic, though; each one has a specific job in mind. Let’s lay them out one by one.
Base Paints
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At the core of any good paint job is the base coat. Without it, your miniature looks like a half-formed idea, a warrior without armor. Citadel’s Base Paints are thick, rich in pigment, and cover even the darkest undercoats like a dream. Think of them as the foundation for your masterpiece.
Let’s take Mephiston Red, for instance. You’re painting a Blood Angel Space Marine, and that fiery red needs to burst forth in all its crimson glory. Slap some Mephiston Red on there, and boom—your mini’s starting to look battle-ready. The beauty of these base paints is that they provide excellent coverage while setting the stage for later highlights and shading.
Want to see the entire range of Citadel base paints? The Citadel Color Chart is your map to all the possibilities.
Layer Paints
Once your base is down, it’s time to elevate things with Layer Paints. These are the subtle artists of the bunch, designed to bring out the nuances in your miniatures by building up highlights and adding depth. Unlike base paints, which scream “Look at me!”, layer paints are like whispers, making sure your mini doesn’t look flat or one-dimensional.
For example, once your Blood Angel is decked out in Mephiston Red, why not go in with some Evil Sunz Scarlet to start adding highlights? You’re not going for a jarring change—just a little nudge that makes the colors pop.
Layer paints are perfect for blending and creating smooth transitions between tones, making your miniatures look like they’ve stepped out of a Warhammer cinematic.
Shade Paints
Now we get to the secret sauce of miniature painting—Shade Paints. These paints are the unsung heroes, the ones that add shadow and depth without making you pull your hair out in frustration. Designed to flow into the recesses of your models, they automatically create that gorgeous shading effect that makes every little detail stand out.
Let’s talk about the all-powerful Nuln Oil. This dark, watery wonder is the go-to for practically every painter. Got some silver armor on your Space Marine? Give it a wash with Nuln Oil, and suddenly that armor looks like it’s seen the front lines.
Whether you’re painting metallics, cloth, or skin, shades can turn a basic paint job into a gritty, battle-worn masterpiece. Pro tip: Don’t overdo it. Let the shade settle into the cracks and recesses for maximum effect.
Contrast Paints
In a hurry to field your army, or just looking to simplify your painting process? Enter Contrast Paints—Citadel’s shortcut to beautiful, tabletop-ready models with minimal effort. These paints are magical little concoctions that combine a base coat and shade in one go, meaning you don’t have to go back and forth with different layers.
Take Blood Angels Red, for example. In one stroke, you get vibrant color and natural shading, all with a single brush. Perfect for anyone looking to pump out an army quickly or even for beginners who don’t want to mess around with too many techniques.
Contrast paints save time, but they still give you the depth that makes your miniatures look professional. However, Contrast paints do have a bit of a learning curve. You need to make sure they pool in the right places, or things can look a little messy. Use them wisely!
Dry Paints
Dry brushing is the secret trick that makes your miniatures look like they’ve been through the thick of battle. Enter Dry Paints. These are thick, almost chalky paints that you apply sparingly to your brush before lightly dragging it across the surface of your mini.
Need an example? Take Necron Compound—a metallic dry paint that’s perfect for adding weathering effects to armor or weapons. Just brush it over the edges of your mini, and suddenly it looks like it’s seen some real action.
Dry paints are great for creating that worn, battle-tested look that’s essential for Warhammer models. The trick here is subtlety—too much paint, and you’ll ruin the effect. Too little, and it won’t show up. But once you master it, dry brushing becomes one of the most satisfying techniques out there.
Latest Citadel Color Paint Chart
Citadel has come a long way since the days of Goblin Green bases, and your collection of paints probably spans multiple generations of their range. Luckily, there’s a clear path to finding the modern equivalent of the colors and how to choose yours! This Citadel Color Chart PDF will have your answers, and it is up on Games Workshop’s site, or you can grab it here.
Red Paints
Warhammer wouldn’t be Warhammer without bold, bloody reds, and Citadel has gone through its fair share of red paint iterations over the years. Case in point: Blood Red. This fiery hue was the go-to for everything from Blood Angels to Chaos Knights, but it’s since been retired and replaced by Evil Sunz Scarlet.
Fear not; this new shade brings the same intensity, perfect for making your minis stand out on the battlefield.
Blue Paints
Few colors are as iconic in Warhammer lore as Ultramarines Blue. It’s the color of the most stoic, noble faction in the Imperium, after all. But if you’re wondering what to do with that old pot of Ultramarines Blue, the modern equivalent you’re looking for is Altdorf Guard Blue. It’s still a stunning choice for loyalist Space Marines, bringing the same rich, heroic tone as its predecessor.
Don’t forget about the other blue shades in the range. For example, Regal Blue, a classic dark blue often seen on Imperial armor, has now morphed into Kantor Blue. Whether you’re painting Imperial Navy or a grimdark knight, Kantor’s got your back.
Green Paints
Orks and Nurgle lovers, listen up. You probably remember the vibrant Goblin Green—a shade synonymous with Warhammer in its early days. Well, it’s been reimagined as Warboss Green, which gives you the same electric vibe but in Citadel’s more refined formula. Whether you’re slapping it onto Ork Boyz or using it for accents on plague-ridden Nurgle beasts, Warboss Green will bring that unmistakable “savage energy” to your models.
Meanwhile, Camo Green has been replaced by Elysian Green, and Snot Green has morphed into Warpstone Glow—a perfect color for anyone who wants to emphasize the manic energy of their Skaven or Greenskins.
Grey and Metallic Paints
Metallics and greys are the unsung heroes of miniature painting. Whether you’re trying to get that battle-worn look on a suit of power armor or dry brushing some dirt on a tank, these colors do the heavy lifting. Old-timers might remember Boltgun Metal, one of the most iconic metallic paints Citadel ever made.
It’s now known as Leadbelcher, a name just as gritty and powerful as its predecessor. This paint is ideal for any project that requires a touch of industrial strength—perfect for those grimy weapons or clunky tank treads.
Similarly, Codex Grey (once the go-to neutral grey) has been revamped as Dawnstone. Whether you’re painting Space Wolves or a weathered fortress wall, Dawnstone has you covered.
Tips Beginners: How to Use the Right Paints
If you’re new to painting Warhammer miniatures, the Citadel Paint Color Chart might look a little like ancient arcane text. But don’t worry—decoding it isn’t as hard as summoning a Daemon. With the right paints and a little patience, you’ll turn that grey plastic into a work of art worthy of the Emperor.
Let’s break down how to pick the best combination of base, layer, and shade paints, so your miniatures can dominate the tabletop both in battle and style.
How to Choose Base, Layer, and Shade Combinations
Getting the right color scheme for your miniatures is half the battle, and Citadel’s paint system is built to make that easy. To start, you’ll need a base paint—this is the core color that forms the heart of your model. Think of it like setting the stage for what’s to come.
Let’s say you’re painting an Ultramarine. Your first step is to grab Macragge Blue as your base coat. This iconic color is perfect for that rich, loyalist blue. Once it’s on and dry, it’s time to add some depth.
Reach for Altdorf Guard Blue, a layer paint designed to highlight the armor’s raised surfaces and edges. Just a light touch on the edges will make the blue look more vibrant and natural.
Finally, we need to shade the model to bring out the fine details. Drakenhof Nightshade is perfect here—it flows into the recesses, giving shadows to the armor’s crevices and making those Ultramarine pauldrons look like they’ve weathered the long war. These three paints—Macragge Blue, Altdorf Guard Blue, and Drakenhof Nightshade—work together in harmony to create a striking finish.
Tips for Beginners Using the Citadel Paint & Color Chart
Starting off, you’ll want to use the Citadel Color Chart as your roadmap. It lists all the paints by type, and understanding what each paint does will save you a lot of headaches. First, get familiar with the base-layer-shade system mentioned earlier. It’s a foolproof method for getting great results.
For beginners, the trick is not to overcomplicate things. Pick a simple color scheme and stick to a few colors. For example, if you’re painting Blood Angels, Mephiston Red as a base, Evil Sunz Scarlet as a layer, and Carroburg Crimson for shading will give you a smooth, dramatic look without stressing you out.
If you’re into the Death Guard, things are even easier. Start with Death Guard Green for a nice putrid base, then layer with Nurgling Green to bring out some texture. A wash of Agrax Earthshade will give your plague-ridden marines that grimy, rotting look we all know and love.
Tips for Advanced Miniature Painters
Now, for those who have put a few models under their belt, it’s time to level up your painting skills. Citadel paints offer plenty of advanced techniques, and when used properly, they can turn your miniatures into tabletop masterpieces.
Advanced Techniques with Layer and Shade Paints
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to push the boundaries. Layer paints aren’t just for simple highlights anymore—when used correctly, they can create stunning gradients and depth that will make your miniatures look like they’ve stepped straight off a display shelf.
For example, blending Evil Sunz Scarlet with Wild Rider Red on your Blood Angels will give a smooth transition from shadow to light on their armor. The trick here is thinning your paints with water or medium to create a more transparent layer, allowing the colors to gently transition into one another. Patience is key, but the results are worth it.
Don’t forget about shade paints—they’re not just for quick washes. You can use them with more precision, applying Nuln Oil carefully in small recesses or using Seraphim Sepia for weathering effects on parchment or bones. By focusing on individual areas rather than slathering a wash over the entire model, you’ll bring out those intricate details with a more professional touch.
Dry Brushing and Weathering with Citadel Paints
When it’s time to add those battle-worn effects, dry brushing is the way to go. Dry brushing allows you to simulate wear and tear, making your miniatures look like they’ve just returned from a long campaign.
Here’s a technique: use Necron Compound—a dry metallic paint—to add worn edges to your Space Marine’s armor. Get a dry brush (literally a brush that’s almost devoid of paint) and lightly sweep it over raised areas. The dry particles will catch on the edges and create the illusion of chipped paint and worn metal.
For weathering effects, don’t be shy with Typhus Corrosion. This textured paint adds grit and grime to your models. Whether you’re painting a rusty old Imperial Knight or a chaos-tainted tank, a little Typhus Corrosion followed by a light dry brush of Ryza Rust will give your models that perfect war-torn look.
Citadel Paint App: Digital Tools for Color Matching
Warhammer miniatures are an art form, and like any art, getting the right colors is essential. Luckily, the Citadel Paint App is here to take the guesswork out of color matching and layering. This isn’t just another app clogging up your phone storage; it’s a handy tool that turns you into a miniature-painting maestro.
Think of it as a personal paint assistant that won’t complain when you spend too long debating between Macragge Blue and Altdorf Guard Blue.
Overview of Citadel Paint App Features
The Citadel Paint App is designed to complement the Citadel Paint Color Chart perfectly. It’s like having the whole Citadel paint range at your fingertips, minus the need to thumb through a physical chart covered in paint splatters. Whether you’re a hobbyist with a modest collection or someone who owns more paint pots than models (you know who you are), this app helps keep your colors organized.
One of the app’s key features is its color-matching tool. If you’re unsure which shade or layer will go best with your current base coat, the app offers suggestions to make your miniature pop. Need a smooth transition from Caledor Sky to Teclis Blue? The app’s got your back. Plus, it keeps track of the paints you already own, saving you from accidentally buying that third pot of Abaddon Black (because we’ve all been there).
Beyond just color suggestions, the app also offers step-by-step painting tutorials. Want to know how to make your Space Marines look like they’ve just stepped off the battlefield? The app provides handy guides for base coating, layering, shading, and even dry brushing. Basically, if your models look fantastic, you’ll owe it partly to the app.
Using the App for Layering and Highlighting
Now, let’s talk about one of the app’s most useful features: layering and highlighting. If you’re looking to bring your miniatures to life with smooth transitions and vibrant highlights, this is where the app shines.
Imagine you’re working on an Astra Militarum unit. You’ve just laid down a nice base coat of Caliban Green. But what comes next? Do you jump straight to a lighter shade, or add a few layers in between? The app suggests using Warpstone Glow as your layer. This combo gives your troops that perfect battle-ready look, with just the right amount of contrast to catch the eye without going overboard.
The app walks you through how to apply each layer, from using thin coats to achieve a smooth gradient to gently brushing over the raised areas for highlights. Your models go from flat to fierce with just a few extra strokes. Check out the app here.
Practical Tips for Organizing Your Citadel Paint Collection
Now that you’ve got all these paints and the app to help manage them, it’s time to figure out how to store them properly. After all, there’s nothing worse than reaching for that pot of Moot Green only to find it dried up and crusty. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.
Best Practices for Storing and Organizing Citadel Paints
First things first: store your paints upright and out of direct sunlight. Yes, I know that Warhammer shelf looks fantastic near the window, but UV rays can cause pigments to break down over time, leaving your colors looking a little… off. If possible, keep your paints in a cool, dry space.
Next up, keep your paint pots tightly sealed. Citadel pots are notorious for drying out if left even slightly open, so make sure that lid is clicked shut. If you’ve got a large collection, it might be worth investing in a paint rack—not only does it look cool, but it keeps your paints easily accessible and organized by color.
Another tip? Shake your pots every now and then. Paint can settle over time, leaving you with weird streaky results if you don’t give it a good mix. Some hobbyists even pop in a small metal ball to act as an agitator—just like a spray can!
Avoiding Common Pitfalls with Citadel Paint Pots
Let’s talk about the Citadel flip-top paint pot, a design as divisive as the Imperium of Man. On the plus side, the wide mouth of the pot gives you easy access to your paint, perfect for when you’re mixing colors or need to dip your brush directly into the pot. But, as we all know, these pots have a few quirks.
One of the main issues is that if you leave the pot open too long, it can dry out faster than you can say “WAAAGH!” That’s why it’s important to use a wet palette or pour the paint onto a tray instead of working directly from the pot. This keeps the lid closed and prevents the dreaded “paint crust.”
If you do want to skip the Citadel normal paint pots and put yours into dropper bottles, check out Rob’s tutorial here.
Another common issue? Spillage. Because of the flip-top design, these pots tend to tip over if you’re not careful. Make sure your workspace is tidy and stable, and consider placing the pot in a small container to keep it upright. This is one battle you can win with just a little bit of planning.
Final Thoughts on the Citadel Paint Charts
So, whether you’re gearing up for your first Warhammer skirmish or you’ve painted enough Space Marines to field an entire chapter, having the right tools makes all the difference. The Citadel Paint App or Charts are your personal paint guide, helping you make those critical color choices, while our tips for storing and handling Citadel paints ensure your collection stays as fresh as your Ork Boyz after a good WAAAGH!
From perfectly layered Ultramarines to battle-worn Chaos tanks, it’s all about finding the balance between order and chaos—both on the battlefield and in your paint rack.
Remember, painting isn’t just a hobby; it’s an art form worthy of the Emperor’s gaze—or, if you’re on the other side of things, Nurgle’s delight. So grab that brush, crack open that pot (carefully), and bring those miniatures to life like the mighty heroes—or grotesque villains—they are. And if things get messy, hey, that’s what Nurgle would want, right?
See the Ultimate Guide To Painting Miniatures
What do you think about the Games Workshop Citadel color and paint conversion charts?
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
