Learn how to transfer your Citadel Paints to Dropper Bottles and keep them from drying out, thickening up, or taking up too much space!
Updated February 12th, 2025, by Rob Baer with the latest information and links.
Citadel paint pots are not your friends. They dry out, clog up, and waste paint faster than you can say, “Why is my favorite shade now a crusty mess?” If you’re tired of scraping dried bits from the rim or losing paint to poorly sealed lids, it’s time to switch things up.
Dropper bottles fix all of this. They keep paint fresh, make mixing easier, and let you control how much you use without the constant fear of knocking over an open pot. No more wasted paint, no more thickened sludge, and no more frustration mid-project.
Making the switch is simple, and with the right supplies—15ml or 30ml dropper bottles, flow improver, and mixing balls—you’ll be set up for success. Let’s go step by step and get those paints transferred the right way. Your hobby station will thank you!
You can watch our video to see how to do it or read our highlights below. Let’s learn how to make our own Citadel GW Paint dropper bottles!
The Problem with Citadel & Classic Paint Pots
Let’s talk about something that’s been irritating hobbyists for years—Citadel paint pots. You know the struggle. You pop one open, do your best to carefully scoop some paint onto your palette, and before you know it, there’s more drying around the lid than on your model. It’s a race against time, and the paint usually wins.
If you’ve ever lost a perfect shade of red because the lid refused to close properly, you’re not alone. These pots seem designed to waste paint. They dry out fast, they make mixing a pain, and they take up way too much space. Try shaking a Citadel pot to remix separated pigment, and you’ll end up with paint on your fingers, your desk, and probably your cat.
And don’t even get me started on Contrast Paints. These come in larger pots, but the same issues apply. They thicken up over time, and before long, that once-smooth formula becomes a gloopy mess.
Good news: There’s an easy fix.
The Benefits of Dropper Bottles for Hobby Paints
Imagine a world where your paints stay fresh, mix perfectly, and pour smoothly every time. That’s the magic of dropper bottles.
1. Precision and Control
Ever tried to get a tiny drop of paint from a Citadel pot? Not happening. Dropper bottles give you complete control over how much paint you use. Whether you’re mixing colors or thinning them down for airbrushing, a few well-measured drops make life much easier.
2. No More Dried-Out Paints
Those screw-on caps actually seal the bottle properly, keeping air out and extending the life of your paint. No more scraping dried-up sludge off the rim of your favorite shade.
3. Less Waste, More Savings
Citadel paints aren’t cheap. When a third of the pot is lost to evaporation or dried-up bits on the lid, that’s money down the drain. By switching to dropper bottles, you’ll get every last drop out of your paints.
4. Mixing Becomes a Breeze
Drop in a couple of mixing balls, give the bottle a shake, and you’re ready to go. No more endless stirring with a brush, hoping to break up that weird, chunky layer at the bottom. And if you use flow improver, you’ll keep your paints smooth and easy to work with.
5. Better Organization and Storage
Citadel pots are bulky and awkwardly shaped. Dropper bottles take up less space, stack neatly, and are easier to organize. Plus, with clear labels, you’ll never have to guess which shade you’re grabbing mid-project.
What You Need for Transferring Paint to Dropper Bottles
Tired of wasting perfectly good paint? Moving your Citadel paints into dropper bottles is the easiest way to keep them fresh, easy to mix, and ready to use. But before getting started, you’ll need the right tools.
Essential Supplies for the Transfer Process
Mess-free paint transfers don’t just happen. A few simple supplies will make the job faster and keep your paints in perfect condition.
Dropper Bottle Sizes – Which One to Use?
Not all paints fit neatly into the same bottle size. 15ml dropper bottles are the go-to for most standard Citadel paints, matching brands like Vallejo and The Army Painter. If you’re working with Contrast Paints or larger Citadel pots, you’ll need 30ml bottles to avoid overfilling.
Flow Improver – Why It’s Necessary
Thick, stubborn paint can be a nightmare to transfer. A few drops of flow improver help keep everything moving smoothly, preventing clogs and making it easier to mix later. It also keeps your paint from thickening over time, saving you from the dreaded “shaking for five minutes only to get lumpy paint” problem.
Mixing Balls – A Must-Have for Smooth Paint
Dropper bottles make mixing easier, but you’ll still need mixing balls to get the best results. Stainless steel options work best, helping to break up pigment that settles over time. Toss one or two into each bottle, and a quick shake will do the rest.
Where to Buy Paint Dropper Bottles and Supplies
Before we get into the process of switching your Citadel paints over to easy-to-use dropper bottles, here’s what you need:
- 15ml Dropper Bottles
- 30ml Dropper Bottles (for contrast and large pots)
- Vallejo Flow Improver
- The Army Painter Mixing Balls
A bag of 50 dropper bottles from Amazon is perfect to get you started. 15mL is a great start but can be a little small when transferring Citadel Contrast paints, so if that’s the majority of your collection, you’ll want the 30ml droppers. The 15ml is the standard Vallejo and Army Painter dropper bottle size, so if you don’t feel like doing this, just go grab some of their paints!
Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Paint to Dropper Bottles
Switching Citadel paint pots to dropper bottles is one of the easiest ways to cut down on wasted paint, messy spills, and constant lid struggles. The process is simple, but a few smart tricks will keep things running smoothly and prevent frustration.
Step 1: Prepare Your Paint and Tools
A little prep work goes a long way. Getting everything set up before you start will make the process faster and a lot less messy (see all the hobby tools you could need here).
What You’ll Need:
✔ Dropper bottles – 15ml for standard paints, 30ml for Contrast paints or large pots
✔ Flow improver – Keeps paint smooth and easy to pour
✔ Mixing balls – Helps prevent separation
✔ Hobby clippers or a craft knife – Snipping the Citadel pot lid is easier than prying it off
✔ A funnel or pipette – Optional, but makes transfers cleaner
Snipping Off the Citadel Paint Lid
Citadel paint pots aren’t designed for easy transfers, so prying the lid off often leads to spilled paint and regret. Instead, use hobby clippers or a sharp blade to snip the plastic hinge on the lid. This gives you full access to the paint inside without awkwardly trying to hold the lid open while pouring.
Adding Flow Improver and Mixing Balls
Before transferring, add a few drops of flow improver to the original pot. This helps thin thickened paint and makes it easier to transfer. Toss in one or two stainless steel mixing balls to keep the paint from settling over time. Give the pot a good shake before moving on to the next step
Step 2: Transferring Paint to Dropper Bottles Safely
Now comes the part where things can get messy—unless you take your time and do it right.
Best Pouring Techniques to Avoid Spills
Pouring directly from a Citadel pot into a small bottle is a test of patience and coordination. Slow and steady wins here. Tilt the pot and let the paint flow naturally rather than squeezing or forcing it out. If the paint is too thick, let it settle for a moment, then try again.
Using a Funnel for Clean Transfers
For an even cleaner process, use a small funnel or pipette. Funnels help direct the flow and prevent spills, while pipettes allow for precision when dealing with thicker paints. Either option will make the job easier, especially if you’re transferring multiple colors.
Step 3: Labeling and Storing Your New Dropper Bottles
Once the paint is safely in the bottle, the last thing you want is to mix up your shades.
Peeling and Reusing Citadel Labels
Instead of guessing which shade is which, peel the original label off the Citadel pot and stick it onto the dropper bottle. If it doesn’t come off cleanly, write the paint name on masking tape and apply it to the bottle.
Organizing Your Paints for Easy Access
Now that everything is in dropper bottles, storage becomes much easier. Arrange them by color, label them clearly, and keep them upright to prevent leaks. A well-organized paint station saves time and frustration during projects.
Pro Tips for Using Dropper Bottles Efficiently
How to Prevent Paint from Drying in Dropper Bottles
The whole point of using dropper bottles is to avoid dried-up paint disasters, but even these handy containers need a little care to stay in peak condition.
Proper Storage Techniques
Keeping bottles upright is a small habit that makes a big difference. This prevents paint from creeping into the nozzle and drying out. If a bottle has been sitting for a while, give it a shake before opening to keep pigment and medium mixed properly.
The Role of Flow Improver in Keeping Paint Fresh
Adding flow improver before transferring paint into a dropper bottle helps prevent it from thickening over time. Just a few drops can make sure paint stays smooth, mixes easily, and doesn’t clog the nozzle. For bottles that see less frequent use, an occasional shake will keep things from settling too much.
How to Fix Thick or Separated Paint in Dropper Bottles
Even with the best care, some paints settle or thicken. That doesn’t mean they’re ruined—just that they need a little attention.
Shaking Techniques
A good shake is the first fix. Mixing balls help break up settled pigment and keep things consistent. If shaking alone doesn’t do the trick, rolling the bottle between your hands can work the paint back into shape. Or, you can always use a Vortex Mixer as well.
Adding Mediums to Restore Consistency
If paint is still too thick, adding a little flow improver or thinner can bring it back to life. Start with a small amount and mix thoroughly before adding more. This keeps the paint usable without making it too watery.
Taking care of dropper bottles is easy with a little attention, keeping paints fresh and ready to go whenever inspiration strikes
FAQs About Transferring Paint to Dropper Bottles
Switching Citadel paints to dropper bottles makes life easier, but a few common questions pop up along the way. Here’s what you need to know before making the switch.
Can You Use Vallejo or Army Painter Bottles?
If you’ve got empty Vallejo or Army Painter bottles lying around, they can work just fine for transferring paint. Just make sure they’re cleaned out properly before refilling them. If you prefer to start fresh, a pack of 15ml or 30ml dropper bottles is an easy solution.
Do Dropper Bottles Work for Contrast Paints?
Yes, but go with 30ml bottles instead of 15ml. Contrast Paints have a thinner consistency and larger Citadel pots, so smaller bottles might overflow. Adding a mixing ball will keep the pigments blended, and a little flow improver helps maintain the right consistency.
What’s the Best Way to Clean Old Dropper Bottles?
If you’re reusing old bottles, rinse them with warm water and dish soap to remove leftover paint. For stubborn residue, fill the bottle with water, shake it up with a mixing ball, then let it soak before rinsing again. If you need a deeper clean, isopropyl alcohol works wonders on dried paint
Final Thoughts:
Making the switch to paint dropper bottles cuts down on wasted paint, clogged lids, and messy spills. The process takes a little time, but the payoff is worth it. Longer-lasting paints, better control, and easier mixing make this a solid upgrade for any hobby setup.
Ready to get started? Grab some dropper bottles, mixing balls, and flow improver, and give it a try! Your paints (and your patience) will thank you
Get the Supplies to Transfer Your Paints with the Links Below:
30ml Dropper Bottles (for contrast and large pots)
Transferring Contrast Paints to Dropper Bottles
So, will you transfer your Citadel Paints to Dropper Bottles now?
Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
