The Magic of Citadel Shades

If you ask any UK hobbyist what their secret weapon is, they’ll invariably point to a pot of Citadel Shade. Shades (commonly referred to as washes) are incredibly thin, pigment-dense paints designed to flow effortlessly into the recesses of your miniatures, creating instant shading, depth, and definition. But the two absolute titans of the range—Nuln Oil and Agrax Earthshade—serve very different, distinct purposes. Knowing when to use which is a cornerstone of great miniature painting.

Nuln Oil: The Cold, Crisp Shadow

Nuln Oil is a black wash. It provides a cold, stark shadow that settles brilliantly into panel lines without muddying the surrounding colours too much. It is absolutely perfect for:

• Silver, gunmetal, and steel (like Leadbelcher).
• Cool colours like crisp blues, stark greys, and cold greens.
• Creating a clean, mechanical, or grimdark look on machinery, engines, and Space Marine armour joints.

Agrax Earthshade: The Warm, Gritty Grime

Agrax Earthshade is a dark, matte brown wash. It creates a warm, dirty shadow that excels at tying disparate elements together and adding a sense of realism and wear. It’s the go-to choice for:

• Gold, brass, and copper metallics, giving them an aged, antique look.
• Warm colours like reds, yellows, and earthy, natural greens.
• Leather straps, skin, bone, and anything you want to look weathered, muddy, or like it has been marching through a UK festival field for three days.

The truth is, every painter needs both in their toolkit. Grab yours from our Citadel Shade collection and see the magic for yourself.