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Citadel Base Paints — Complete Colour Guide | Warhammer Colour

Wheels & Wings Hobbies · Paint Reference

Citadel Base Paints — Warhammer Colour

Complete colour listing · 12ml water-based acrylic · The foundation of the Citadel system · Now branded Warhammer Colour

Step one for every Warhammer paint scheme

Citadel Base paints are the starting point for nearly every painting guide written for Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar. Heavily pigmented and formulated for strong opacity, they establish the main colour of an area in one or two coats over a primed surface. Most colour names in this range refer directly to a specific faction, Chaos Legion, or character — Macragge Blue for Ultramarines, Khorne Red for the World Eaters, Death Guard Green for Nurgle's chosen — so finding the right starting colour for your army is usually straightforward. After Base comes Shade (to add depth to recesses), then Layer (to highlight raised surfaces).

All Base paints are 12ml in Citadel's wide-mouth flip-top pot. Metallics (Retributor Armour, Runelord Brass) are 12ml at a higher price point due to real metal particle content. Click any SKU to check current availability and add to basket.

Format 12ml flip-top pot
Medium Water-based acrylic
Finish Matte
Application Brush · airbrush (thinned)
Colours listed 57

Thinning and using Base paints

Base paints brush straight from the pot over a primed surface. For smooth coverage on large flat areas, thin slightly with water or Lahmian Medium (CIT27-02) — this extends open time and reduces brush marks without sacrificing opacity. For airbrushing, thin to a milky consistency with water or Lahmian Medium; they spray well at around 15–20 psi through a 0.3–0.4mm needle. Apply over Chaos Black, Wraithbone, Grey Seer, or any Citadel Spray primer.

Citadel Base — Full Colour List

Opaque foundation paints for Warhammer 40,000 and Age of Sigmar. Faction application and painting use noted for every colour.

SKU Colour Warhammer Application & Use
Whites & Bone
CIT21-52
Corax White
Near-pure white Base paint. Named for Corax, Primarch of the Raven Guard. Foundation for white Space Marine armour (White Scars, Deathwing, Apothecaries), robes and tabards across all factions, and as a base for extremely bright Contrast paint effects over white surfaces. Best white coverage in the Base range.
CIT21-53
Wraithbone
Warm off-white with a slight cream tone. The standard Contrast paint primer base — all official GW Contrast guides are painted over Wraithbone spray or pot. Essential for Aeldari (Craftworld armour, Wraithguard constructs), Necron bone details, undead and bone work across Age of Sigmar, and parchment scrolls on any faction. Also used as a highlight base for dark-primed models.
CIT21-51
Morghast Bone
Mid-value warm bone tone. Named for the Morghasts — towering skeletal constructs of the Ossiarch Bonereapers. Ideal base for undead bone and skeletal models throughout Age of Sigmar (Nighthaunt, Ossiarch Bonereapers, Flesh-Eater Courts) and 40k (Chaos cultist parchment, Necron bone accents). Follow with Agrax Earthshade and Ushabti Bone highlight.
Yellows & Oranges
CIT21-01
Averland Sunset
Rich, opaque yellow-orange. The definitive yellow base in the Citadel range — used as the starting colour for Imperial Fists Space Marines, Orks (horns, teef, and yellow-armoured Snakebites), and Stormcast Eternals gold armour. One of the best yellow coverage paints available — most yellows require a light primer, but Averland Sunset covers reasonably well over grey.
CIT21-02
Jokaero Orange
Warm, vivid orange. Named for the hyper-intelligent Jokaero aliens of 40k. Base colour for Salamanders Space Marines (deep red-orange armour), Fyrd and Fyreslayer skin, Ork teef and claws, and rust effects on vehicles before Typhus Corrosion and Ryza Rust drybrushing. Also an excellent warm basecoat for fire and flame effects.
CIT21-21
XV-88
Deep ochre-brown. Named for the XV88 Broadside Battlesuit — the definitive base colour for Tau (T'au) Sept armour across the entire range. Also excellent for desert basing, Astra Militarum Cadian equipment straps and pouches, sandy stone terrain for Age of Sigmar Hysh and Shyish-themed armies, and Nurgle rotting bone and horn.
CIT21-16
Zandri Dust
Light, warm khaki. The standard base colour for Tomb Kings and Ossiarch Bonereapers stone constructs, Necron tomb surface textures, Astra Militarum desert schemes (Tallarn, Taurox desert camo), and ancient stonework on ruins and terrain. Also available as a Citadel Spray for fast basecoating entire armies and basing in desert schemes.
Reds & Pinks
CIT21-03
Mephiston Red
Deep, rich crimson. Named for Mephiston, Chief Librarian of the Blood Angels. The standard red base for Blood Angels Space Marines and their successors (Flesh Tearers, Angels Sanguine), Khorne Berserkers armour, and Slaanesh Noise Marine accent panels. Available as a Citadel Spray for fast army basecoating. Shade with Agrax Earthshade or Carroburg Crimson, highlight with Evil Sunz Scarlet and Wild Rider Red.
CIT21-04
Khorne Red
Dark, near-black red. Named directly for Khorne, the Chaos God of Blood and Battle. Base colour for Khorne Berserkers, World Eaters Space Marines, Khorne Bloodbound Age of Sigmar warbands, and deep red daemon skin. Darker and more restrained than Mephiston Red — used for shadow areas in layered red schemes. Shade with Agrax Earthshade for an aged, blood-soaked effect.
CIT21-41
Gal Vorbak Red
Very deep maroon-red. Named for the Gal Vorbak — possessed Word Bearers Marines from the Horus Heresy. The darkest red in the Base range; ideal for Word Bearers Chaos Space Marines, dark Chaos Cultist robes, gore-caked armour recesses, and Khorne Daemon Prince flesh as a basecoat shadow tone. Rarely used alone — works best as the deepest shadow in a multi-stage red progression.
CIT21-33
Screamer Pink
Deep, muted rose-pink. Named for the Screamer daemons of Tzeentch. Base colour for Slaanesh Chaos Space Marines (Emperor's Children), Hedonite mortal warbands in Age of Sigmar, Daemon Prince and Keeper of Secrets skin, and Tzeentch pink horrors as a dark flesh shadow tone. Shade with Druchii Violet; highlight through Pink Horror and Emperor's Children Layer paints.
Purples
CIT21-05
Naggaroth Night
Very dark purple, almost black. Named for Naggaroth, the fortress-city of the Druchii (Dark Elves). Base colour for Daughters of Khaine armour and robes, Drukhari Dark Eldar armour plates, Slaanesh daemon-skin shadow areas, and Night Lords Chaos Space Marines accent panels. The deepest purple in the Base range — used as a shadow tone in lighter purple schemes.
CIT21-06
Daemonette Hide
Mid-value muted purple-grey. Named for the Daemonettes — the seductive lesser daemons of Slaanesh. The foundational skin tone for Slaanesh daemons (Daemonettes, Fiends, Keepers of Secrets), Hedonite mortal flesh in Age of Sigmar, and Noise Marine skin. Pairs with Druchii Violet shade and Slaanesh Grey highlight for the classic GW daemon flesh look.
CIT21-39
Phoenician Purple
Deep, saturated violet. Named for the Phoenician — the epithet of Fulgrim, Primarch of the Emperor's Children. Base colour for Emperor's Children Chaos Space Marines, Slaanesh Keeper of Secrets armour, and rich purple daemon robes. Richer and more vibrant than Naggaroth Night — use when you want a bold purple statement rather than a shadow base.
CIT21-49
Barak-Nar Burgundy
Dark wine-red burgundy. Named for Barak-Nar, the largest of the Kharadron Overlord sky-ports. The primary armour base for Kharadron Overlords in Age of Sigmar. Also useful for dark robes on Chaos Sorcerers, vampire court regalia in Soulblight Gravelords, and Inquisitorial cloaks. Shade with Druchii Violet for depth.
Blues
CIT21-08
Macragge Blue
Classic Ultramarine blue. Named for Macragge, home world of the Ultramarines. The definitive starting colour for Ultramarines and most blue Space Marine chapters (Praetors, Mortifactors, Novamarines). Available as a Citadel Spray for batch army priming. Shade with Nuln Oil or Drakenhof Nightshade; highlight through Calgar Blue to Alaitoc Blue and Hoeth Blue.
CIT21-07
Kantor Blue
Very dark navy blue. Named for Captain Kantor of the Crimson Fists. The base for Crimson Fists armour and any very dark blue space marine scheme. Also the shadow colour in Ultramarine armour recesses, and the base for Idoneth Deepkin wave-crests and dark water effects in Age of Sigmar. Darker and cooler than Macragge Blue.
CIT21-09
Caledor Sky
Mid-value bright blue. Named for Caledor, the Dragon Kingdom of the High Elves. Used for Aeldari Wraithguard/Wraithlord armour highlights, Tzeentch Disc riders and Blue Horror basecoats, Space Wolves armour accent panels, and Lumineth Realm-lords Hysh blue robes. Sits between Kantor Blue and the lighter Layer blues — a versatile intermediate tone.
CIT21-36
Thousand Sons Blue
Distinctive teal-blue. Named for the Thousand Sons Chaos Space Marine Legion dedicated to Tzeentch. The primary armour base for Thousand Sons, Tzeentch daemons (Lords of Change, Flamers), and Ahriman-themed warbands. A unique colour in the range — unmistakably Tzeentch in tone. Highlight with Ahriman Blue and Hoeth Blue; shade with Drakenhof Nightshade.
CIT21-32
The Fang
Dark blue-grey. Named for The Fang — the Space Wolves fortress-monastery on Fenris. Created specifically for Space Wolves armour and the only official GW starting colour for the Chapter's distinctive grey-blue scheme. Shade with Nuln Oil; highlight through Russ Grey to Fenrisian Grey for the classic Space Wolves progression.
CIT21-42
Night Lords Blue
Deep midnight blue. Named for the Night Lords — the terror-tactician Chaos Space Marine Legion. Base armour colour for Night Lords warbands, Chaos Undivided models with dark blue schemes, and as a shadow tone in deep blue-black fantasy armour across Age of Sigmar. Very dark — practically black-blue — best used alongside lighter layers to build contrast.
Greens
CIT21-12
Caliban Green
Very dark forest green. Named for Caliban, the lost home world of the Dark Angels. The definitive starting colour for Dark Angels Space Marines armour. Also used for Sylvaneth bark and deep woodland foliage in Age of Sigmar, as the dark anchor tone in multi-stage Ork skin progressions, and for Death Guard armour recesses alongside Death Guard Green.
CIT21-37
Death Guard Green
Muted, desaturated olive-green. The primary armour base for Death Guard Chaos Space Marines — the decayed, plague-bearing Legion of Mortarion. Also the starting colour for Nurgle Rotbringers and Maggotkin Age of Sigmar warbands, corrupted Plague Marines, and any model that needs a disease-ravaged, rotting green look. Available as a Citadel Spray. Shade with Agrax Earthshade; highlight with Elysian Green.
CIT21-13
Waaagh! Flesh
Dark, muted mid-green. Named for the Ork battle-cry. The starting base colour for Ork skin across both Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar (Ironjawz, Bonesplitterz, Kruleboyz). Shade with Biel-Tan Green Shade; highlight through Warboss Green to Moot Green for the classic Ork skin ladder. Also used for Grot skin as a mid-tone highlight.
CIT21-56
Orruk Flesh
Lighter, brighter green than Waaagh! Flesh. Designed for Ironjawz and Kruleboyz Orruk skin in Age of Sigmar — brighter and more vivid than the 40k Ork skin progression. A mid-tone for large areas of Orruk muscle before Warboss Green and Moot Green highlights. Also useful for Sylvaneth spirit-glow effects and Nurgle slime tones.
CIT21-14
Castellan Green
Deep military olive-green. The base colour for Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) Catachan Jungle Fighters uniforms and equipment, Tempestus Scions fatigues, and Cadian flak armour in jungle or forest colour schemes. Also used for forest basing and undergrowth on any army, and as an alternative Ork skin shade for a darker, more weathered look.
CIT21-15
Death World Forest
Mid-value greyish-green. A muted, natural green used for jungle camouflage on Death World veteran models, Catachan jungle patterning, and grass and foliage on basing across all armies. Also works well as moss and lichen on stone ruins, Sylvaneth bark highlights, and Nurgle terrain. A versatile natural green for any outdoor-themed base or terrain piece.
CIT21-10
Stegadon Scale Green
Dark teal-green. Named for the Stegadon — the massive armoured dinosaur mount of the Seraphon. Foundation colour for Seraphon (Lizardmen) scales, Idoneth Deepkin Allopex and sea-creature skin, and Skinks. Also used for deep water effects, Nighthaunt cloak lining, and as a shadow base under brighter turquoise and teal schemes.
CIT21-43
Nocturne Green
Very deep, almost black dark green. Named for Nocturne, the volcanic death world home of the Salamanders Space Marines. The deep shadow and recess colour in Salamanders armour schemes, also useful for dense jungle foliage basing and the darkest tones on Sylvaneth models. Pairs with Death Guard Green or Castellan Green as mid-tones.
CIT21-45
Lupercal Green
Dark, cool grey-green. Named for Lupercal — the personal epithet of Horus, Warmaster and Primarch of the Sons of Horus. The primary armour base for Sons of Horus (pre-Heresy and Chaos), and the Horus Heresy-era Sons of Horus Chaos Space Marine warband. A very specific, unique colour unavailable elsewhere in the Citadel range. Shade with Nuln Oil; highlight with Sons of Horus Green Layer paint.
Browns, Skin & Leather
CIT21-20
Mournfang Brown
Warm, rich dark red-brown. Named for the Mournfang — the massive cavalry beast of the Ogors. The go-to base for leather across the entire hobby: weapon pouches, sword grips, boots, belts, and straps on any faction. Also used for Khorne Berserker leather, Savage Orruk hide, and Beastmen fur. Shade with Agrax Earthshade; highlight with Skrag Brown.
CIT21-22
Rhinox Hide
Very dark brown, almost chocolate. Named for the Rhinox, the horned beast of the Ogors. The darkest brown Base paint — used for deep leather shadow, wood grain basecoats (weapon hafts, staffs, palisades), and deep fur on Chaos Warhounds and Beastmen. Pairs with Mournfang Brown as a mid-tone and Skrag Brown as a highlight for dark leather.
CIT21-58
Thondia Brown
Mid warm brown. Named for Thondia — the Ghurish Heartlands realm in Age of Sigmar. Designed for earthy, natural Age of Sigmar models from Ghur (Realm of Beasts): Kruleboyz, Gutbusters, and Chaos warbands. An excellent mid-tone leather and fur brown for high-volume batch painting, and versatile earth-toned basing.
CIT21-23
Dryad Bark
Very dark brown, almost black. Named for the Dryads — the tree-spirits of the Sylvaneth. The base colour for Sylvaneth bark skin, Treelord branches, and Alarielle's organic armour. Also widely used for wood grain on weapon hafts, Ork wood, and deep recesses in basing and terrain. One of the darkest browns available — works well as a base before lighter wood or bark tones.
CIT21-57
Hobgrot Hide
Mid yellowish-khaki. Named for the Hobgrots — the sneaky Chaos Duardin allies of the Kruleboyz. Designed for Hobgrot skin in Age of Sigmar, and also excellent for Grot (Goblin) skin in 40k, Skaven ratman skin highlights, desert robes on Astra Militarum, and sandy terrain basing.
CIT21-18
Bugman's Glow
Warm, terracotta-pink. Named for Bugman's Brewery — the famous Dwarf/Duardin ale-house. The classic dark skin tone base in the Citadel range — used for Duardin (Dwarf) skin, darker human skin on Astra Militarum Catachans, tribal fighters, and any model requiring a warm, earthy flesh base. Shade with Reikland Fleshshade; highlight with Cadian Fleshtone and Kislev Flesh.
CIT21-19
Ratskin Flesh
Mid warm pink-flesh. Named for the Ratskins — a Necromunda gang. Lighter mid-tone skin than Bugman's Glow. Used for Skaven skin, Beastmen and Ungor flesh, mid-tone human skin, and any model between the dark Bugman's Glow base and lighter Cadian Fleshtone. Also the base for Chaos Cultist and tribal human models in a mid-flesh scheme.
CIT21-50
Catachan Flesh
Muted brown-flesh. Named for the Catachan Jungle Fighters — the notoriously tough Imperial Guard regiment. A dark, weathered flesh base designed for heavily muscled, sun-baked skin — Catachan Guardsmen, Khorne mortal warriors, and Orruk Brutes with human-toned skin patches. Grittier and less pink than Bugman's Glow.
CIT21-38
Ionrach Skin
Cool grey-green. Named for the Ionrach — one of the Idoneth Deepkin Enclaves. The specific base for Idoneth Deepkin skin — their aquatic, ghostly pallor. Also excellent for the skin of undead and ethereal models, Nighthaunt spirit flesh, and Gloomhaven-style pale spectral figures. Unique in the range — no other Citadel Base matches this cool, desaturated green-grey flesh tone.
CIT21-27
Rakarth Flesh
Light, pale greyish-flesh. Named for Rakarth — a Drukhari Beastmaster. The standard light skin base in the Citadel range for pale, northern, or undead-adjacent human skin. Used on Aeldari Eldar, Vampire Counts (Soulblight Gravelords) noble skin, Drukhari Dark Eldar flesh, and high-born human characters. Shade with Reikland Fleshshade or Seraphim Sepia; highlight with Flayed One Flesh and Pallid Wych Flesh.
CIT21-17
Steel Legion Drab
Muted khaki-brown. Named for the Steel Legion — the Astra Militarum regiment from Armageddon. The standard base for Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) fatigues, flak armour, and webbing across most regiments. One of the most-used paints in any Imperial army collection. Also valuable for basing earth and soil, Nurgle cultist clothing, and Age of Sigmar human fighter garb.
CIT21-40
Death Korps Drab
Dark, muted brown-grey. Named for the Death Korps of Krieg — the grim, gas-masked Astra Militarum regiment. The specific base for Death Korps trench coat armour and equipment, as well as Chaos Undivided cultist robes, undead humanoid clothing in Age of Sigmar, and heavily weathered and soiled cloth on any infantry model.
Greys & Black
CIT21-25
Abaddon Black
Pure, flat black. Named for Abaddon the Despoiler — Warmaster of Chaos. One of the most-used paints in the entire hobby: black armour base for Black Legion, Raven Guard, Sisters of Battle, and any black-armoured force; leather detailing on virtually any model; black lining between armour panels; spot colour on metallics; and base for edge highlights using Eshin Grey and Dawnstone. A must-have in any paint collection.
CIT21-44
Corvus Black
Near-black with a very subtle blue-green tint. Named for Corax, Primarch of the Raven Guard. The specific base for Raven Guard Space Marine armour — slightly warmer and more nuanced than Abaddon Black for highly detailed armour. Also used for Stormcast Eternals black-armoured chambers, Ossiarch Bonereapers dark armour variant, and any black armour where you want a touch of colour depth.
CIT21-54
Grey Seer
Cool, pale off-white. Named for the Grey Seers — the most powerful Skaven magic users. The cool-toned alternative to Wraithbone as a Contrast paint primer base — use Grey Seer for cooler, more muted Contrast results compared to the warmer tones over Wraithbone. Also available as a Citadel Spray. Used directly for Skaven Grey Seer model skin, ghostly spirit effects, and pale stone basing.
CIT21-26
Celestra Grey
Mid cool grey. Named for the Celestra — a Horus Heresy-era Loyalist ship. Used for Astra Militarum vehicle hull panels, Power Armour grey elements, Tau Hammerhead turret highlights, and as a layering base over Mechanicus Standard Grey. A highly versatile mid-grey for hard-edge highlighting on vehicles and armour across any faction.
CIT21-24
Mechanicus Standard Grey
Dark, neutral mid-grey. Named for the Adeptus Mechanicus. The specific base for Adeptus Mechanicus Skitarii armour and Techpriest robes. Available as a Citadel Spray for batch basecoating. Also used for Grey Knights silver armour undercoat, Genestealer Cult carapace grey, and any dark grey vehicle or armour scheme. One of the most useful all-purpose dark greys in the range.
CIT21-48
Iron Warriors
Dark steel-grey metallic. Named for the Iron Warriors — the siege-master Chaos Space Marine Legion. The base for Iron Warriors Chaos Space Marines — their distinctive bare, war-scarred metal scheme. Also used for Chaos vehicle hulls, Daemon Engines, and heavily armoured mechanical constructs. Straddles the line between a grey and a metallic — provides an excellent gritty industrial foundation.
Metallics
CIT21-28
Leadbelcher
Dark silver metallic. Named for the Leadbelcher — the Ogor Mawtribes Gutbusters cannon-bearer. The foundational metal Base paint for the entire hobby — used on weapons, armour trim, bolter casings, vehicle exhausts, and mechanical parts across every army. Also available as a Citadel Spray. Shade with Nuln Oil; highlight with Ironbreaker and Runefang Steel or Stormhost Silver for polished steel.
CIT21-29
Balthasar Gold
Dark, antique gold. Named for Balthasar — a Witch Hunter of the Empire. The foundation gold in the Citadel metallic system — used for Chaos armour trim, Imperial eagle details, Stormcast Eternals armour gold base, and any aged or darkened gold effect. Shade with Agrax Earthshade and layer with Gehenna's Gold and Auric Armour Gold for the classic GW gold progression.
CIT21-30
Screaming Bell
Warm bronze-gold. Named for the Screaming Bell — the massive Skaven war altar. The primary bronze base for Skaven mechanical constructs, Chaos armour embellishments, Kharadron Overlords machinery, and Age of Sigmar weathered bronze details. Highlight with Sycorax Bronze and Brass Scorpion; shade with Agrax Earthshade for a properly aged bronze look.
CIT21-31
Warplock Bronze
Dark, tarnished bronze. Named for Warplock — Skaven Warp technology. A darker bronze foundation than Screaming Bell — used for deeply weathered bronze and copper details on Skaven war machines, Chaos Daemon engines, Mechanicus bionic components, and Kharadron Overlord aether-endrin machinery. Particularly effective for making bronze look ancient and corroded when combined with Nihilakh Oxide Technical paint.
CIT21-35
Retributor Armour
Bright, vivid gold metallic. Named for the Retributors — Stormcast Eternals heavy cavalry. The primary armour base for Stormcast Eternals — the shining gold warriors of Sigmar. Available as a Citadel Spray for fast basecoating entire armies. Shade with Reikland Fleshshade or Agrax Earthshade; highlight with Liberator Gold and Stormhost Silver for the classic Stormcast gold finish.
CIT21-55
Runelord Brass
Mid-value warm brass. Named for the Runelords — the master Duardin rune-smiths. The specific brass base for Duardin (Dwarf) and Fyreslayer rune-inscribed weapons, Kharadron aether-gold machinery, and Age of Sigmar mechanical and runic details. Brass sits warmer than gold and cooler than bronze, making it ideal for detailed engraved metalwork. Highlight with Hashut Copper or Sycorax Bronze; shade with Agrax Earthshade.
CIT21-46
Iron Hands Steel
Mid silver-steel. Named for the Iron Hands — the cybernetic Space Marine Chapter. Slightly lighter and warmer than Leadbelcher — useful as a mid-tone metallic layer between Leadbelcher (base) and Runefang Steel or Stormhost Silver (highlight). Designed for Iron Hands' distinctive polished bionic limbs and iron-grey armour. Also excellent for Necron metal highlights and Adeptus Mechanicus bionic components.
CIT21-47
Grey Knights Steel
Cool blue-tinted silver metallic. Named for the Grey Knights — the elite daemon-hunting Space Marine Chapter. The specific base colour for Grey Knights' distinctive silver power armour — a blue-cool metallic quite different from the warm grey of standard Leadbelcher. Shade with Nuln Oil; layer with Ironbreaker and edge highlight with Stormhost Silver for the clean, holy-silver look of this psychic chapter.

Shopping for Citadel Base paints at Wheels & Wings

Citadel Base paints are stocked continuously at our Toronto store and ship across Canada. Individual pots are available singly — pick up exactly the colours you need for your army project without committing to a set. The Base range is the most frequently restocked line we carry; if you need a specific colour and it's not showing in stock, ask in-store as a top-up may be due.

For help choosing the right Base colours for a new army, or converting a recipe from another paint brand, the staff at Wheels & Wings are happy to assist in-store or by phone.

Browse and purchase all Citadel Base paints directly in our online store.

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May 08, 2026 Wheels & Wings Hobbies

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