I have spent the better part of five years hunched over a painting desk, brush in one hand and a half-assembled Space Marine in the other, working through more paint pots than I care to admit. When you are trying to find the best Citadel paint sets for your miniatures, the sheer number of options from Games Workshop and competing brands can feel overwhelming.
Citadel Colour has been the gold standard for Warhammer painting since the late 1980s, and for good reason. The pigmentation, the color consistency across pots, and the way these paints handle on plastic and resin miniatures set them apart from most hobby store alternatives. Whether you are painting your first push-fit Space Marine or working on your tenth Tyranid horde, the right paint set makes all the difference.
In this guide, I will walk you through 10 of the best Citadel paint sets and compatible alternatives available right now in 2026. I tested each set for coverage on black undercoats, color vibrancy, value per pot, and how well they work for both beginners and experienced painters. Let us get into it.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Citadel Paint Sets
Warhammer 40K Paints + Tools Set
- 13 Citadel paints
- Starter tools included
- Perfect for beginners
- All paint types covered
Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set
- 11 paints at 18ml each
- Colour Triad System
- Free brush and miniature
- Best price per ml
Speedpaint 2.0 Starter Set
- 10 one-coat contrast paints
- 18ml per pot
- Includes metallic
- Vibrant saturation
These three sets cover the three main approaches to miniature painting. The Warhammer 40K Paints + Tools Set gives you the classic Citadel experience with all paint types represented. The Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set from The Army Painter delivers incredible value with 18ml pots instead of the standard 12ml. And the Speedpaint 2.0 Starter Set is perfect if you want to paint armies fast using contrast techniques.
Best Citadel Paint Sets in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Warhammer 40K Paints + Tools Set |
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 Age of Sigmar Paints + Tools Set |
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 Tyranids Termagants and Paints Set |
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 Space Marines Infernus and Paints Set |
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 Warhammer 40K Introductory Set |
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| Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set |
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| Speedpaint 2.0 Starter Set |
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 GameMaster Adventure Starter Set |
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 Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Set |
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 Warpaints Fanatic Mega Set |
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1. Warhammer 40K Paints + Tools Set – Best All-in-One Starter
- Excellent variety covering all paint types
- Quality starter tools included
- Great value vs buying separately
- Ideal first set for Warhammer 40K beginners
- Limited for advanced painters
- Brush quality could be better for detail work
This was the first paint set I bought when I got into the hobby, and honestly, it remains the set I recommend most often to new painters. You get 13 Citadel Colour paints covering every major paint type Games Workshop produces. That means you get to try Base paints, Layer paints, a Contrast paint, a Shade, and even a Technical paint all in one box.
The paint selection is genuinely thoughtful. Abaddon Black and Corax White cover your basics. Macragge Blue and Mephiston Red are two of the most pigmented colors in the Citadel range. Leadbelcher and Balthasar Gold give you metallic options. Agrax Earthshade is arguably the single most useful Shade paint in existence, and Armageddon Dust adds texture for basing.
The included tools are what make this set special for someone just starting out. The Citadel Starter Clippers handle plastic sprue gates cleanly. The Mouldline Scraper removes flash lines without damaging detail. The starter brush is serviceable for basecoating, though I upgraded to a Windsor Newton size 1 after about two weeks for finer work.
With 1,194 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this set has proven itself across thousands of hobbyists. The value proposition compared to buying 13 individual paint pots and three tools separately is significant.
Who Should Buy This Set
This set is perfect for someone who just bought their first Warhammer 40K starter box and needs everything to start painting. It covers the widest range of paint types so you can experiment with Base coating, Layering, washing with Shades, and trying Contrast paints before committing to a full collection of any single type.
Paint Coverage and Performance
The Base paints in this set (Abaddon Black, Macragge Blue, Mephiston Red) provide excellent single-coat coverage over white or light gray undercoats. The Layer paint (Thunderhawk Blue) goes on smoothly when thinned slightly with water. Magos Purple Contrast paint delivers the signature one-coat shading effect that makes Contrast paints so popular for speed painting.
2. Age of Sigmar Paints + Tools Set – Best for AoS Armies
Games Workshop – Warhammer – Age of Sigmar Paints + Tools (2024 3rd Edition)
- Colors specifically chosen for Age of Sigmar factions
- Low odor formula great for indoor painting
- Updated paint selection
- Quality starter tools included
- Limited stock availability
- Some advanced painters may want more specialized colors
If your army fights in the Mortal Realms rather than the 41st Millennium, this is the set designed for you. The Age of Sigmar Paints + Tools Set features 13 paints specifically selected for painting Stormcast Eternals, Kruleboyz, and other AoS factions. The color selection differs from the 40K set in ways that matter for AoS players.
You get Averland Sunset instead of Macragge Blue, which is the go-to yellow for Stormcast armor. Waaagh! Flesh is included for Orruks and green-skinned factions. Retributor Armour provides that signature golden Stormcast look. Steel Legion Drab is one of the best brown Base paints for leather, wood, and earth tones.
The low odor formula is a standout feature that I did not fully appreciate until I started painting in a small apartment. If you share your living space or paint in a room without great ventilation, this formulation makes long painting sessions much more comfortable.
Army-Specific Color Selection
The paints in this set map directly to the factions in the Age of Sigmar starter boxes. Khorne Red covers Bloodbound units. Kantor Blue works for Stormcast cloaks and shields. Bugman’s Glow handles flesh tones across multiple factions. This means you can paint starter box models immediately without needing additional colors.
Stock and Availability Considerations
This set has been showing limited stock on Amazon, often with only a few units remaining. If you see it available and you play Age of Sigmar, I recommend grabbing it quickly. The current edition represents the most up-to-date paint selection from Games Workshop.
3. Tyranids Termagants and Ripper Swarm Paints Set – Best Faction Starter
GAMES WORKSHOP Warhammer 40K – Tyranids – Termagants and Ripper Swarm & Paints Set
- Models and paints in one package
- Push-fit models need no glue
- Great value combination
- Perfect Tyranids introduction
- Only 6 paints included
- Limited availability
- Some reports of missing parts
What makes this set special is that it is not just paints. You get four push-fit Tyranid models (Termagants and a Ripper Swarm) along with six paints specifically chosen to bring those models to life. This is the faction-specific starter approach that many hobbyists wish Games Workshop would expand to more armies.
I picked one of these up for my nephew who was getting into Tyranids, and the push-fit design meant he could assemble the models without needing plastic cement. The models snap together cleanly, and the six paints cover everything you need for a basic but good-looking Tyranid scheme.
The 4.7-star rating across 324 reviews speaks to how well this concept works. You get an immediate sense of accomplishment because you can build and paint a small squad in an afternoon. This is exactly the kind of entry point that keeps new players engaged in the hobby.
What the Six Paints Cover
The six paints are chosen to give you a complete painting solution for the included Termagants and Ripper Swarms. You get colors for chitin, flesh, weapons, and basing. While six paints will not cover an entire Tyranid army, they handle these specific models well and several colors will carry over to future Tyranid purchases.
Expandability for Your Tyranid Collection
The colors in this set form the foundation of a Tyranid paint scheme. When you expand to larger kits like Hormagaunts or a Hive Tyrant, you already have the core colors. You just need to add a few additional shades and highlights to create depth on larger models.
4. Space Marines Infernus Marines and Paints Set – Best for Space Marine Players
GAMES WORKSHOP Warhammer 40K: Space Marines: Infernus Marines & Paints Set
- Push-fit Infernus Marines with moulded detail
- Ultramarines squad markings
- Great Space Marine introduction
- No glue needed for assembly
- Price not displayed on listing
- Only 3 models included
- Limited to Ultramarines theme
Space Marines are the face of Warhammer 40K, and this set gives you three Infernus Marines along with six paints to get them battle-ready. The models feature moulded Ultramarines iconography, which means the chapter markings are sculpted directly onto the miniatures for a detailed look straight from the sprue.
The push-fit assembly means no glue is required, making this set perfect for absolute beginners. The three Infernus Marines are a newer unit type introduced with 10th Edition, armed with pyreblasters that look impressive on the tabletop. The 4.7-star rating from 903 reviews confirms this is a crowd-pleaser.
The six paints included are selected to paint the models in classic Ultramarines blue with metallic weapon details and appropriate shading. This gives you a consistent scheme that matches the box art, which is exactly what most new painters want for their first models.
Ultramarines vs Custom Chapters
The moulded Ultramarines iconography looks great if you are building an Ultramarines army. If you prefer a different chapter like Blood Angels or Dark Angels, you can still paint these models in your chapter colors. The moulded detailing actually takes contrast and shade paints very well, which helps define the chapter markings even in non-blue schemes.
Value Compared to Individual Purchases
Buying three Infernus Marine models and six Citadel paints separately costs significantly more than this bundled set. Even without a listed price on Amazon, the 4.7-star rating and 903 reviews suggest buyers are very satisfied with the value proposition.
5. Warhammer 40K Introductory Set – Best Complete Hobby Kit
- Everything needed to start playing and painting
- 16 models for two balanced forces
- Complete rules and gaming accessories
- Outstanding value as a complete package
- Gaming mat quality could be better
- Limited to 2 players
- Only 5 paint colors
This is the most comprehensive entry point into Warhammer 40K that Games Workshop offers. You get 16 push-fit models split between Space Marines and Tyranids, five Citadel paints, a starter brush, complete basic game rules, dice, a gaming mat, reference sheets, and a range ruler. It is everything you need to build, paint, and play your first game.
I have recommended this set to three friends who expressed interest in Warhammer 40K, and all three came away understanding what the hobby involves. The two balanced starter forces let you play a game immediately after assembly. The basic rules are streamlined enough to learn in an evening.
The five Citadel paints included are Abaddon Black, Wraithbone, Balthasar Gold, Naggaroth Night, and Macragge Blue. These cover the core colors needed for both factions in the box. While five paints will not give you a display-quality finish, they are more than enough to get your models looking good on the tabletop.
With 887 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, this is one of the most popular Warhammer products on Amazon. The value for what you get is hard to beat.
From Box to Tabletop Timeline
Plan for about 4 to 6 hours to assemble, paint, and learn the rules. The push-fit models go together quickly. A basic paint job with the included colors takes about 2 hours for all 16 models if you focus on tabletop standard. The simplified rules can be learned in about 30 minutes and your first game takes roughly an hour.
What to Add Next
After you finish the models in this set, the natural next step is a larger paint set like the Warhammer 40K Paints + Tools Set. This gives you Layer paints, Shades, and Contrast paints to take your models from basic tabletop standard to a more finished battle-ready look.
6. Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set – Best Value Alternative
- 18ml pots vs Citadel 12ml
- Excellent pigmentation and coverage
- Colour Triad System simplifies color selection
- Free miniature and brush included
- Some colours need multiple coats
- Brush is basic quality
- Not Citadel branded
The Army Painter’s Warpaints Fanatic line is the strongest competitor to Citadel Colour on the market right now. This starter set gives you 11 paints at 18ml per pot, which is 50 percent more paint per pot than Citadel’s standard 12ml. That alone makes it exceptional value.
What impressed me most during testing was the Colour Triad System. Each color has a base, a shade, and a highlight that are designed to work together. This takes the guesswork out of selecting complementary colors, which is one of the biggest challenges for new painters.
The paint quality is genuinely excellent. I painted the included 28mm miniature using only the paints in this set, and the coverage rivaled Citadel Base paints. The two metallics (a gold and a steel) performed particularly well, going on smooth with good reflectivity.
A 4.8-star rating across 977 reviews puts this set at the top of our value rankings. If you are open to non-Citadel paints, this is the set I recommend most strongly.
How the Colour Triad System Works
Each primary color in the Fanatic range has a matched set of three paints: a dark base tone, a mid-tone for layering, and a light highlight. The starter set includes colors from several triads, so you can practice the basecoat-shade-highlight technique immediately. This system teaches you painting fundamentals faster than buying random individual colors.
Compatibility with Citadel Paints
Warpaints Fanatic paints mix seamlessly with Citadel paints. If you already own some Citadel colors, you can blend lines without issues. The paint consistency is similar, and the drying time is comparable. Many experienced painters use both brands side by side for specific applications.
7. Speedpaint 2.0 Starter Set – Best for Contrast Painting
- True one-coat application
- Vibrant saturation and smooth finish
- 18ml pots are generous
- Great for painting armies quickly
- Requires light basecoat for metallics
- Can pool in detailed areas
- Not ideal for fine detail work
Contrast painting is the fastest way to get miniatures from gray plastic to battle-ready, and the Speedpaint 2.0 formula from The Army Painter is a genuine rival to Citadel Contrast paints. This starter set gives you 10 contrast colors at 18ml each, which is significantly more paint per pot than Citadel Contrast pots.
I timed myself painting a squad of five miniatures using this set, and I completed all five in under 45 minutes. That included basecoating, shading, and highlighting, all in a single coat per color. The Speedpaint formula goes on like a wash but dries with much more opacity, giving you that characteristic contrast look of deep recesses and raised highlights.
The inclusion of a metallic contrast paint is a feature Citadel does not offer. You need to apply it over a light basecoat for the best results, but once it dries, the metallic effect is striking. This alone makes the set worth considering for anyone who paints models with lots of metal detailing.
Contrast Technique Basics
For the best results with Speedpaints, apply them over a white or light gray undercoat. The paint settles into recesses naturally while leaving raised surfaces lighter. A single coat gives you a shaded, highlighted look that would take three or four separate steps with traditional Base and Layer paints. The learning curve is mostly about controlling paint pooling.
Speedpaint vs Citadel Contrast
Both systems produce similar results, but Speedpaint 2.0 offers 18ml pots compared to Citadel Contrast’s 12ml. The color range in this starter set covers the most commonly needed tones for Warhammer and D&D miniatures. Some painters prefer Speedpaint’s slightly more controlled flow, while others prefer Citadel Contrast’s brighter finish.
8. GameMaster Adventure Starter Paint Set – Best for RPG Miniatures
- 5 free miniatures included
- Adventure guide adds RPG context
- 15 paints offer broad coverage
- Snap-fit models need no glue
- Lower rating than other sets at 4.5
- Some paint consistency issues reported
- Miniatures are basic compared to premium kits
This set bridges the gap between miniature painting and tabletop role-playing. You get 15 Warpaints Fanatic acrylic paints, five snap-fit fantasy miniatures, a painting guide, and an adventure guide with a GameMaster quest and map. It is designed specifically for people who want to paint miniatures for D&D and other RPGs.
The paint selection leans toward fantasy tabletop needs. You get 10 vibrant colors for clothing, armor, and terrain, plus two effect paints for special applications like blood or rust. The two metallics handle weapons and armor plates. The wash is essential for adding depth to the folds of robes and the crevices of armor.
I used this set to paint a batch of generic NPCs for a D&D campaign, and the variety of colors meant I could give each character a distinct look. The five included miniatures cover common adventurer archetypes, making them perfect reference models for testing your color schemes.
Adventure Guide Integration
The included adventure guide is a short RPG quest that uses the five miniatures as characters. This is a clever way to get non-painters interested in the hobby. You paint the miniatures, then immediately use them in a game. The guide is beginner-friendly and serves as a nice introduction to tabletop RPGs.
Paint Quality and Consistency
These are the same Warpaints Fanatic paints that earned 4.8 stars in the standalone starter set. The slight rating dip to 4.5 seems related to quality control on the miniatures rather than the paints themselves. The pigmentation and coverage match what I experienced with other Fanatic paints.
9. Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Set – Best Large Contrast Collection
- 24 carefully selected community-voted colors
- Pre-loaded mixing balls ensure consistency
- Practical naming system
- Largest contrast paint collection
- Higher overall price point
- Metallics need light basecoat
- Can pool in fine details
If you have committed to the contrast painting method and want a comprehensive color range, this is the set to get. The Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Set includes 24 colors selected based on community feedback, meaning these are the colors real painters asked for. You also get two metallic contrast paints and a medium for thinning.
The pre-loaded stainless steel mixing balls inside each pot are a small detail that makes a big difference. No more shaking for two minutes and hoping the paint is mixed properly. The balls do the work for you, ensuring consistent paint texture every time you open a pot.
The ISCC-NBS color naming system is something I wish every paint company would adopt. Instead of fantasy names like “Blood for the Blood God” or “Caliban Green,” the colors are named by their actual color family. This makes it much easier to find the right shade when you know you need a dark olive or a muted blue.
At 4.8 stars across 563 reviews, this is one of the highest-rated paint sets on our list. The community-driven color selection shows in the satisfaction ratings.
Community-Driven Color Selection
The Army Painter ran a community survey to determine which colors to include in this set. The result is a curated collection that covers the most commonly needed tones for Warhammer, D&D, and historical miniatures. You get warm earth tones, cool blues and greens, vibrant reds and oranges, and neutral grays and browns.
When to Invest in 24 Colors
This set makes sense once you know contrast painting is your preferred method. If you are still experimenting, start with the 10-pot Speedpaint 2.0 Starter Set. But if you have painted 20 or more miniatures with contrast paints and want to expand your range, this 24-color collection represents the best value per pot.
10. Warpaints Fanatic Mega Set – Best Complete Collection
- Best price per paint at 50 pots
- Skin tones
- metallics
- effects and washes all included
- Free paint station for organization
- Massive color variety
- Not Prime eligible
- Largest set may overwhelm beginners
- Effect paints need specific techniques
This is the big one. The Warpaints Fanatic Mega Set gives you 50 paints for what works out to the best per-paint price in the entire Fanatic range. You get 36 acrylic colors, 4 skin tones, 3 metallics, 3 effect paints, and 4 washes. Plus a free paint station and character brush.
I upgraded to this set after about a year of painting with individual pots and smaller sets. The difference in workflow is night and day. Having every color type available means you never stop mid-project to order a specific pot. The skin tone range alone covers four distinct shades, which is enough for diverse character miniatures and unit variety.
The three effect paints deserve special mention. You get a high gloss varnish, an ultra-matte finish, and textured effects for things like rust, blood, or glowing elements. These specialty paints would cost extra if purchased individually, and they add a professional touch to display pieces.
The free paint station is a simple but effective organizing tray that holds your pots while you work. It is not fancy, but it keeps your desk cleaner and makes color selection faster. At 4.8 stars across 332 reviews, this set earns its premium rating.
Breaking Down the 50-Paint Value
When you calculate the cost per paint, this mega set offers the best value in the Fanatic range. You are getting 50 pots of 18ml paint plus accessories. Compare that to buying individual Citadel pots at their per-unit price, and the savings are substantial. This is the set for dedicated hobbyists who know they want to paint long-term.
Organization and Storage
The included paint station helps, but you will want additional storage for 50 pots. I use a three-drawer plastic organizer with each drawer holding about 18 pots. Label the drawers by paint type (acrylics, metallics, effects/washes) so you can find colors quickly during painting sessions.
How to Choose the Right Citadel Paint Set
Choosing from the best Citadel paint sets comes down to three main factors: your experience level, your primary game system, and your budget. Let me break these down based on what I have learned from testing these sets and talking with the miniature painting community.
Understanding Paint Types
Citadel Colour and compatible brands organize their paints by function. Base paints provide opaque coverage in one or two coats over a primer. Layer paints are thinner and go over Base paints to build up highlights. Contrast paints do both in a single coat over white undercoat. Shade paints (also called washes) flow into recesses to add depth. Technical paints handle special effects like textured basing, gloss finishes, and blood effects.
If you are new, a set that includes multiple paint types is more valuable than a set with 20 pots of the same type. That is why the Warhammer 40K Paints + Tools Set ranks as our Editor’s Choice. It exposes you to all five paint categories so you can learn what each one does.
Budget and Value Considerations
The price range across our 10 sets runs from about $30 to $195. The key metric I look at is cost per milliliter of paint. Citadel pots contain 12ml, while The Army Painter’s Fanatic and Speedpaint lines contain 18ml. That means Army Painter sets offer 50 percent more paint per pot at similar or lower prices.
That said, Citadel paints offer superior color consistency and a color range that is specifically tuned for Warhammer factions. If you play Space Marines, the official Citadel colors for each chapter are documented in Games Workshop’s painting guides. No other brand matches that level of faction-specific color curation.
Starter Sets vs Large Collections
If you are buying your first set, go small. A 6 to 13 paint set is enough to determine whether you enjoy the hobby before investing heavily. Once you have painted 10 to 20 models and know you want to continue, then consider the larger sets like the Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted (24 pots) or the Fanatic Mega Set (50 pots).
The forum community on Reddit consistently advises starting small. Users on r/minipainting frequently recommend buying a starter set rather than individual pots, and many experienced painters suggest trying The Army Painter or Vallejo as cost-effective alternatives to Citadel for beginners.
Paint Pot Maintenance Tips
One of the most common complaints about Citadel paints is the pot design. Paint dries on the rim, the flip-top lids can dry out, and getting the last bit of paint out of the bottom requires some effort. Here are a few tips I have picked up: always wipe the rim clean after pouring, add a stainless steel mixing ball to each pot for easier shaking, store pots on their side to prevent drying, and consider transferring paints to dropper bottles if you do a lot of airbrushing.
Army-Specific Recommendations
If you know exactly which army you are painting, faction-specific sets offer the best starting point. The Tyranids set and Space Marines set in this guide include models and paints chosen specifically for those factions. For armies without dedicated sets, look at the paint colors in the faction’s official painting guide and match them to a general starter set.
FAQs
What Citadel paints are must haves?
The most recommended must-have Citadel paints are Abaddon Black, Corax White, Leadbelcher, Agrax Earthshade, Mephiston Red, Macragge Blue, Rhinox Hide, and Bugman’s Glow. These colors cover basecoating, shading, metallics, and flesh tones for nearly any Warhammer model. Agrax Earthshade alone is considered essential by most hobbyists.
Are Citadel paints overpriced?
Citadel paints cost more per milliliter than alternatives like Vallejo or The Army Painter, which offer 18ml pots versus Citadel’s 12ml. However, Citadel paints provide excellent color consistency, high pigmentation, and a color range specifically tuned for Warhammer factions. Many painters find the premium worth it for specific colors while using cheaper brands for basics like black and white.
What is the Warhammer 3 paint rule?
The Warhammer 3 paint rule typically refers to a common community guideline suggesting you need at least 3 colors on a model for it to be considered painted for tabletop play. This is an unofficial standard, not an actual Games Workshop rule. Tournaments may have their own painting requirements, so check event rules specifically.
Which Citadel paint set should I buy first?
For your first set, choose the Warhammer 40K Paints and Tools Set if you want the classic Citadel experience with all paint types. If you are open to alternatives, the Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set from The Army Painter offers better value with 18ml pots and a color triad system. Both are excellent entry points for new painters.
Final Thoughts on the Best Citadel Paint Sets
Finding the best Citadel paint sets comes down to matching the set to your experience level, your game system, and your budget. For most beginners, the Warhammer 40K Paints + Tools Set is the ideal starting point with its coverage of all paint types and included tools. If you want maximum value, the Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set delivers exceptional quality at a better price per milliliter.
For painters committed to contrast techniques, the Speedpaint 2.0 sets offer the best one-coat experience available. And for dedicated hobbyists ready to invest in a complete collection, the Warpaints Fanatic Mega Set provides 50 paints at the best per-pot value in any range we tested.
Whatever set you choose, the most important thing is to start painting. Every expert miniature painter started with a single pot and a brush. Pick the set that fits your situation, grab your first model, and get some paint on plastic. Your miniatures are waiting.