Quick Answer
Citadel Air paints are water-based airbrush paints formulated for Warhammer miniatures. Thin them 1:1 with water or airbrush medium, apply in thin layers, and clean your airbrush immediately after use.
Why Citadel Air Works for Warhammer
Citadel Air is specifically formulated for airbrushing Warhammer miniatures, with a water-based formula that thins easily and a smooth matt finish that matches the Citadel range. The 24ml pots provide enough paint for several models, and the price point (around $5.44 per pot) makes it cost-effective compared to other hobby paints.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is applying paint too thickly. Citadel Air needs to be thinned to a consistency similar to skim milk. Another frequent issue is letting paint dry in the airbrush nozzle—always clean the tip between color changes. Finally, avoid shaking the pot too vigorously, as this can introduce bubbles that cause sputtering.
Step-by-Step Guide to Airbrushing Citadel Air on Warhammer Miniatures
- Prepare the Miniature and Airbrush: Clean the miniature with warm soapy water to remove mold release. Prime it with a suitable primer (e.g., Citadel Base). Set your airbrush to 15-20 PSI and test with water to ensure even spray. Check that the airbrush needle is clean and the nozzle is free of dried paint before starting.
- Thin the Citadel Air Paint: Shake the pot gently, then mix 1 part paint with 1 part water or airbrush thinner. Aim for a consistency like thin milk. If using Citadel Air Medium, follow the 1:1 ratio on the bottle. Too thick? Add a drop of water. Too thin? Add a drop of paint. Test on a piece of paper first.
- Apply Thin Layers: Spray from 4-6 inches away using light, even passes. Let each layer dry for 2-3 minutes before applying the next. Two to three thin coats achieve full opacity without obscuring detail. Avoid flooding the surface—if paint pools, stop and clean the tip immediately.
- Layer and Blend Colors: Once the base coat is dry, switch to a different Citadel Air color for highlights or shading. Use low PSI (10-12) for detail work. Clean the cup between colors by spraying water through the airbrush. For smooth transitions, use a larger nozzle (0.4mm) for base coats and a smaller one (0.2mm) for fine lines.
- Clean the Airbrush Immediately: After painting, disassemble the airbrush and soak the parts in airbrush cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Wipe the needle and nozzle with a soft cloth. Do not use metal tools that can scratch the nozzle. A clean airbrush lasts longer and prevents clogs in future sessions. Dry parts thoroughly before reassembly.
Products Used in This Guide
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Citadel Air: Angron Red Clear 24ml: Paint for Warhammer miniatures formulated to work with your airbrush, smooth matt finish, water-based, 24ml pot. Angron Red Clear provides a consistent base coat for red armor panels on Space Marines or Chaos models.
Citadel Air: Angron Red Clear 24ml
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Citadel Air: Leadbelcher 24ml: Paint for Warhammer miniatures formulated to work with your airbrush, smooth matt finish, water-based, 24ml pot. Leadbelcher gives a neutral metallic gray that works well for weapons, machinery, or as a base for weathering effects.
Citadel Air: Leadbelcher 24ml
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Citadel Air: Baneblade Brown 24ml: Paint for Warhammer miniatures formulated to work with your airbrush, smooth matt finish, water-based, 24ml pot. Baneblade Brown is ideal for leather straps, pouches, or earth tones on infantry and vehicles.
