What paints and tools do you need to start Warhammer?
Start with a primer or undercoat, one paint for each big area of the model, a shade for the recesses and a brush or two. For tools you need clippers, a mouldline remover and plastic glue (no glue if the kit is push-fit).
The easy way is a Paints and Tools set. The Warhammer 40,000 10th Edition set is £21.73 (RRP £27.50; sold out at the moment) and the 11th Edition set is £22.83 (sold out at the moment).
Tools
You need clippers to cut parts off the sprue, a mouldline remover to scrape off the ridge the mould leaves, and plastic glue unless the kit is push-fit. The 10th and 11th Edition Warhammer 40,000 Paints and Tools sets both include clippers, a mouldline remover, a brush and 13 paints, so glue is the only tool you'd add.
Paints
Base paints cover the main areas, Layer paints pick out edges and highlights, and Shades settle into the recesses to add shadow. Contrast paints do the base colour and the shading in one coat, over a light undercoat such as white, Grey Seer or Wraithbone. That makes them a quick way to finish a model. Warhammer Community's Contrast tips for beginners say not to use them on big flat panels, such as tanks.
Games Workshop renamed Citadel Colour to Warhammer Colour in 2026, so you'll see both names on pots and brushes. Our paints collection lists what we have.
Brushes
Two will do for a start: the small Layer brush (sold out at the moment) and the small Base brush (sold out at the moment). A Paints and Tools set comes with one brush, which is enough for the first squad. The Shade brush and the Drybrush can wait.
Common questions
What Warhammer paints do I need as a beginner?
A primer or undercoat, a paint for each big area of your first model, and a shade for the recesses. A Paints and Tools set is the easy way in. The Warhammer 40,000 10th Edition set is £21.73 (sold out at the moment) and the 11th Edition set is £22.83 (sold out at the moment).
What tools do I need to start building Warhammer miniatures?
Clippers, a mouldline remover and plastic glue (push-fit kits need no glue).
How do I remove mould lines from Warhammer models?
Use a mouldline remover to scrape them off, such as the Citadel Mouldline Remover (sold out at the moment). Mould lines are the thin ridges of plastic the mould leaves behind. They can get in the way of painting, particularly on skin and flat armour. Games Workshop's tool has a long, thin tip for tight spots and an angled notch for cleaning the rim of a base.
Do resin and metal Warhammer miniatures have mould lines too?
Metal miniatures tend to have mould lines, which you shave off. Resin ones have small shims in the gaps between details instead. Both also have little spurs of flash left over from the casting. Take care not to slice off part of the miniature when you remove them. Warhammer Community recommends wearing a mask when you cut, trim or file resin or metal, and says you'll need superglue for both.
Citadel Contrast or Base paints: which should a beginner use?
Contrast for speed, over a light undercoat. Base and Layer paints when you want more control, and for big flat panels such as tanks. Using both is normal.
Is Citadel Colour the same as Warhammer Colour?
Yes. Citadel Colour was renamed Warhammer Colour in 2026, and Games Workshop says the paint itself is unchanged.
Paint types: Games Workshop's Warhammer Colour guide and Warhammer Community's Contrast tips for beginners. Citadel Colour rename: Warhammer Community, 6 March 2026. Mould lines and the Mouldline Remover: Warhammer Community, 13 October 2022. Resin and metal models: Warhammer Community, 19 January 2024.