Overview
Citadel Texture Paint from Games Workshop is a specialist basing paint designed to bring authentic ground surfaces to life on your miniature bases and dioramas. Unlike standard acrylics, this paint carries a genuinely gritty, granular consistency straight from the pot, replicating materials like cracked earth, volcanic rock, rubble, or sand without requiring any additional modelling sand or texture medium. Popular shades such as Astrogranite, Stirland Mud, Martian Ironearth, and Agrellan Earth each produce a distinct terrain effect, letting hobbyists match their army's basing theme to its lore, whether that's a war-torn battlefield, an alien wasteland, or a swampy ruin.
Application is refreshingly simple, making it accessible even for beginners still building confidence with a brush. The paint is stippled or dabbed onto a primed base with an old or inexpensive brush, then left to dry naturally, during which the texture forms organically as the paint cures, sometimes cracking or settling to reveal further detail depending on the formula chosen. Because it's self-contained and pre-textured, there's no need for separate gluing of sand or grit, saving time while still delivering a professional, tabletop-ready finish that holds up to handling during games.
Beyond its practical function, Citadel Texture Paint plays an important role in the broader presentation of a painted army or display piece, since a well-textured base often does as much to sell the realism of a miniature as the paint job on the model itself. It layers well beneath drybrushing, washes, and static grass, acting as a foundational step in a larger basing workflow that many painters build upon with highlights and foliage. Sold in Games Workshop's standard small hobby pots, it's formulated specifically for use within the Citadel paint system, ensuring compatibility with other Citadel washes, contrast paints, and technical paints for hobbyists working within the Warhammer universe.
Key features
- 01Pre-mixed textured paint for basing miniatures
- 02Available in shades like Astrogranite, Stirland Mud, Armageddon Dust
- 03Single coat application creates rocky/gritty terrain effect
- 04Water-based formula compatible with other Citadel paints
- 0530ml pot with screw-top lid
Specifications
| Volume | 30 ml |
|---|---|
| Base | Water-based acrylic |
| Application | Brush-on, single coat |
| Finish | Matte textured |
| Drying Time | 24 hours |
Pros & cons
What we liked
- Extremely easy to apply straight from the pot
- Creates realistic rubble, dirt, or stone bases in one step
- Dries to a durable, matte finish
- Great for large scale terrain projects
- Consistent texture across the pot
What could be better
- Thick consistency can clog brushes if not cleaned promptly
- Limited color range straight out of the pot
- Can dry out quickly if lid isn't sealed properly
- Not suitable for fine detail work
Hobbyist notes
Feedback from painters and players who use it.
Perfect for basing my army
Astrogranite texture paint made basing my entire Space Marine army so much faster. One coat and it looks like broken rock terrain.
Great but dries fast
Love the effect it gives, but you have to work quickly once the pot is open or it starts drying out on the palette.
Essential basing tool
I've used this on hundreds of models. Stirland Mud is my favorite - looks incredible under a drybrush highlight.
Good texture, small pot
The texture and coverage are great, but the 30ml pot doesn't last as long as I'd like for large terrain projects.
Our verdict
Excellent for building a reliable colour library
Citadel Texture Paint is a staple for any wargamer looking to quickly and effectively base their miniatures with realistic, textured terrain effects. While it lacks versatility for detail work, its ease of use and durable finish make it an essential tool for basing armies and scenery alike.
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