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A Beginner’s Guide to Warhammer Paint Brushes
Painting Warhammer miniatures is one of the most satisfying parts of the hobby, but it can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. One of the most important things you’ll need is the right brush for the job.
Note: in March 2026 Games Workshop began moving its Citadel Colour paints and accessories to the Warhammer Colour name, so you may see either name in shops.
This guide covers the main types of brush used in miniature painting, what each is good for, and how to use techniques like drybrushing. Understanding your tools will help you paint faster and neater, with better results.
Basecoat Brushes: Large Areas
Basecoat brushes apply the first layer of paint, the basecoat, where you block in the main colours. They’re slightly larger and thicker, with a rounded or pointed tip, and hold more paint so you can cover areas quickly.
When to use them:
- Painting large armour panels
- Coating cloaks or robes
- Getting the main colours down fast
Brands and sizes:
- Citadel Base (M, L, S)
- The Army Painter Wargamer: Regiment
- Size 1 or 2 round brushes from art brands
Detail Brushes: Small, Precise Work
Detail brushes are thin, with very fine tips, for painting tiny parts of a model cleanly and accurately. They’re usually made with high quality bristles that hold their point well.
When to use them:
- Painting eyes, teeth or claws
- Picking out small armour trim
- Painting purity seals, pouches or gems
Brands and sizes:
- Citadel Artificer Layer or XS Detail
- The Army Painter Insane Detail
- Winsor & Newton Series 7, size 000 or 0
Tip: always thin your paint slightly and don’t overload the brush for detail work.
Layer Brushes: Smooth Highlights
Layer brushes apply lighter shades over your basecoat to create highlights and colour depth. They’re medium sized with a fine point, holding a fair bit of paint while staying precise.
When to use them:
- Highlighting raised areas of armour or skin
- Painting clean transitions between colours
- Layering on brighter tones
Brands and sizes:
- Citadel Layer brushes
- Rosemary & Co Series 33, size 0 to 1
- The Army Painter Character brush
Pro tip: use several thin coats rather than one thick one, to avoid brush marks and keep details sharp.
Shade Brushes: Applying Washes
Shade brushes spread thinned paint (washes or shades) over your model to add natural shadows. They’re softer and fuller than normal brushes, often round or oval.
When to use them:
- Adding shadow to recesses and creases
- Making details pop
- Weathering armour or cloth
Brands and sizes:
- Citadel Shade brush (S or M)
- Makeup brushes for big jobs
- Any soft synthetic brush
Tip: let gravity do the work. Tilt the model so the wash flows into recesses, not over flat areas.
Drybrushes: Fast Highlights and Texture
Drybrushes are for the drybrushing technique: applying nearly dry paint to highlight edges and texture quickly. They’re flat with stiff bristles, often cut short for control, and some are dome shaped.
When to use them:
- Highlighting raised areas like chainmail, fur or stone
- Creating battle damage or dirt effects
- Adding fast texture to bases
How to drybrush
- Load paint onto your brush.
- Wipe almost all of it off on a paper towel.
- Lightly sweep the brush across the raised areas of your model.
Brands and sizes:
- Citadel Dry brushes (S, M, L)
- Makeup brushes (cheap but effective)
- Old, worn out brushes
Technical and Texture Brushes: Special Effects
These are for thick paints like texture pastes or special effects such as mud, rust and blood. They’re often wide or flat, sometimes spatula shaped like Citadel’s Texture Tool.
When to use them:
- Applying sand or crackle paint to bases
- Spreading thick paint mediums
- Creating blood, grime or slime effects
Brands and sizes:
- Citadel Texture Tool
- Old flat brushes
- Stippling brushes
Don’t use your good detail brushes for this. It’ll ruin them fast.
Quick Summary: Which Brush for Which Job?
| Painting task | Brush type |
|---|---|
| Covering large areas | Basecoat brush |
| Tiny details (eyes, gems) | Detail brush |
| Smooth highlights | Layer brush |
| Applying washes and shades | Shade brush |
| Highlighting texture quickly | Drybrush |
| Bases and thick paint effects | Technical or texture brush |
Tips for Success
- Don’t overload your brush. Too much paint ruins precision.
- Clean brushes often. Rinse in water regularly while painting.
- Use old brushes for rough jobs. Save your good ones for details and layering.
- Let each layer dry before moving on, especially with washes.
Let’s Get Painting!
Every brush has a job, and using the right one at the right time makes a huge difference. Whether you’re aiming for tabletop ready speed or display level detail, knowing your brushes gives you a real advantage. Keep practising and don’t be afraid to experiment. Even experienced painters are always learning.
Happy painting, and may your dice always roll sixes!
Brushes We Recommend
- Golden Maple fine detail brushes: 10 brushes with triangular handles
- Nicpro 20 piece miniature brush set: includes drybrushes and a nylon case
- The Army Painter Wet Palette
- The Army Painter Masterclass Drybrush Set: three goat hair drybrushes
- The Army Painter Hobby Starter Brush Set: drybrush, detail and standard brush
- Citadel Water Pot