If you haven’t used your Citadel Paints in awhile, they will tend to separate due to the chemicals and ingredients these paints are made with. So, do you need to shake your Citadel paint before using?
The answer to this is yes. After vigorously shaking the paint pot, be sure to shake it hard a few times in the downward direction to let any paint from the top settle a bit before you open the lid.
There are a number of reasons why you would need to shake your Citadel paints which is what we will be discussing in this article.
Should I Shake My Citadel Paints?
You definitely need to shake your Citadel paint before using it. The longer that your paint has been away in storage and sitting, the more important it is to shake your paints before using them. Many people throw out their paint because they think it is unusable, when in reality all they need to do is shake the paint.
It is actually normal to have to shake your paints before every painting session. Shaking your paint is a good way to reduce the separation and make your paint come out like new. If you do not shake your paint, it may not look like it’s supposed to when painted.
When Citadel paint settles, it tends to dry up in certain areas. Shaking the paint bottles will help these dry patches mix with the wet and separated paint.
For the best results, we recommend using an electric operated paint shaker like this one by Robart that you can find on Amazon.
How Long Should I Shake Citadel Paints?
You should shake your paints for at least 30-40 seconds. This well ensure that your paint has ample time to mix and settle correctly. You can always shake your paint for more or less time depending on if it needs it or not.
If you find that shaking your Citadel paints doesn’t help with the separation, than you may have to try a few additional steps in order to make them usable. Sometimes paints that are very old or have been sitting out for an extended period of time may have more chunks and separation than new paints.
Are Separated Citadel Paints Still Usable?
Separated Citadel paints are definitely still useable. This separation naturally occurs over time. When your Citadel paint settles, you can expect to see separation in the bottles as well as dry patches of paint in the bottle.
However, there are some instances where shaking your paints will not be enough. If you were to shake your paints for a minute straight and they will still look like they are too dry, or have chunks, this can basically render them unusable. However, don’t be quick to throw your paints away.
The best thing to do in this situation is to try and restore them before completely tossing them out. To do this, simply add a little bit of water and paint thinner into the paint bottle. This can help break up the chunks and dry paint as you shake up the paint some more.
Instead of purchasing a premade set of Citadel paints, we recommend building your own paint set with this build your own assortment bundle. This allows you to choose only the colors you need or want at a great value.
How to Keep Citadel Paints From Drying
Citadel paints can last a very long time, but they are not prone to drying out or becoming separated beyond repair. With many paints, it’s always best to use them within a desired time frame.
- The first step to keeping your paints from drying out is by using them within 3 years.
- If you are storing your paints for an extended period of time, be sure to shake them up once or twice every month to help them from separating and drying out.
- If you see that your paints are starting to dry out even after shaking them, you can always add a tiny bit of water or paint thinner to help break up the dry chunks.
Final Thoughts
Citadel paint that has not been used for an extended period of time, or that has been in storage, is prone to separating or drying out. Shaking your Citadel paints before using them is a great way to bring their vibrant quality and colors back to life before painting your miniatures.
We recommend that you always shake your Citadel paint pots before using them on your miniatures. This will help you get the most quality and consistency out of your paints.
Always be sure to shake your Citadel paint bottles a few times per month to help prevent them from drying out as well as using them within 3 years.