Contrast Paints vs Speedpaints: Which Should You Use?

One-coat paints changed how fast you can get a decent-looking model. The two big ranges — Citadel Contrast and The Army Painter Speedpaint — look similar but behave a little differently. Here's how to pick.

How they work

Both are high-pigment, flowy paints that pool in recesses and thin over raised areas, giving you a base coat and a shade in a single pass — best over a light primer.

The differences that matter

• Speedpaint — often more saturated and slightly more "stain-like"; the 2.0 formula fixed early reactivation issues. Great value, big range.
• Contrast — a touch more controllable and matte; integrates neatly with the rest of the Citadel system.
• Both reactivate if you layer wet over dry — seal before you glaze on top.

Which should you use?

If you already paint Citadel and follow GW tutorials, Contrast fits. If you want the widest range at the best price, Speedpaint wins. Many painters mix both.

Converting between them

Because they're a distinct category, convert a Contrast to a Speedpaint (or vice-versa) rather than to a standard base paint. brushmatch matches within the one-coat ranges too — search your color and check the match type. And if you're moving off Citadel entirely, see cheaper alternatives.

Match your contrast & speed paints →