Ratling Grime Contrast Paint: When and How to Use It
By Over the Brick | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: How-to Guides
Learn when to reach for Citadel Contrast Ratling Grime and follow a simple step-by-step process for smooth, shaded results over a light undercoat.
Quick answer
Use Citadel Contrast Ratling Grime over a light Contrast undercoat whenever you want a grimy, shaded base in one pass. Apply it with a single, loaded brush stroke per area, then leave it to dry before adding highlights.
Why Ratling Grime behaves differently from a standard basecoat
Contrast paint is designed to pool in recesses and leave a thinner layer on raised areas, so the undercoat colour does much of the work. A light undercoat gives Ratling Grime its characteristic dirty, shaded look; a dark undercoat will mute the effect and can make the paint look patchy.
Because the paint is translucent, the colour you see is a combination of the undercoat and the grime tone. That makes surface preparation more important than with an opaque basecoat: any mould lines or rough texture will show through.
When to choose Ratling Grime, and when to skip it
Ratling Grime suits armour, machinery, cloth, and organic surfaces that should look weathered or battle-worn. It is a strong choice for batch-painting squads or terrain where speed matters more than layered blending.
Skip it when you need a clean, bright colour or a precise edge highlight straight from the pot. For those jobs, an opaque basecoat followed by a wash gives more control. Also avoid using it over a glossy undercoat, as the paint may not settle evenly.
One common mistake: treating it like a normal basecoat
The most frequent error is brushing over an area repeatedly while it is still wet. Contrast paint begins to set quickly, and reworking it lifts the pigment and creates streaks. Load the brush once, apply one smooth stroke per surface, and resist the urge to touch it again until fully dry.
Step-by-step: using Ratling Grime Contrast paint
- Prepare and prime the model: Clean mould lines, then apply a light-coloured Contrast undercoat (such as Wraithbone or Grey Seer) in thin, even coats. Let it dry completely. Check for glossy patches before moving on; a matte undercoat helps the Contrast paint flow evenly.
- Load the brush properly: Shake the pot thoroughly, then dip a medium-sized brush and wipe one side lightly on the rim so it holds paint without dripping. A brush that is too wet will flood recesses and leave tide marks; too dry and the paint will drag.
- Apply one smooth stroke per area: Starting at one edge, draw the brush across the surface in a single pass. Do not go back over wet paint. Work section by section, such as one armour panel or one limb at a time. If you miss a spot, leave it until the surrounding area is dry, then touch in with a fresh load.
- Let it dry fully: Leave the model undisturbed for at least 15–20 minutes. Avoid touching or blowing on the paint, which can push pigment into unwanted pools. Drying time varies with humidity; test a hidden area if you are unsure.
- Add highlights and details: Once dry, apply a lighter layer or edge highlight to raised areas if you want more definition. Use a fine brush and thin paint. Keep highlights minimal; Ratling Grime already provides shading, so a little goes a long way.
Product facts
- Citadel Contrast: Ratling Grime: Contrast paint is designed to give a vivid base and realistic shading in a single application over a light Contrast undercoat. This means you can skip a separate wash step and still get recess shading, saving time on large batches.
Citadel Contrast: Ratling Grime
