Citadel Contrast paints were marketed as a revolution when they launched: one coat, instant shading, paint an army in a weekend. The reality is more nuanced but still largely positive.
What They Do Well
Contrast paints work by separating as they dry — pigment pools in recesses, lighter colour stays on raised surfaces. On a grey or white primer, the effect is immediate and convincing: you get basecoat, wash, and basic highlight in a single application.
For large units where you need consistent results quickly, they’re excellent. My ten Space Marines used Contrast almost exclusively and they look cohesive.
Where They Fall Short
Bright colours. Yellows and whites in the Contrast range are weak and require multiple coats (somewhat defeating the point). Smooth flat areas — vehicle panels, for instance — show tide marks and brush strokes more readily than on textured surfaces.
My Verdict
Contrast isn’t a replacement for traditional painting techniques; it’s a different tool with different strengths. For beginners: start with Contrast, learn the basics of layering and drybrushing alongside it. For experienced painters: use them to accelerate base-coats while finishing with traditional highlights.
The best results I’ve seen combine Contrast for speed with traditional highlighting for the parts that deserve attention.