Lena Rivera
Citadel paint pots are known for their impractical design, which often leads to paint drying out, clogging the lid, thickening, and wasting paint. Transferring Citadel paint from its original pot to a dropper bottle is a great solution to this problem. Dropper bottles are airtight, easy to store, and give you better control over your paint usage. While the process of transferring paint can be a bit time-consuming and messy, it is simple and can be made easier with the right tools and preparation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for transferring Citadel paint to dropper bottles | Prevents paint from drying out, clogging the lid, thickening, and spilling |
| Benefits of dropper bottles | Better storage, longer-lasting paint, improved palette control, saves paint, easier to organise |
| Tools required | Dropper bottles, flow improver, mixing balls/agitators, clippers, funnel, labels |
| Transfer process | Add flow improver to original pot, shake, pour paint into dropper bottle, use a brush to scoop out residual paint |
| Final step | Remove and attach the label from the old Citadel paint pot to the dropper bottle |
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What You'll Learn
Why transfer Citadel paint from pots to droppers
Transferring Citadel paint from pots to droppers is a popular choice for many miniature painters. Here are some reasons why:
Storage Efficiency
Citadel paint pots are often criticised for their bulky and awkward shape, which makes them difficult to store and stack neatly. The flared base and design hinder efficient storage solutions. On the other hand, dropper bottles have a cylindrical shape, allowing them to fit more efficiently in storage. They also tend to have a larger volume, accommodating more paint while taking up less space.
Longer Lifespan
Citadel paint pots are notorious for drying out quickly due to paint clogging the seam of the lid, leading to poor closure. Dropper bottles provide a superior seal, preventing paint from drying out and extending its lifespan. The airtight nature of dropper bottles ensures that paint remains fresh and usable for a more extended period.
Better Palette Control
Mixing paints to achieve consistent shades can be challenging. Dropper bottles offer better control by allowing users to measure out precise amounts of paint each time. This consistency in measurement simplifies the process of mixing paints and thinning them to the desired consistency.
Brush Protection
Citadel paint pots can overload brushes with excessive paint, leading to ruined bristles. Dropper bottles provide better paint control, allowing users to dispense the exact amount of paint needed, thereby protecting brushes from overload and potential damage.
Waste Reduction
While there is some paint loss during the transfer process, it is significantly reduced compared to the waste caused by Citadel paint pots. Poorly sealed lids and dried paint around the rim contribute to wasted paint. Dropper bottles mitigate these issues, ensuring that users can make the most of their paint supply.
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Tools needed for the transfer
To transfer Citadel paint from a pot to a dropper bottle, you will need a few tools to make the process faster and mess-free. Here is a list of the tools you will need:
Dropper Bottles
The first thing you will need is a set of dropper bottles. The size of the bottles will depend on the type of Citadel paint you are transferring. For standard Citadel paints, 15ml dropper bottles are typically used, while for Contrast paints or larger Citadel pots, you will need 30ml bottles to avoid overfilling. You can find these bottles on Amazon or other online retailers.
Flow Improver
A flow improver is a crucial tool to help keep your paint smooth and easy to pour during the transfer process. Add a few drops of flow improver to the original paint pot and shake well to mix thoroughly. Do not add too much, as you want to maintain the original viscosity of the paint. Flow improver is especially useful for thicker paints.
Mixing Balls
Also known as agitators, mixing balls are small ball bearings that you add to your paint pots to improve mixing. They help prevent paint separation and are worth adding to each dropper bottle during the transfer process.
Clippers
Clippers are useful for easily removing the lids from the Citadel paint pots, making the transfer process smoother and less messy.
Funnel
A funnel, preferably a mini one, is optional but highly recommended to prevent spillage during the paint transfer. It makes the process much easier and reduces the risk of tipping over the open dropper bottle.
Labels
Clear labels are important for keeping your paint collection organised. You can remove the labels from the old Citadel paint pots and attach them to the corresponding dropper bottles, either in whole or in part, using a hobby knife.
With these tools, you will be well-equipped to transfer your Citadel paint from pots to dropper bottles efficiently and effectively.
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Step-by-step transfer process
Transferring Citadel paint from a pot to a dropper bottle is a simple process, but it requires some preparation. Firstly, you need to ensure you have the right tools, including 15ml or 30ml dropper bottles, a funnel, flow improver, and agitators (small ball bearings). Before you begin, get your work area set up with all the necessary tools within reach.
Once you have everything ready, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Paint
Add a few drops (2-3) of a flow improver to the original Citadel paint pot. This will reduce the surface tension and make it easier to pour the paint out. Shake the pot very well until all the coloured pigment and binding medium are thoroughly mixed. This step may take some time, especially for thicker paints. You can use a motorized paint shaker or mixer to make this process faster and more efficient.
Step 2: Transfer the Paint
Using a mini funnel to prevent spillage, carefully pour the paint from the Citadel pot into the dropper bottle. To avoid accidental tipping, secure the bottom of the dropper bottle with double-sided tape or sticky-tack. Continue pouring until the paint flows out continuously. This transfer process should only take a minute or two.
Step 3: Clean the Residue
Use a clean, dampened brush to scoop out any residual paint from the inside of the cap and sides of the Citadel pot. Dampen the bristles with the flow improver and carefully stir and scrape the remaining paint.
Step 4: Finalize and Label
As a final step, remove the label from the old Citadel paint pot and attach it to the dropper bottle. You can choose to attach the whole label or cut out the relevant section.
By following these steps, you will successfully transfer your Citadel paint from the pot to a dropper bottle, ensuring a mess-free and efficient process.
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Benefits of using dropper bottles
Transferring Citadel paint from pots to dropper bottles can be a great way to improve your painting experience. Here are some benefits of using dropper bottles:
Efficient Storage
Citadel paint pots can be awkward to store due to their flared base and unusual design, which makes stacking difficult. Dropper bottles, on the other hand, are cylindrical and stack neatly, taking up less space in your storage system. This makes it easier to organise your paints and maximise your storage space.
Improved Lifespan of Paint and Brushes
Dropper bottles provide a much better seal than Citadel paint pots, as paint doesn't run into the seam of the lid and dry. This airtight seal prolongs the lifespan of your paint by preventing it from drying out. Additionally, dropper bottles allow you to add paint directly to your palette, reducing the risk of overloading your brush and damaging the bristles.
Better Palette Control
Dropper bottles enable you to measure out a consistent amount of paint each time, making it easier to mix the same shades consistently. This gives you better control over the colours on your palette and helps you achieve the desired paint consistency.
Save Paint
Citadel paint pots are notorious for wasting paint due to poor sealing lids and the tendency for paint to dry around the lid. Dropper bottles address these issues, reducing paint wastage and preventing thickened sludge from forming.
Ease of Use
Dropper bottles offer a more convenient way to dispense paint directly onto your palette, eliminating the need for a brush during the paint transfer process. This not only protects your brushes but also simplifies the painting process, making it more enjoyable.
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Downsides of transferring paint
While transferring Citadel paint from pots to dropper bottles can help to keep paint fresh and make mixing easier, there are some potential downsides to the process. Here are some considerations before making the switch:
Time and Effort: Transferring paint from pots to dropper bottles can be a time-consuming and tedious task. It requires careful preparation and execution to ensure a smooth and mess-free transfer. For those with a large collection of paints, the process can be especially lengthy.
Cost: In addition to the cost of the paint, transferring Citadel paint to dropper bottles may feel like double-paying for the same product. Purchasing the necessary tools and dropper bottles can add up, especially if you need to buy a large quantity to accommodate your paint collection.
Paint Loss: One of the main criticisms of transferring paint to dropper bottles is the potential loss of paint during the transfer process. It can be challenging to get all the paint out of the original pot, and some paint may be left behind in the funnel or other tools used for the transfer.
Clogging: While dropper bottles can help prevent paint from drying out in the pot, the dropper tips themselves can become clogged over time, especially if transferring older paint. This can lead to frustration and the need to use tools like paper clips to clear the clog.
Nostalgia and Preference: Some people may have a nostalgic attachment to the traditional GW or Citadel paint pots. Personal preference also plays a role, as some individuals may find the pots more comfortable or familiar to work with, despite their potential drawbacks.
In summary, while transferring Citadel paint to dropper bottles can offer benefits such as improved storage and paint longevity, it's important to weigh these advantages against the potential downsides of the transfer process, including the time, cost, paint loss, clogging issues, and personal preferences involved.
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Frequently asked questions
Citadel paint pots are known for drying out quickly, clogging up, and wasting paint. Dropper bottles are more airtight, stackable, and give you better control over paint usage.
You'll need a 15ml bottle for standard Citadel paints and a 30ml bottle for Citadel Contrast paints or larger pots.
Aside from the dropper bottles, you'll need a flow improver and mixing balls (also known as agitators). You may also want a funnel, clippers, and labels.
First, add a few drops of flow improver to the original pot and shake well. Then, use a funnel to pour the paint from the pot into the dropper bottle. Finally, remove the label from the old pot and attach it to the dropper bottle.
You can find dropper bottles and other supplies at various retailers, including Amazon, eBay, and specialty hobby stores.
