Games Workshop, the renowned company behind Warhammer and Citadel paints, has undergone several changes in their paint ranges over the years. One common question that many hobbyists and collectors ask is whether Games Workshop has changed the names of their paints, and if so, why.
Understanding the history and evolution of Games Workshop’s paint names is important for both new and experienced painters. It helps collectors identify older pots and maintain consistency in their paint collections.
This article delves into the details of paint name changes, the reasons behind them, and how players can navigate these modifications.
Background: The Evolution of Games Workshop Paints
Games Workshop has been producing Citadel paints since the late 1980s. Originally, these paints were sold under the Citadel brand with distinct names reflecting the fantasy and sci-fi themes of their miniature ranges.
Over time, the company expanded the paint range and updated formulations, leading to changes in product packaging and sometimes paint names.
The early Citadel paints were available mainly as small pots with a wide variety of creative names that often referenced the Warhammer universe. These names made paints memorable and thematic but occasionally inconsistent in naming conventions.
Reasons Behind Paint Name Changes
1. Product Line Rebranding: Over the years, Games Workshop has rebranded and restructured their paint lines to keep up with market trends and improve user experience.
This often involved standardizing names to make them easier to identify and categorize.
2. International Market Considerations: Some paint names were changed to be more universally understandable or less culturally sensitive in different countries.
3. Formulation Updates: When paint formulas were improved for better coverage, durability, or color accuracy, the names sometimes changed to reflect the updated product or to distinguish between old and new formulations.
4. Simplification and Organization: Games Workshop introduced different paint ranges such as Base, Layer, Shade, Dry, and Technical paints.
To help users understand the function of each paint, names were sometimes adjusted to align with these categories.
Examples of Name Changes
Many classic paint colors have either been renamed or replaced over the years. Below is a table illustrating some well-known examples:
| Original Paint Name | Updated Name (if applicable) | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mephiston Red | Mephiston Red | Base | Consistent name; formula updated |
| Scab Red | Evil Sunz Scarlet | Base | Renamed with new paint range launch |
| Caliban Green | Caliban Green | Base | Same name, refreshed formula and pot design |
| Dark Angels Green | Warpstone Glow | Layer | Renamed during update, different shade |
| Lamenters Yellow | Yriel Yellow | Layer | Changed name to better fit lore |
| Runefang Steel | Leadbelcher | Base | Renamed and reformulated |
| Devlan Mud | Agrax Earthshade | Shade | Shade paint introduced, replacing washes |
Understanding the Paint Ranges and Naming Conventions
It is important to understand that Games Workshop’s paints are organized into groups based on their intended use:
- Base Paints: These are designed to provide solid, opaque coverage as the foundation layer.
- Layer Paints: Slightly thinner than base paints, they are used for building highlights and details.
- Shade Paints: Introduced to replace traditional washes, they provide shading and depth with a single application.
- Dry Paints: Created specifically for dry brushing techniques.
- Technical Paints: Specialized paints for effects like rust, blood, or texture.
The naming conventions sometimes reflect these categories for clarity. For example, Agrax Earthshade clearly indicates a shade paint, while Leadbelcher is a base paint.
These changes help hobbyists quickly identify the paint’s purpose.
Impact of Name Changes on Collectors and Hobbyists
For collectors and painters, name changes can be confusing. Older paints may appear identical in color but carry different names or packaging styles.
“Many hobbyists treasure older Citadel paint pots as nostalgic pieces, but it’s important to cross-reference names and color swatches when trying to match paints from different eras.” – Miniature Painting Expert
Additionally, online resources and community forums often create conversion charts to help users translate old paint names to current equivalents. This ensures compatibility and consistency when restocking paints or following painting guides.
How to Identify Paints Despite Name Changes
Here are some tips to identify your paints accurately, regardless of name changes:
- Check the Label and Logo: Older Citadel paints have different label designs and logos compared to newer pots.
- Look at the Color Swatch: Many paint pots include a color swatch on the lid or label; compare this to current colors.
- Use Conversion Charts: Various hobby websites offer detailed charts mapping old paint names to new ones.
- Ask the Community: Forums such as Reddit, DakkaDakka, or official Games Workshop communities are valuable for advice.
Summary Table: Tips for Navigating Citadel Paint Name Changes
| Tip | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Compare Labels | Observe pot design and label details. | Identify paint era and formulation. |
| Use Conversion Charts | Cross-reference old and new names. | Ensures color consistency. |
| Community Consultation | Seek help from experienced hobbyists. | Gain insights and recommendations. |
| Swatch Comparison | Physically compare paint samples or photos. | Accurately match colors. |
Conclusion
Yes, Games Workshop has changed the names of some of their paints over time. These changes were driven by rebranding efforts, formulation improvements, and a desire to organize paints more logically according to their use.
While some paint names have remained consistent, many have been altered or replaced to better fit the evolving Citadel paint system.
For hobbyists, understanding these changes is crucial for maintaining a coherent paint collection and achieving desired painting results. Utilizing conversion charts, consulting the community, and carefully examining paint properties can mitigate confusion caused by these name changes.
Ultimately, Games Workshop’s efforts to streamline and modernize their paint ranges reflect their commitment to enhancing the miniature painting experience for both new and veteran hobbyists alike.
