How many models can I paint from one pot?

A 12ml Citadel pot or 17ml Vallejo bottle can paint roughly 50-100 infantry models at 28mm with one colour, depending on coverage area. Basecoats use more paint than detail colours. Washes and contrast paints go further.

Should I buy all my paints before starting?

Buy your main basecoat colours, a primer, and a wash to start. Add detail colours as you need them. This avoids wasting money on colours you may not use. Most armies can be painted with 6-10 colours.

How many coats should I apply?

Two thin coats is the golden rule for solid coverage. Some colours (yellows, reds, white) may need 3-4 coats over a dark primer. Using a coloured primer matched to your basecoat reduces the number of coats needed.

Is Citadel or Vallejo better value?

Vallejo dropper bottles (17ml at ~£2.85) offer better value per ml than Citadel pots (12ml at ~£3.50). Vallejo dropper bottles also waste less paint and are easier to use with wet palettes. Both are high quality — choose based on preference.

ModelCalcs

Paint Pot Calculator — Army Painting Supplies

Estimate how many paint pots you need based on army size and colour scheme.

Number of Models

Model Size

Number of Colours

Coats per Colour

Cost per Pot (£, optional)

How We Calculate This

Estimates total paint volume from model count, surface area and coats, then calculates pots needed per colour.

Formula

Total paint = Models x Surface area x 0.01ml per sq.cm x Coats
Per colour = Total paint / Number of colours
Pots per colour = Per colour / Pot size (14ml avg)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.