Introduction
Painting miniatures is an art—and like every artist, you need the perfect color to bring your creations to life. For Warhammer hobbyists and model painters, choosing the right blue can make your miniature army stand out on the battlefield. Two of the most popular Citadel shades are Thunderhawk Blue and Temple Guard Blue. But how do you know which one to choose?
In this detailed guide, we will dive deep into Thunderhawk Blue vs Temple Guard Blue, comparing their shades, uses, application techniques, and best use cases. Whether you’re painting Ultramarines, Eldar, or just experimenting with color gradients, this article will help you make the right choice.
Understanding Citadel Colors
What Are Citadel Paints?
Citadel paints are premium paints made by Games Workshop, primarily for painting Warhammer miniatures. These paints are known for their smooth finish, pigment richness, and ease of layering. They come in different categories like Base, Layer, Shade, Dry, and Technical.
Base vs Layer Paints
- Base Paints (like Thunderhawk Blue) are thicker and designed to provide solid coverage.
- Layer Paints (like Temple Guard Blue) are thinner and made for building up highlights and depth over base colors.
Thunderhawk Blue Overview
What is Thunderhawk Blue?
Thunderhawk Blue is a dark, muted blue-gray base paint with cool undertones. It’s part of the Citadel Base range and is often used as a foundation for Space Marine armor or mechanical parts.
- Category: Base
- Hex Code Approximation: #446B7D
- Finish: Matte
- Undertones: Grey, Steel, Cool
Best Uses of Thunderhawk Blue
- Base coating for grimdark or military-themed miniatures
- Works great for highlighting shadows in layered painting
- Ideal for metallic underlayers or mechanical components
Temple Guard Blue Overview
What is Temple Guard Blue?
Temple Guard Blue is a bright, vibrant turquoise color from the Citadel Layer range. It’s lighter and more saturated than Thunderhawk Blue, making it a perfect highlight or main color for fantasy-themed figures.
- Category: Layer
- Hex Code Approximation: #2DCCD3
- Finish: Semi-Gloss
- Undertones: Aqua, Green, Bright
Best Uses of Temple Guard Blue
- Highlighting and edge detailing
- Perfect for Lizardmen, Seraphon, or Tzeentch Daemons
- Great as a mid-tone or finishing color for blue armor
Thunderhawk Blue vs Temple Guard Blue: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Thunderhawk Blue | Temple Guard Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Base Paint | Layer Paint |
| Color Tone | Dark, Muted | Bright, Vibrant |
| Undertone | Gray-Blue | Aqua-Green |
| Best Use | Base Coating, Shadows | Highlighting, Mid-tones |
| Finish | Matte | Semi-Gloss |
| Ideal For | Grimdark Themes, Marines | Fantasy Creatures, Magic Effects |
| Layer Compatibility | Under Temple Guard Blue | Over Thunderhawk Blue |
When to Use Thunderhawk Blue
Painting Tips with Thunderhawk Blue
- Use it as a first layer over a primer (like Chaos Black or Grey Seer).
- Combine it with Fenrisian Grey for highlights or Nuln Oil for depth.
- Ideal for setting a dark and cold tone for the miniature.
Model Examples That Shine with Thunderhawk Blue
- Space Wolves: Thunderhawk Blue as armor with lighter edge highlights.
- Tau Mechs: Undercoat with Thunderhawk for a battle-worn effect.
- Vehicles: Especially tanks and dreads with a stealth aesthetic.
When to Use Temple Guard Blue
Painting Tips with Temple Guard Blue
- Use over Thunderhawk Blue or Sotek Green to bring out vibrant layers.
- Blend with Ahriman Blue or Baharroth Blue for highlights.
- Perfect with Drakenhof Nightshade to add shadow depth.
Model Examples That Shine with Temple Guard Blue
- Seraphon Skinks: Use for the skin to pop on tabletop.
- Tzeentch Flamers: Magical and ethereal effects.
- Eldar Craftworlds: Use on runes, gems, and armor plates.
Layering Techniques: Best Practices
How to Layer Thunderhawk and Temple Guard Together
One of the best ways to use both paints is in progressive layering:
- Start with a black primer.
- Apply Thunderhawk Blue as the base coat.
- Add a wash of Drakenhof Nightshade for depth.
- Begin highlighting with Sotek Green.
- Finish with Temple Guard Blue on the edges or raised areas.
This gives a realistic, three-dimensional color transition perfect for sci-fi armor or fantasy beasts.
Which Paint Lasts Longer?
In terms of durability:
- Thunderhawk Blue being a base paint, adheres stronger and gives more surface hold.
- Temple Guard Blue, although thinner, gives excellent finish but may require a varnish coat for long-term wear resistance.
For gaming miniatures, always seal with a matte or satin varnish.
Color Matching with Other Brands
If you’re trying to match these colors with Vallejo or Army Painter alternatives:
- Thunderhawk Blue Match: Vallejo Dark Blue Gray, or Army Painter Wolf Grey mixed with black.
- Temple Guard Blue Match: Vallejo Turquoise or Army Painter Toxic Mist.
Always test on a palette before applying to ensure accuracy.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between Thunderhawk Blue vs Temple Guard Blue depends on your painting goal.
- Go with Thunderhawk Blue if you want a grounded, darker, and more realistic tone.
- Pick Temple Guard Blue for a vibrant, eye-catching finish that pops.
You can also use both together to create dramatic contrast in your painting. Their synergy works great for natural lighting effects, armor transitions, and glowing magical details.
Conclusion
The battle between Thunderhawk Blue vs Temple Guard Blue is not about choosing one over the other. It’s about understanding how to use them together or individually based on your painting project. Each has its place on the miniature battlefield, and when used wisely, they can transform a simple figure into a masterpiece.
Mastering your paint selection is the first step toward achieving pro-level miniature art. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your palette, these two blues deserve a spot in your collection.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use Temple Guard Blue as a base coat?
Temple Guard Blue is a layer paint, meaning it’s too thin for a good base coat. Always use a proper base paint like Thunderhawk Blue first for solid coverage.
Q2: Are these paints suitable for dry brushing?
Temple Guard Blue can work well in dry brushing for highlights. Thunderhawk Blue is better used as a base or heavy layer.
Q3: Can I mix Thunderhawk Blue and Temple Guard Blue?
Yes! Mixing them creates a unique mid-tone blue, ideal for blending or smoothing gradients on your miniatures.
Q4: Which paint is better for airbrushing?
Both paints can be thinned for airbrushing, but Temple Guard Blue flows more smoothly due to its thinner consistency.
Q5: Do these colors fade over time?
Not if properly sealed with a varnish. For long-term display or tabletop play, always seal your painted miniatures.
