The Standard of the 13th
The Indomitable Foundation for the Heroes of the Imperium.
While Contrast paints offer speed, Macragge Blue is the bedrock. As a Base paint, it is engineered for pure, solid coverage and a deep, regal finish that has defined the Ultramarines for generations. This isn't just a color; it’s a toolkit essential for anyone building a disciplined, military-themed force. Whether you are coating a towering Dreadnought or the standard-bearer of a fantasy regiment, Macragge Blue provides the perfect canvas for your greatest victories.
Why Macragge Blue is a Hobby Essential
Superior Opacity: Unlike lighter shades, Macragge Blue is packed with heavy pigment. It is designed to go over dark or light primers with ease, providing a smooth, flat surface in just one or two thin coats.
The Perfect Mid-Tone: It sits exactly in the sweet spot of the blue spectrum—not too dark to hide detail, and not too bright to look garish. It provides a professional, "heavy metal" look that commands respect on the tabletop.
The Foundation for Shading: Because it is a flat base color, it interacts beautifully with washes like Nuln Oil for a gritty look or Drakenhof Nightshade for a rich, cohesive blue shadow.
Versatility Across Ranges: While it’s the "Ultramarine Blue," it is equally effective for the deep robes of a wizard, the hulls of sci-fi starships, or the heraldry of a noble knight.
Superior Opacity: Unlike lighter shades, Macragge Blue is packed with heavy pigment. It is designed to go over dark or light primers with ease, providing a smooth, flat surface in just one or two thin coats.
The Perfect Mid-Tone: It sits exactly in the sweet spot of the blue spectrum—not too dark to hide detail, and not too bright to look garish. It provides a professional, "heavy metal" look that commands respect on the tabletop.
The Foundation for Shading: Because it is a flat base color, it interacts beautifully with washes like Nuln Oil for a gritty look or Drakenhof Nightshade for a rich, cohesive blue shadow.
Versatility Across Ranges: While it’s the "Ultramarine Blue," it is equally effective for the deep robes of a wizard, the hulls of sci-fi starships, or the heraldry of a noble knight.
How to Master Macragge Blue
Thin Your Paints: To get that iconic, silky-smooth finish, always add a drop of water to your palette. Two thin coats are always better than one thick one to avoid obscuring the fine details of the plastic.
Systematic Highlighting: For a classic look, start with Macragge Blue, wash with Drakenhof Nightshade, and then "re-establish" the color on the flat panels before highlighting the sharp edges with Altdorf Guard Blue.
Airbrush Ready: When thinned properly with airbrush thinner, Macragge Blue provides an incredibly consistent coat across large vehicles like Repulsors or Land Raiders, ensuring your entire motor pool matches perfectly.
The "Black Primer" Advantage: If you want a darker, more brooding military blue, apply this over a black primer. For a more vibrant, "box art" look, use a grey or blue primer first.
Thin Your Paints: To get that iconic, silky-smooth finish, always add a drop of water to your palette. Two thin coats are always better than one thick one to avoid obscuring the fine details of the plastic.
Systematic Highlighting: For a classic look, start with Macragge Blue, wash with Drakenhof Nightshade, and then "re-establish" the color on the flat panels before highlighting the sharp edges with Altdorf Guard Blue.
Airbrush Ready: When thinned properly with airbrush thinner, Macragge Blue provides an incredibly consistent coat across large vehicles like Repulsors or Land Raiders, ensuring your entire motor pool matches perfectly.
The "Black Primer" Advantage: If you want a darker, more brooding military blue, apply this over a black primer. For a more vibrant, "box art" look, use a grey or blue primer first.
Technical Specifications
Pot Size: 12ml
Range: Citadel Base
Finish: Smooth Matte Regal Blue
Cleanup: Water-based (Easy cleanup with water)
Pot Size: 12ml
Range: Citadel Base
Finish: Smooth Matte Regal Blue
Cleanup: Water-based (Easy cleanup with water)
The Verdict
Macragge Blue is the quintessential hobby paint. It is reliable, forgiving, and provides the professional foundation required for the galaxy's most iconic color scheme. It’s the blue that every hobbyist needs in their paint rack, regardless of their skill level.