Citadel Shade: Nuln Oil 18ml

If you only own one shade, make it Nuln Oil. This black wash is the most reliable trick in the hobby — flood it over metal, armour and detailed areas and it instantly finds every recess, leaving crisp definition and a grimy, battle-worn finish. It's the closest thing to a "make it look painted" button there is.

At a glance

Best for

• Shading silver and gold metallics to instant effect
• Sharpening detail on armour, mechanical bits and black areas

One pot covers an army's worth of models — no wonder it's the most-used paint on most hobby desks.

The one shade nobody regrets buying. Stock up alongside Agrax Earthshade and a decent shade brush.