Citadel paint pots, while popular, are known to have lids that tend to close unexpectedly while you are painting. As noted in observations, such as those discussed in videos, when you "try to keep them open," they "like to kind of close on their own" (as described around the 0:02 mark). This can be frustrating as it interrupts your workflow and potentially causes spills.
Fortunately, hobbyists have developed several methods to prevent these lids from snapping shut, allowing you to focus on your painting without interruption.
Common Methods to Keep Citadel Paint Pots Open
Several practical solutions exist to keep the lids of your Citadel paint pots securely open while you work. These range from simple tricks to dedicated tools.
Using Paint Pot Holders or Trays
- Purpose: These are specifically designed holders or trays with slots shaped to fit Citadel pots.
- How they work: The pots sit snugly within the holder, and the design often incorporates a way to prop or secure the lid in an open position.
- Benefits: Provides a stable base and reliable lid retention. Keeps your workspace organized.
Employing Magnets
- Purpose: Using magnetic force to hold the lid open.
- How they work: This often involves placing a small magnet on the underside of the open lid and having a magnetic surface (like a metal plate or a base with embedded magnets) for the magnet on the lid to adhere to when fully opened.
- Benefits: A simple, effective method, especially if you have existing magnetic bases for miniatures.
Using Adhesive Putty (Blu-Tack, etc.)
- Purpose: Creating a temporary physical support for the lid.
- How they work: A small piece of reusable adhesive putty can be placed on the workstation surface behind the paint pot. When the lid is fully opened, the edge of the lid is pressed into the putty, holding it in place.
- Benefits: Inexpensive, readily available, and highly flexible. Can be used anywhere.
Transferring Paint
- Purpose: Eliminating the need to keep the pot lid open for extended periods.
- How they work: Instead of painting directly from the pot, transfer a small amount of paint to a wet palette or a separate small dish.
- Benefits: Keeps the main pot sealed, preserving the paint inside. Provides a better mixing surface (on a wet palette). Reduces the risk of knocking over the entire pot.
Manual Techniques
- Purpose: Simple, immediate ways to manage the lid.
- How they work: Carefully position the pot so the lid rests against something stable (like another paint pot, a tool, or the edge of your workspace) while ensuring it doesn't block access to the paint. Some hobbyists also gently bend the plastic hinge back slightly (exercise caution not to break it) to make the lid stay open more readily, though this is not recommended universally.
- Benefits: Requires no extra materials.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Paint Pot Holders/Trays | Secure, organized, reliable lid support | Can be bulky, requires specific purchase |
| Magnets | Clean, effective | Requires specific setup (magnets, metal base) |
| Adhesive Putty | Cheap, versatile, portable | Can leave residue, may not be the most secure |
| Transferring Paint | Preserves pot paint, better mixing | Requires extra steps and a palette/dish |
| Manual Techniques | Free, immediate | Less secure, risk of spills/lid damage |
Choosing the best method depends on your budget, workspace, and personal preference. Regardless of the technique, addressing the tendency of Citadel lids to close "on their own" (as observed) is key to a smoother painting experience.
