If you're into miniature painting, you've probably stood in front of your paint shelf wondering which texture paint to grab. The agrellan earth vs badland debate is real, and it's something every Warhammer hobbyist faces at some point. Both paints promise amazing base textures, but they work very differently.
I've used both of these Citadel texture paints on dozens of projects, and trust me, picking the wrong one can mess up your entire model base. Let me break down everything you need to know so you can make the right choice for your army.
What Are Texture Paints Anyway?
Before we dive into the agrellan earth vs badland comparison, lets talk about what these paints actually do. Texture paints aren't like regular paints. They're thick, gritty formulas designed to create realistic ground effects on miniature bases.
Think of them as shortcuts to awesome looking bases. Instead of gluing sand and waiting forever, you just slap on some texture paint and boom - instant terrain. Citadel makes several types, but Agrellan Earth and Agrellan Badland are two of the most popular options.
Agrellan Earth: The Cracked Desert Look
Agrellan Earth is pretty cool stuff. When you apply it thick to a base and let it dry, it cracks naturally. You end up with this dried riverbed effect that looks like parched desert ground. The cracks form randomly as the paint dries, which gives each base a unique look.
The paint itself is a light tan color, almost like dried mud. It comes in Citadel's standard texture paint pot, which holds about 24ml. The consistency is thick but spreadable, kind of like peanut butter but grittier.
How Agrellan Earth Works
The magic happens during drying. As the moisture evaporates, the paint shrinks and pulls apart, creating those signature cracks. The thicker you apply it, the bigger the cracks get. A thin layer might give you small fissures, while a really thick coat can create dramatic splits in the surface.
Drying time usually takes 4-6 hours depending on how thick you went. Some people use a hairdryer to speed it up, but I've found that can make the cracking less predictable.
Agrellan Badland: The Bigger, Bolder Version
Now, Agrellan Badland is basically Agrellan Earth's bigger brother. It creates much larger, more dramatic cracks when it dries. If Agrellan Earth gives you dried puddle vibes, Badland gives you full-on cracked desert wasteland energy.
The color is similar to Earth but slightly darker and more reddish-brown. It comes in the same style pot but the formula is even thicker. This stuff is seriously dense right out of the container.
The Badland Difference
The key difference in the agrellan earth vs badland matchup is crack size. Badland's formula is engineered to create wider, deeper fissures. Where Earth might give you cracks a millimeter wide, Badland can produce gaps several millimeters across.
This makes Badland perfect for larger bases like vehicle bases or diorama work. On tiny 25mm bases, those huge cracks might look weird or out of scale.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | Agrellan Earth | Agrellan Badland |
| Crack Size | Small to medium (1-2mm) | Large to very large (3-5mm) |
| Best Base Size | 25mm - 40mm | 40mm+ and vehicle bases |
| Color | Light tan/beige | Darker reddish-brown |
| Texture Depth | Moderate | Deep and dramatic |
| Drying Time | 4-6 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Application Thickness | 1-2mm recommended | 2-3mm recommended |
| Price Range | $7.80 - $8.50 | $7.80 - $8.50 |
| Container Size | 24ml | 24ml |
| Ease of Use | Beginner friendly | Intermediate |
| Scale Realism | 28mm - 32mm scale | 32mm+ and vehicles |
| Paint Coverage | ~15-20 bases (32mm) | ~12-15 bases (32mm) |
Pros and Cons Breakdown
Agrellan Earth Pros:
- Works great on standard infantry bases
- Natural looking cracks at 28-32mm scale
- Easier to control crack formation
- Better for beginners
- Lighter color works with more paint schemes
Agrellan Earth Cons:
- Cracks might be too small for dramatic effects
- Not impressive on larger bases
- Can look repetitive if not varied
Agrellan Badland Pros:
- Dramatic, eye-catching texture
- Perfect for vehicle and monster bases
- Deep cracks create strong visual interest
- Great for desert and wasteland themes
- More coverage per application
Agrellan Badland Cons:
- Cracks too large for small bases
- Takes longer to dry completely
- Harder to control the effect
- Can overwhelm smaller models
- Less forgiving for mistakes
Which One Should You Choose?
The agrellan earth vs badland question really comes down to what you're painting. Neither one is objectively better - they're just designed for different purposes.
Choose Agrellan Earth if:
- You're basing standard infantry models
- Your bases are 25mm to 40mm
- You want a subtle, realistic look
- You're new to texture paints
- You need something versatile
Choose Agrellan Badland if:
- You're working on vehicle bases
- Your models are on 60mm+ bases
- You want dramatic, attention-grabbing effects
- You're doing diorama work
- Scale isn't a concern
For most hobbyists building standard armies, Agrellan Earth is probably the better choice. It just works better at the scale most people paint at.
Real World Application Tips
I've learned some tricks using both paints over the years. First, always shake the pot really well. These texture paints separate like crazy, and if you don't mix them up, you'll get watery mess instead of nice texture.
Apply the paint with an old brush you don't care about. This stuff will destroy your good brushes. I keep a dedicated "texture paint brush" that's already beat up.
Don't try to be neat around the model's feet. Just slap it on and clean up any mistakes once it's dry. It's way easier than trying to carefully paint around tiny boots.
Getting the Best Cracks
For Agrellan Earth, apply it about 1-2mm thick for good cracks. Too thin and you'll barely get any texture. For Badland, go thicker - 2-3mm works best.
Let it dry naturally if you can. Forced drying with heat guns or hairdryers can work, but it sometimes creates weird crack patterns that don't look natural.
Color and Painting Options
Both paints can be painted over once dry, which opens up tons of options. The base colors are pretty neutral, so they work as undercoats for different schemes.
For desert bases, you can drybrush lighter colors over the cracks to make them pop. Ushabti Bone or even white works great for this. For darker, more dramatic looks, try washing the whole thing with Agrax Earthshade or even black wash.
Some people paint the cracks themselves in different colors. Red or orange in the cracks can give a lava effect. Blue or green creates an alien world vibe. The cracked texture gives you natural "lines" to follow when painting.
Cost Comparison
In the agrellan earth vs badland pricing war, there's basically no difference. Both retail for around $7.80 to $8.50 USD depending on where you buy them. Some online stores offer slight discounts, but you're looking at the same price range for both.
The real cost difference comes from coverage. Because Badland needs thicker application, you get fewer bases per pot. If you're doing a whole army of infantry, Agrellan Earth will stretch further.
One pot of either paint will last most hobbyists quite a while though. Unless you're basing hundreds of models, a single pot should cover several months worth of projects.
Community Opinions
Looking at forums and hobby groups, opinions are pretty split on the agrellan earth vs badland question. Most experienced painters keep both on hand and use them for different projects.
The consensus seems to be that Earth is more versatile and gets used more often. Badland is more specialized but creates cooler effects when used appropriately.
Some painters mix the two together to get medium-sized cracks. Others apply Earth first, then add Badland in specific areas for varied crack sizes. There's no wrong way to use them as long as you like the results.
According to hobby content from big write hook, texture paints like these have revolutionized miniature basing by making professional-looking bases accessible to painters of all skill levels.
Performance on Different Base Sizes
25mm Bases
Agrellan Earth wins here. The small cracks look natural and don't overwhelm tiny bases. Badland's cracks would be comically large on bases this small.
32mm Bases
Still Earth territory. This is the standard infantry size, and Earth's crack scale matches perfectly. Badland can work if you want something really dramatic, but it'll look oversized.
40mm Bases
This is where it gets interesting. Both work well at this size. Earth gives a subtle look, Badland gives drama. Your choice depends on the model and your preferences.
60mm+ and Vehicle Bases
Badland dominates here. Earth's small cracks look underwhelming on large bases. Badland's dramatic splits finally look properly scaled and impressive.
Alternative Uses
Both paints aren't just for bases. Creative hobbyists use them for terrain pieces, building rubble effects, and even modeling cracked armor or damaged walls.
Agrellan Earth works great for smaller terrain details like dried creek beds on gaming boards. The fine cracks add texture without overwhelming the scenery.
Badland is amazing for large terrain pieces like ruined roads or dried lake beds. I've seen people use it on entire terrain tiles with spectacular results.
Some people even use these paints for non-miniature projects. Model railway enthusiasts use them for ground textures. Diorama builders use them for all kinds of cracked earth effects.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't apply these paints over glossy surfaces. They need something to grip onto or they'll peel off. Prime your bases first or rough up plastic bases with sandpaper.
Avoid applying too thin. I know the pots are expensive and you want them to last, but skimping on thickness means weak cracks or no cracks at all. Be generous with application.
Don't panic if the paint looks weird while drying. It'll go through some strange phases where it looks lumpy or uneven. Trust the process and let it finish drying before you judge the results.
Never seal these paints with varnish before they're completely dry. Like, wait a full day. Sealing them early can prevent proper crack formation or create a sticky mess.
Storage and Shelf Life
Keep these paints sealed tight when not in use. They dry out faster than normal paints because of their texture. If you find your pot has dried out a bit, you can add a few drops of water and mix it back to useable consistency.
Properly stored, both paints should last several years. I've got pots that are 3+ years old and still work fine. Just make sure the lid is on tight.
If your paint has completely dried into a solid chunk, you can try adding water and letting it sit overnight. Sometimes it reconstitutes, sometimes it doesn't. It's worth a shot before throwing it out.
Final Verdict: Which Wins the Agrellan Earth vs Badland Battle?
Here's my honest take after using both extensively: Agrellan Earth is the better all-around choice for most painters. It's more versatile, works on the base sizes most people use, and creates realistic effects that enhance models without stealing the show.
That said, Agrellan Badland absolutely has its place. For vehicle bases, large models, and terrain work, it's unbeatable. The dramatic cracks it creates are perfect for those applications.
If you can only buy one, get Agrellan Earth. If you're serious about the hobby and do a variety of projects, eventually grab both. They're different tools for different jobs, and having options is always good.
Key Takeaways
- Agrellan Earth creates small to medium cracks, perfect for infantry bases (25mm-40mm)
- Agrellan Badland produces large, dramatic cracks ideal for vehicles and large bases (60mm+)
- Both are priced similarly at $7.80-$8.50 per pot
- Application thickness matters - thicker applications create bigger cracks
- Agrellan Earth is more beginner-friendly and versatile
- Neither paint is "better" - they serve different purposes
- Both can be painted over for custom color schemes
- Proper drying time (4-8 hours) is essential for best results
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mix Agrellan Earth and Badland together? Yes, mixing them creates medium-sized cracks. The resulting texture falls somewhere between the two, giving you more control over crack size.
Do these paints work on resin bases? They work on resin as long as the surface is roughed up a bit. Prime the base first or lightly sand it to give the texture paint something to grip.
Can you speed up drying with a hair dryer? You can, but it affects crack formation. Natural drying gives better, more predictable results. If you're in a hurry, use low heat from a distance.
Will varnish ruin the texture? No, but wait until the paint is completely dry (24 hours minimum). Spray varnish works better than brush-on for preserving the texture.
How many bases does one pot cover? Agrellan Earth covers roughly 15-20 standard 32mm bases. Badland covers about 12-15 due to needing thicker application.
Can you apply multiple layers? Yes, but let each layer dry completely first. This can create interesting multi-level crack effects, though it's not commonly done.
Conclusion
The agrellan earth vs badland debate doesn't have a universal winner because these paints serve different purposes. Your choice depends entirely on what you're painting and the look you want to achieve.
For everyday hobbyists working on standard armies, Agrellan Earth is the practical choice. It works on most base sizes, creates realistic textures, and is forgiving enough for beginners. You'll get more mileage out of it and use it more frequently.
Agrellan Badland shines in specialized situations. When you need dramatic impact on large bases or terrain, nothing beats it. The massive cracks it creates are visually stunning at the right scale.
My recommendation? Start with Agrellan Earth. Learn how texture paints work, experiment with techniques, and build up your basing skills. Once you're comfortable and working on projects that need bigger cracks, add Badland to your collection.
Both paints are quality products that'll elevate your miniature bases. The worst choice you can make is not using texture paints at all. Even a basic application of either one will make your models look more finished and professional than plain painted bases.
Whatever you choose in the agrellan earth vs badland matchup, have fun with it. Basing should be enjoyable, not stressful. Experiment, make mistakes, and figure out what works for your style and projects.