Games Workshop - Citadel Colour Painting Handle (Mk2), Black

The Verdict

Let’s be honest: you can paint miniatures holding the base between your fingers. You’ve done it. It works — until you smear wet paint across your thumb, or you’re hunched over a detail brush for hour three and your hand starts cramping. The Citadel Colour Painting Handle Mk2 is designed to fix those two specific problems, and for the most part, it does.

What you actually get

The Mk2 is a chunky, ergonomic cylinder about the size of a thick marker. The base is weighted and contoured with moulded finger grips that sit naturally in your palm. The top has a rotating dial with a spring-loaded collet that grips the base of your miniature. Twist the collar, drop the model in, release — it locks down firmly.

The black plastic build is solid. It won’t flex or crack under normal use, and the rotating top spins smoothly with one thumb. There’s no assembly and no batteries. It’s a simple mechanical tool that does one job well.

How it performs in practice

The rotating top is the standout feature. You can spin the model 360 degrees without touching it, which means you’re not constantly re-gripping or smudging wet paint. For edge highlighting and fine detail work, this is genuinely useful — you can rotate the model into position and brace your painting hand against the handle itself for stability.

The ergonomics are real, too. The handle is thick enough to fill your palm, and the finger grooves encourage a relaxed grip. Over a two-hour session, you’ll notice less fatigue than you would holding a bare base. One Amazon reviewer summed it up: “I didn’t realise how much tension I was holding in my hand until I switched to this. Now I can paint for hours without cramping.”

The spring-loaded gripper holds standard 32mm and 40mm bases securely. It also handles larger models — vehicles and terrain pieces — as long as they have a flat base to grip. The pressure is firm enough that models won’t wobble while you work.

Where it falls short

The gripper jaws are the weak point. For 25mm bases — the standard for most infantry in games like Warhammer 40k’s older ranges — the collet can feel tight, and you have to seat the base carefully or it sits crooked. It works, but it’s not as effortless as with larger bases.

The price is the other issue. At around $20, this is a premium for what is essentially a plastic cylinder with a clip. 3D-printed alternatives on Etsy do the same job for $5–8. You’re paying for the Citadel brand, the moulded ergonomics, and the reliability of a mass-produced tool. For casual hobbyists on a budget, that premium is hard to justify.

Who should buy this

• Warhammer players who paint regularly — the ergonomics and rotating top genuinely improve the painting experience.
• People with hand fatigue or arthritis — the thick grip and reduced need to hold the model directly make a noticeable difference.
• Collectors who paint large minis or vehicles — the gripper handles bigger bases well.

Skip it if you only paint a handful of models a year, or if you’re happy with homemade solutions like cork or pill bottles. The Mk2 is an upgrade, not a necessity.

FAQ

Q: Does it fit all Citadel base sizes? A: It grips 25mm bases, though tightly. It’s most comfortable with 32mm and larger. It won’t hold models without a flat base, like some flying stands.

Q: Can you use it while holding the model to paint the underside? A: Yes — the rotating top lets you tilt and spin the model freely, so you can reach most angles without re-gripping.

Q: Is the Mk2 better than the old Mk1 handle? A: Yes. The Mk2 has a smoother rotation, better grip texture, and a wider base that sits more stably on your desk.

The Verdict

Buy it if you paint miniatures regularly and want less hand fatigue, easier rotation, and a more comfortable painting session. It’s a well-made tool that does exactly what it promises.

Skip it if you’re a casual hobbyist or budget-conscious — the cheap alternatives work fine, and the premium here is mostly about ergonomics and brand reliability.

Rating: 4.6/5 — A solid, well-built tool with one notable limitation (small bases) and a price that’s hard to swallow if you’re not a regular painter. For the target audience, it’s worth it.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.