The 15 best model paint brands
Acrylicos Vallejo, Tamiya and Testors lead our ranking of 15 model paint brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Model Paint brands, ranked
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1
Acrylicos Vallejo
Spanish water-based acrylics in dropper bottles, with the Model Color range popular for brush-painting figures and kits.
Top products: Model Color
Website: acrylicosvallejo.com |Brands like Acrylicos Vallejo
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Tamiya
Lacquer spray cans and X-series acrylics give smooth finishes on scale kits, and the clears are well regarded for gloss work.
Top products: X Series Gloss Set
Website: tamiyausa.com |Brands like Tamiya
Popularity 7.3/10
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3
Testors
Classic enamel bottles and Model Master colours cover most scale kit needs at modest prices.
Top products: Enamel Gloss
Website: testors.com |Brands like Testors
Popularity 4.8/10
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4
Mission Models
The acrylic paint collection offered by Mission Models is high-quality development for the buyers of scale modelers and graphic creators. The product line is backed up by extensive research and has resulted in an odor-free solution based on solvent matter. The innovation added in the paints comes from triple pigmentation to elongate its life cycle and promises durability. The artists' various requirements are considered to create an output that effectively suits their different working conditions.
Popularity 4.0/10
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5
Revell
Water-based Aqua Color acrylics come in gloss, matt, satin and metallic finishes, with little odour for indoor kit painting.
Top products: Aqua Paint
Website: revell.de |Brands like Revell
Popularity 2.6/10
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6
Games Workshop
Citadel pots are the standard for Warhammer miniatures, with colour-coded base, layer and shade ranges.
Website: games-workshop.com |Brands like Games Workshop
Popularity 2.3/10
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7
The Army Painter
Warpaints acrylics pair with primers and speed-paint sets for quick, good-looking results on tabletop miniatures.
Popularity 2.2/10
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8
WizKids
Tabletop games and collectible miniatures for players of fantasy roleplaying games come from WizKids. Its figures include dragons and creatures sold for Dungeons and Dragons and other systems. Board games designed for repeat play by families and groups of friends are also published by the firm.
Website: wizkids.com |Brands like WizKids
Popularity 1.2/10
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9
Italeri
Italeri makes plastic scale models in Bologna, including aircraft, tanks, model trucks and figure kits. The brand has produced models for many years and offers many vehicles in multiple scales. Its kits are popular with hobbyists who build detailed military...
Website: italeri.com |Brands like Italeri
Popularity 1.1/10
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10
Badger
Badger is a skincare line noted for being organic, natural, and safe. They researched which fruits, herbs, and oils promote skin health and repair damaged cells while staying away from elements that can irritate or hurt your body. Badger combines...
Popularity 1.0/10
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11
Hasegawa
Hasegawa produces plastic model kits of cars, planes and aircraft for hobbyists who build and display scale models. Its car and aircraft kits are sold for home assembly, and the replicas are built to accurate detail. Each kit is supplied...
Popularity 0.8/10
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12
Gunze
Mr. Color lacquer and Aqueous acrylics are a long-standing choice for airbrushed scale model finishes.
Website: gunze.co.jp |Brands like Gunze
Popularity 0.7/10
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13
Trumpeter
Thousands of people sign up for the army every year. These soldiers who are strangers to one another, fight one another to keep us safe and sound. Hence it is our duty to provide them with all the support we...
Website: trumpeter-china.com |Brands like Trumpeter
Popularity 0.7/10
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14
HobbyBoss
In terms of sales and service, HobbyBoss is the market leader. It boasts groundbreaking technology and industry-standard management and has undergone extensive verification. HobbyBoss has a lot of expertise with static plastic model kits. HobbyBoss was created to suit the...
Website: hobbyboss.com |Brands like HobbyBoss
Popularity 0.6/10
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15
Privateer Press
Foundation set in 2000; Privateer Press has been since then bringing imagination entirely to the games. This use of vision has led to the curation of successful gameplay that gamers have adored. There are various games like Hordes, Minicrate, Warmachine,...
Website: privateerpress.com |Brands like Privateer Press
Popularity 0.4/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylicos Vallejo | acrylicosvallejo.com | /vallejoartsandcrafts | vallejoartsandcrafts | @vallejocolors | Vallejo Fine Arts |
| Tamiya | tamiyausa.com | – | – | – | – |
| Testors | testors.com | /Testors | testors_corp | @TestorsTweets | TestorCorporation |
| Revell | revell.de | /Revell | revellgermany | @revellgermany | RevellGermany |
| Games Workshop | games-workshop.com | – | – | – | – |
| WizKids | wizkids.com | /wizkids | wizkidsgames | @wizkidsgames | WizKidsOfficial |
| Italeri | italeri.com | /ItaleriModelKit | italeri | @ItaleriModelKit | – |
Model Paint Buying Guide
Model painting is an essential part of scale model making that requires the application of different paint types and colors. The application skills of a modeler are a great factor in creating an attractive model, but to achieve that goal, paints are one of the critical components. Investing in the right model paint with the required color consistency and adhesion potential can make a significant difference in the final result of the model.
Types of Model Paint
There are three primary model paint types available in the market. Each paint type serves unique purposes and has different characteristics. Understanding the various paint types' advantages and disadvantages can impact your project quality.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paints are water-soluble, easy-to-clean, and dry quickly. They are environmentally friendly since they contain no harmful solvents, making them safer to use for indoor projects. Acrylic paints have a wide range of color options and can create different textures with different finishes, like matte, satin and glossy. Acrylic paints are ideal for beginners since they can be diluted with water, making them easier to handle.
Enamel Paint
Enamel paints are solvent-based and dry slowly, giving the modeler enough time to work with them. They are liquid paints that contain a solvent like mineral spirits, turpentine, or alcohol. The solvent can take longer to dry, making it harder to clean and handle. Enamel paints offer a durable finish and are a perfect option for models that frequently face handling and transportation.
Lacquer Paint
Lacquer paints are solvent-based, which means they contain solvents like lacquer thinner or acetone that enable the paint to dry quickly. They have a hard finish and excellent adhesion to different surfaces. Lacquer paints are highly toxic and are not environmentally friendly, making it challenging to use, especially for indoor projects. They are best used with experienced modelers who understand the safety precautions and handling procedures involved in using them.
Color Options
Color is an essential consideration when choosing your model paint. Most scale model brands offer a wide range of color options to match your design requirements, making it easier to create a great finishing touch. It is essential to consider the color consistency of each brand as slight color changes can ruin the final result of a project. Getting the matching color and consistency is vital for an accurate and professional finish.
Finish Options
Finishing options are vital in determining the final look of your model. The desired texture and finish can differ depending on the type of model and design purpose. There are three primary types of finishes when it comes to model painting.
Gloss Finish
A gloss finish creates a bright shine texture, making the model look new and original. Gloss finishes offer excellent durability and are perfect for models that will experience handling and require frequent transportation.
Satin Finish
Satin finish offers a subtle shine that is less reflective than a gloss finish. It is a great option for creating a natural look while still providing excellent adhesion.
Matte Finish
The matte finish creates a flat, non-reflective finish with zero gloss. It is ideal for models that require a more professional finish or those with natural colors that do not require any extra shine.
Brand Options
Different brands offer varying model paint quality, pricing, color consistency, and finish options. The brand options can influence the final finish of your model depending on experience, project requirements, and personal preference. The three major brands in the market are discussed below.
Tamiya
Tamiya has been one of the leading brands for model paints in the market. They have a wide range of colors to choose from, making it easier to match your project's design requirements. They offer both enamel and acrylic paints, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced modelers. Tamiya paints are known for its high quality, color accuracy, and excellent adhesion.
Vallejo
Vallejo is a Spanish company known for its high quality acrylic color challenges. They offer a wide range of color options, and their paint consistency and accuracy are top-notch. Vallejo paint has a low odor compared to other brands, making it environmentally friendly and safer to use for project indoors. They offer different packaging options, including dropper bottles and spray cans.
Testors
Testors is a popular brand among intermediate and beginner modelers, offering both enamel and acrylic paint options. Their paints are of good quality and offer a wide range of colors that are ideal for model cars and airplanes, among other things. Testors are widely available in most art stores and online platforms, making it easily accessible to modelers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right paint for your model is essential in achieving an accurate and professional finish. The type of paint, color options, and finish of the paint will significantly impact the final result of the model. It is important to consider the brand options available, with Tamiya, Vallejo, and Testors being the most popular. Ultimately, your project requirement, personal preference, and expertise will determine the ideal paint type and color option to purchase for a satisfying result.
