Building plastic models is a rewarding hobby, but choosing the right paint can make or break your project. Ever tried a paint that just refuses to stick or clogs your airbrush? Frustrating, right? To help you avoid those pitfalls, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best paints for plastic models, based on personal experience and community feedback. This guide will cover different types of paints and what makes them suitable for various modeling needs.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Vallejo Model Color Paint Set: Versatile acrylic paints, known for their smooth finish and wide color range.
- Tamiya Acrylic Mini X/XF Series Paints: Fast-drying and durable acrylics, ideal for detailed work and consistent results.
- Testors Enamel Paint Set: Classic enamel paints, offering a tough, glossy finish, especially good for beginners.
- AK Interactive 3rd Gen Acrylics: Modern acrylics with excellent adhesion and vibrant colors, designed for advanced techniques.
- Mr. Hobby Aqueous Hobby Color Acrylic Paint: High-quality acrylics with a self-leveling formula, providing a smooth, professional look.
Top 5 Best Paint For Plastic Models
1. Vallejo Model Color Paint Set
The Vallejo Model Color Paint Set is a favorite among modelers for its extensive color selection and user-friendly application. These acrylic paints are designed to be thinned with water or Vallejo’s own thinner, allowing for smooth airbrushing or brush painting. Plus, they dry to a matte finish, which is perfect for weathering and detailing.
Pros:
- ✅ Wide range of colors available
- ✅ Smooth, matte finish
- ✅ Easy to thin and apply
Cons:
- ❌ Can be prone to chipping if not properly sealed
- ❌ Some colors may require multiple coats for full coverage
- ❌ Price can be a bit high compared to other brands
Verdict: Great for modelers who want a wide variety of colors and a smooth, matte finish. Best suited for intermediate to advanced users who understand thinning and sealing techniques.
2. Tamiya Acrylic Mini X/XF Series Paints
Tamiya Acrylic Mini paints are known for their quick drying time and durability, making them a staple in many modelers’ paint collections. These acrylics provide excellent coverage and adhere well to plastic surfaces. They’re available in both glossy (X series) and flat (XF series) finishes.
Pros:
- ✅ Fast drying time
- ✅ Durable finish
- ✅ Consistent color accuracy
Cons:
- ❌ Can dry too quickly on the brush
- ❌ Limited color range compared to Vallejo
- ❌ Requires Tamiya’s own thinner for best results
Verdict: Ideal for modelers who need a quick-drying, durable paint. Perfect for both beginners and experienced modelers who appreciate consistent results.
3. Testors Enamel Paint Set
Testors Enamel Paint Sets are a classic choice for plastic modelers, especially those just starting out. Enamel paints are known for their tough, glossy finish and resistance to handling. While they take longer to dry than acrylics, they offer a durable coating that can withstand wear and tear.
Pros:
- ✅ Very durable finish
- ✅ Good for beginners due to ease of use
- ✅ High gloss finish provides a realistic look for some models
Cons:
- ❌ Long drying time
- ❌ Requires mineral spirits or enamel thinner for cleanup
- ❌ Strong fumes
Verdict: A good choice for beginners who want a durable, glossy finish. Best for models that require a tough coating and can tolerate a longer drying time.
4. AK Interactive 3rd Gen Acrylics
AK Interactive 3rd Gen Acrylics are designed for advanced modeling techniques. These paints offer excellent adhesion, vibrant colors, and a smooth finish. They’re formulated to work well with airbrushes and brushes, allowing for precise application and blending.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent adhesion to plastic
- ✅ Vibrant and realistic colors
- ✅ Smooth finish, ideal for airbrushing
Cons:
- ❌ Can be tricky to thin properly
- ❌ More expensive than some other brands
- ❌ Requires specific thinners and cleaners for best results
Verdict: Best suited for experienced modelers who want high-quality acrylics with vibrant colors and excellent adhesion. Great for advanced techniques like weathering and blending.
5. Mr. Hobby Aqueous Hobby Color Acrylic Paint
Mr. Hobby Aqueous Hobby Color paints are high-quality acrylics known for their self-leveling properties. This means they dry to a smooth, even finish, even when brush painted. They’re also relatively odorless compared to enamel paints, making them a more pleasant option for indoor use.
Pros:
- ✅ Self-leveling formula for a smooth finish
- ✅ Relatively odorless
- ✅ Excellent color saturation
Cons:
- ❌ Can be difficult to find in some regions
- ❌ Requires Mr. Hobby’s own thinner for best results
- ❌ May not be as durable as enamel paints
Verdict: Ideal for modelers who want a smooth, professional finish without the strong odor of enamel paints. Best for both beginners and experienced modelers who value ease of application and consistent results.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right paint for your plastic model project involves considering several factors. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice:
- Type of Paint: Acrylic, enamel, and lacquer are the main types. Acrylics are water-based, easy to clean, and relatively odorless. Enamels are oil-based, durable, and offer a glossy finish but require mineral spirits for cleanup and have strong fumes. Lacquers provide a smooth, durable finish but are best used with proper ventilation due to their strong solvents.
- Application Method: Will you be using a brush or an airbrush? Some paints are better suited for one method over the other. Acrylics generally work well with both, but enamels and lacquers are often thinned for airbrushing.
- Color Range: Does the paint brand offer the specific colors you need for your project? Some brands have a wider range of colors than others.
- Finish: Do you want a glossy, matte, or satin finish? Consider the type of model you’re building and the desired effect. For example, military models often look better with a matte finish, while cars may benefit from a glossy finish.
- Drying Time: How quickly does the paint dry? Acrylics dry faster than enamels, which can be an advantage if you’re working on a tight schedule.
- Durability: How well does the paint resist chipping and scratching? Enamels are generally more durable than acrylics, but proper sealing can improve the durability of acrylic paints.
- Ventilation: Consider the fumes produced by the paint. Enamels and lacquers require good ventilation, while acrylics are generally safer to use indoors.
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between acrylic and enamel paints?
A: Acrylic paints are water-based, dry quickly, and are easy to clean. Enamel paints are oil-based, dry slowly, and are more durable but require solvents for cleanup and have strong fumes.
Q: Do I need to thin my paints before airbrushing?
A: Yes, thinning your paints is essential for airbrushing to ensure a smooth, even application. Use the appropriate thinner for the type of paint you’re using.
Q: How do I clean my brushes after using enamel paints?
A: Clean your brushes with mineral spirits or enamel thinner. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly and dry them before storing.
Q: Can I mix different brands of acrylic paints?
A: Yes, you can generally mix different brands of acrylic paints, but it’s always a good idea to test the mixture on a small area first to ensure compatibility.
Q: How important is priming before painting a plastic model?
A: Priming is very important. It helps the paint adhere better to the plastic surface and provides a uniform base for your paint job. It also helps to reveal any imperfections in the plastic before you start painting.
Conclusion
Choosing the best paint for your plastic models really depends on your personal preferences, skill level, and the specific needs of your project. Whether you prefer the versatility of Vallejo acrylics, the durability of Testors enamels, or the advanced features of AK Interactive, there’s a paint out there that’s perfect for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands and techniques to find what works best for your modeling style. Happy building!
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