Building plastic models is a cool hobby, but choosing the right paint can be tricky. You want something that sticks well, gives a smooth finish, and doesn’t hide all the details. I’ve been there, wrestling with gloppy paint that ruins the whole project. So, I’ve put together a list of the best model paints for plastic models, based on my experience and what other modelers are saying.
Here’s a quick rundown of my top picks:
- Vallejo Model Color Paint Set: Best overall, huge color selection.
- Tamiya Acrylic Mini X/XF Series Paints: Great for airbrushing, consistent quality.
- Testors Enamel Paint Set: Classic enamel finish, durable and glossy.
- AK Interactive 3rd Gen Acrylics: Excellent coverage, designed for realistic weathering.
- Mr. Hobby Aqueous Hobby Color Acrylic Paint: Self-leveling properties, smooth finish.
Top 5 Best Model Paint for Plastic Models Reviews
1. Vallejo Model Color Paint Set
Vallejo Model Color is a favorite among modelers for good reason. It’s an acrylic-based paint that’s known for its wide range of colors and excellent pigmentation. It comes in dropper bottles, which makes it easy to control the amount of paint you use, and it’s designed for brush painting, although it can be airbrushed with the right thinner.
Pros:
- ✅ Massive color selection caters to all sorts of models.
- ✅ Dropper bottles minimize waste and mess.
- ✅ Excellent adhesion to plastic.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit thick straight from the bottle.
- ❌ Requires careful thinning for airbrushing.
- ❌ Price can add up if you need many colors.
Verdict: A fantastic all-around choice, especially if you prefer brush painting and want a wide range of colors. Just be prepared to experiment with thinning.
2. Tamiya Acrylic Mini X/XF Series Paints
Tamiya paints are a staple in the modeling world, particularly their acrylic mini X/XF series. These paints are known for their consistent quality and ease of use, especially when airbrushing. They dry quickly to a matte finish, which is ideal for base coats and weathering effects. While they can be brush-painted, they really shine when sprayed.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent for airbrushing, providing a smooth, even finish.
- ✅ Quick drying time speeds up the modeling process.
- ✅ Consistent color and quality across different batches.
Cons:
- ❌ Not as ideal for brush painting as some other acrylics.
- ❌ Matte finish might require a gloss coat for decals.
- ❌ Limited color range compared to Vallejo.
Verdict: If you’re serious about airbrushing your models, Tamiya acrylics are a must-try. The consistent quality and smooth finish are hard to beat.
3. Testors Enamel Paint Set
Testors enamel paints are a classic choice that have been around for decades. They provide a durable, glossy finish that’s resistant to scratches and handling. Enamels are known for their strong smell and longer drying time compared to acrylics, but the hard finish they provide is worth it for many modelers, especially those building models that will see a lot of handling.
Pros:
- ✅ Very durable and resistant to scratches.
- ✅ Provides a glossy, smooth finish.
- ✅ Good for weathering techniques.
Cons:
- ❌ Strong odor requires good ventilation.
- ❌ Long drying time can slow down projects.
- ❌ Requires mineral spirits or enamel thinner for cleanup.
Verdict: A great option if you want a durable, glossy finish and don’t mind the longer drying time and stronger smell. Just make sure you have adequate ventilation.
4. AK Interactive 3rd Gen Acrylics
AK Interactive 3rd Gen Acrylics are relatively new to the market, but they’ve quickly gained popularity for their excellent coverage and focus on realistic weathering effects. These paints are designed to be easy to use with both brushes and airbrushes, and they provide a smooth, matte finish that’s perfect for adding washes, filters, and other weathering techniques.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent coverage, often requiring fewer coats.
- ✅ Designed specifically for realistic weathering effects.
- ✅ Easy to use with both brushes and airbrushes.
Cons:
- ❌ Color range is more focused on military and historical subjects.
- ❌ Can be a bit more expensive than other acrylics.
- ❌ Some users find the finish too matte.
Verdict: If you’re focused on creating realistic, weathered models, AK Interactive 3rd Gen Acrylics are worth checking out. Their excellent coverage and focus on weathering make them a great choice for experienced modelers.
5. Mr. Hobby Aqueous Hobby Color Acrylic Paint
Mr. Hobby Aqueous Hobby Color is an acrylic paint known for its smooth finish and self-leveling properties. This paint tends to minimize brush strokes, resulting in a cleaner-looking model. It’s also less prone to clogging when airbrushing, which makes it a favorite of many hobbyists. It offers a good balance between ease of use and final appearance.
Pros:
- ✅ Self-leveling properties reduce brush strokes.
- ✅ Smooth finish enhances the look of models.
- ✅ Less prone to clogging when airbrushing.
Cons:
- ❌ Color selection is not as extensive as some brands.
- ❌ Can be challenging to find in local stores.
- ❌ Requires specific Mr. Hobby thinner for best results with airbrushing.
Verdict: Ideal for modelers who want a smooth, even coat with minimal effort. It’s a good choice for both beginners and experienced builders, particularly those who airbrush.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right model paint involves more than just picking a color. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Type of Paint: Acrylic, enamel, and lacquer are the main types. Acrylics are water-based, easy to clean up, and dry quickly. Enamels are oil-based, durable, and provide a glossy finish but require mineral spirits for cleanup and have a strong odor. Lacquers are solvent-based, dry very quickly, and provide a smooth finish but require good ventilation and specialized equipment.
- Application Method: Will you be brush painting or airbrushing? Some paints are better suited for one method than the other. For brush painting, look for paints that are self-leveling and have good coverage. For airbrushing, you’ll want paints that can be thinned easily and won’t clog your airbrush.
- Color Range: Does the paint line offer the colors you need for your project? Some brands have a wider selection than others.
- Finish: Do you want a matte, gloss, or satin finish? Consider the look you’re trying to achieve and choose a paint with the appropriate finish.
- Drying Time: How long are you willing to wait for the paint to dry? Acrylics dry much faster than enamels.
- Toxicity: Consider the toxicity of the paint, especially if you’re working in a confined space or have young children. Acrylics are generally less toxic than enamels and lacquers.
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between acrylic and enamel paint?
A: Acrylics are water-based, dry quickly, and are easy to clean up. Enamels are oil-based, dry slowly, and require mineral spirits for cleanup. Enamels also provide a more durable, glossy finish.
Q: Can I mix different brands of paint?
A: It’s generally not recommended to mix different types of paint (e.g., acrylic and enamel) as they may not be compatible and could cause problems with adhesion or drying. Sticking with the same brand and type of paint is usually the safest bet.
Q: How do I thin paint for airbrushing?
A: Use a thinner specifically designed for the type of paint you’re using. For acrylics, you can use water or acrylic thinner. For enamels, use mineral spirits or enamel thinner. Add thinner gradually until the paint has a milky consistency.
Q: What kind of primer should I use on plastic models?
A: Use a primer specifically designed for plastic models. Acrylic-based primers are a good choice as they adhere well to plastic and provide a smooth surface for painting.
Q: How do I clean my airbrush after using enamel paint?
A: Disassemble your airbrush and clean all the parts with mineral spirits or enamel thinner. Make sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
Conclusion
Choosing the right model paint can make a huge difference in the final result of your project. Whether you prefer the versatility of Vallejo acrylics, the consistent quality of Tamiya, the durability of Testors enamels, the weathering focus of AK Interactive, or the smooth finish of Mr. Hobby, there’s a paint out there that’s perfect for your needs. Experiment with different brands and techniques to find what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. That’s how you learn!
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
