Having a model car or miniature collection is not just for grandpas. It’s a hobby that can be really rewarding but also requires time and patience to assemble and paint each piece.
Of course, you want to get the best paints for model miniatures that will give you good results.
Things to think about when shopping for paint types is to match the best option with your model.
Are you looking for enamel paint or lacquer paint? Do you need it for scale models, plastic models, or plastic model kits?
As you can imagine, there is a lot to consider for getting the best results with your paint set.
Part 1: What are the Main Differences in Paint Types?
Different types of paint are used for different purposes.
For example, model paint is typically used to paint models, while hobby paints are often used to paint miniatures.
Model paint is designed specifically for painting models and is usually the best choice for this purpose.
Hobby paints are designed for painting miniatures, and they may be a better choice when painting these small items.
What type of paint is best for models?
The type of paint that’s best for models is usually split into two categories.
Those categories are acrylic and enamel paint.
Is acrylic or enamel better for models?
While acrylic or enamel paints are usually the most popular choices for miniatures, it doesn’t end there. Paint comes in many forms and varieties.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of these two main paint categories.
Acrylic Paint
Many people love the simplicity of acrylic paint because it’s readily available. Whether you’re using it for plastic, wood, or metal.
This option requires a second or third step of sanding and priming to be sealed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easily accessible | Requires a sealant |
Enamel Paint
While enamel paint can take longer to dry, many people prefer it because the finish will last a long time.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lasts longer | Enamel paint takes longer to cure than acrylic paint. |
Drying Times For Different Types of Paint
When painting models, it is important to know the drying times for different types of paint.
Acrylic paints should dry at least 24 hours before using again. Oil paints should dry for at least a week before using again.
Part 2: How to Clean Up Your Paint Bottle’s Brushes & Tools
Paint brushes are important tools for miniatures painting. It is necessary to clean them up every time after painting. The following steps will show you how to clean up your paint brushes and tools.
1) Firstly, you should mix water with dish soap in a bowl and put your brush into the solution.
2) Rinse the brush in water until the paint is gone and then put it back in the bowl to get rid of excess water.
3) Put a towel on your work surface and then lay out all of your tools so that they are easy to find when you need them again.
Part 3: How Will You Apply Your Paints On Your Miniature Figures
In this section, we will discuss the various situations to consider in order to find the best paint for your miniature figures.
Before you buy any tools or materials that you will need for this task, make sure to go over the essential uses.
Your selection should take into consideration the basics of painting, which are priming, base coating, and dry brushing.
And lastly, will you need to paint details on your model?
Part 4: What is the Best Way to Store Painting Supplies?
Hobbyists and professional artists alike can use these miniature storage ideas to store their painting supplies.
Most of these ideas can be found in a hobby shop or in an online marketplace like Amazon.
This modulable organizer can be adapted to fit lots of different spaces. Whether you have a large space or a small desk, you can rearrange the hexagons to fit your crafting space.
Tinctor’s smooth and clear acrylic design enables you to grab the color you want instantly from the acrylic paint holder organizer and it has handy paint brush holders.
PLYDOLEX Wooden Paint Organizer
This awesome army painter paint rack organizer puts together all of your paints and other art stuff and is easy to assemble.
What kind of paint is best for miniatures?
Vallejo Paints
If you are looking for a wide range of paints, then Vallejo Paints is a good option. Not only do they have inks, varnishes, acrylic paints, watercolor, and mediums, but they also have a special line just for model painting.
The vallejo model color line is definitely a leader when it comes to best miniature paints. Some of the features of their high-quality paints include being:
- highly pigmented
- water based
- not flammable
Collectors of military models looking for a special army painter set will love the fact that Vallejo has different paints and colors developed by their experts for use on historical figurines.
While they have specialty colors for historic pieces, fantasy and futuristic models haven’t been left out. The wide variety of colors also includes glazes, transparent and fluorescent colors used for achieving special effects.
Vallejo recommends priming the surface of the model before applying a base coat of paint. For more details about priming miniatures, see the FAQ’s section further below in this post.
Tamiya
Tamiya is a classic brand of paints for models of all types. The company offers water-soluble acrylic paints that can be applied with paint brushes or spray painting.
Here is what you can use Tamiya acrylics on:
- styrol resins
- styrofoam
- wood
- model plastics
Take a look at some of the colors they offer in their line of acrylic paint.
Testors
The US-based company, Testors, has been in business since 1929. They specialize in paint for crafters and modelers. The modelers section consists of two brands, Model Master, which is mainly for model cars and International Military & Figure Enamel Paints, which includes special colors to match historical war figurines and battleships.
FAQ’s
You need to seal the paint on the model in order to get the best results with acrylic paint.
To do this, apply thin coats of acrylic floor wax to the model.
Let the model dry thoroughly.
Optionally, if you prefer a less glossy look, you can apply a matte coat once the wax coat is dry.
Priming your plastic models before painting will give you the best results. This is because the priming step removes and prepares the outer layer to receive the paint. The paint will stick better to your model once it has been primed.
The best way to avoid brush strokes when painting models is to determine the direction that you’ll paint in before starting. Starting from one end of the model, use long strokes. Don’t go back and repaint areas that have fresh paint on them.
Conclusion: Your ultimate guide to paints and drying times for model painting
In this article, we explored the different types of paints and drying times for model painting.
We also looked at the best practices to follow to make your painting selection as efficient as possible.
Get more ideas for painted craft projects here.
