Hello guys! Awesome site! I was wondering that, what paints are the best for painting figures, dios, tanks etc.? I have those citadel paints, which are used to paint warhammer figures. Those aren't good for painting dioramas or anythig else, because the mark that those leave, is kinda unrealistic, like comic-look...

So, what paints do you recommend?

Thanks, Cortez

I have found tamiya paints good for painting Vehicles by airbrush, but not so good by hand brushing. I have recently tried Vallejo for both airbrushing and hand brushing, and I have to say they are quite nice. I also use oils for blending with figures and washes on vehicles.

Sean

I first started off using Tamiya Arcylics and they did wonders for my figures, tanks, accessories, etc... Soon I came to realize they actually left brush streaks or dried just too quickly allowing the paint to get so called "rubbed" off when another coat of of paint is added.

I then changed to Vallejo Arcylics and they worked just as well, if not better than the Tamiya Arcylics. However, the Vallejo paints that I got from my hobby shop were sold in very small bottles. Not suitable for air brushing due to its minimal contents and high cost. The owner then introduced me to Mr Color hobby paints (I don't know what it's called in Europe but here it's called Mr Color paints... laquer based).

Not forgetting oil based paints for the extra highlighting for the figures.

Anssi, it really depends on what type of paints actually suit your style. For me, Arcylics for figures, Laquer based paints for air brusing tanks, Oil paints for the extra high lights.

BTW... welcome to Armorama and hope these helps ..

Cheers guys! Your replys helped me alot! My local hobby store sells those Vallejo paints, what you mentioned!

Happy modelling, and thanks a lot!!

-Cortez

No problem dude... here to help.. do post some pictures when your project's done..

G'day Anssi

I like the Vallejo paints very much for figure painting and the Vallejo Air for airbrushing.

I agree with the other comments about Tamiya when handpainting. Tamiya is good for airbrushing, not so good for handbrushing.

The only problem I have with Vallejo is they are verry hard to find in Australia.

I am travelling to Finland for work in late September :-) so I was happy to see you can get Vallejo in Finland hobby shops.

I will be in Espoo, do you know of any shops there ?

Kiitos kiitos

Griffo

Anssi,

First of all : Welcome on board !!




I have to disagree with you on this one. I use the Citadel paints once in a while and I think they are quite good. Some of them even are excellent (for example the Skull White and the Fortress Grey) You only must remind that these are acrylics that dry fairly quick. Painting with acrylics is totally different from enamels and oils. It's based on the multiple layer system.... paint multiple layers of thinned acrylics. When you thin the paints enough you'll get a smooth stroke. Don't give up on them too soon !