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Paints & Finishing

Model paints, primers, clear coats, thinners, and weathering.

Best Metallic Paints for Models: Realistic Steel, Aluminum, and Chrome

Best Metallic Paints for Models: Realistic Steel, Aluminum, and Chrome

Metallic model paints compared - lacquer metallics, buffable finishes, and chrome-effect paints for natural metal aircraft, engines, and exhausts.

Best Model Paint Sets: Acrylic and Enamel Starter Kits Worth Buying

Best Model Paint Sets: Acrylic and Enamel Starter Kits Worth Buying

Model paint sets compared for beginners and veterans - acrylic vs enamel ranges, color selection, airbrush readiness, and which boxed kits offer real value.

Best Model Primers: Surface Prep That Makes Every Paint Job Better

Best Model Primers: Surface Prep That Makes Every Paint Job Better

Model primers compared - spray cans vs airbrush formulas, lacquer and acrylic chemistry, filling micro-scratches, and primer colors that help paint coverage.

Best Clear Coats for Models: Gloss, Satin, and Matte Finishes Compared

Best Clear Coats for Models: Gloss, Satin, and Matte Finishes Compared

Clear coats for scale models compared - gloss for decals, dead-flat matte finishes, satin blends, spray can vs airbrush application, and avoiding frosting.

Best Model Paint Thinners: Match the Right Thinner to Your Paint

Best Model Paint Thinners: Match the Right Thinner to Your Paint

Model paint thinners compared - lacquer, acrylic, and enamel formulas, airbrush ratios, retarders that stop tip-dry, and why brand matching often matters.

Best Weathering Sets for Models: Complete Kits for Realistic Wear

Best Weathering Sets for Models: Complete Kits for Realistic Wear

Weathering sets compared for scale models - boxed kits of washes, pigments, and effects for mud, rust, dust, and grime, rated on value and ease of use.

Best Panel Line Washes: Accent Colors That Bring Detail to Life

Best Panel Line Washes: Accent Colors That Bring Detail to Life

Panel line washes compared - enamel accent colors and wash formulas that flow into recessed detail, wipe away cleanly, and suit aircraft, armor, and Gunpla.

Best Brush Sets for Model Painting: Detail Brushes That Keep Their Point

Best Brush Sets for Model Painting: Detail Brushes That Keep Their Point

Model paint brush sets compared - kolinsky sable vs synthetic bristles, fine detail rounds, drybrushes, and sets that hold a sharp point through real use.

Best Decal Setting Solutions: Softeners That Snuggle Decals Into Detail

Best Decal Setting Solutions: Softeners That Snuggle Decals Into Detail

Decal setting solutions compared - Micro Set, Micro Sol, and stronger softeners rated by strength, with guidance for stubborn decals and delicate printing.

Best Weathering Pigments: Powders for Dust, Mud, Rust, and Soot

Best Weathering Pigments: Powders for Dust, Mud, Rust, and Soot

Weathering pigment powders compared for scale models - dust, earth, rust, and soot shades, fixer methods, and brands with fine grind and strong adhesion.