Buying guide
The Paint Rack
Updated How we research
From bare plastic to a sealed, finished shine. The page is split into five sections (Primers that grip bare plastic; Starter paint sets; Thinners matched to your paint; Metallics with real shine; Clear coats to seal the finish), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 6.8 to 8.9 out of 10.
- Best overall:Tamiya Gray Fine Surface Primer L, 180ml Spray Can. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.9/10.
- Also great value:Vallejo Hobby Paint Spray Basic Primer, Grey 400 ml, Perfect Matt and Self Levelling Finish. Value score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Solid build:Vallejo Polyurethane Varnish Gloss Finish 200 ml. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:The Army Painter, Speedpaint Most Wanted Set 2.0, 24 x 18 ml. Features score of 9/10, overall 8.1/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
Primers that grip bare plastic
- Tamiya Gray Fine Surface Primer L, 180ml Spray CanOur score8.9/10
- Vallejo Hobby Paint Spray Basic Primer, Grey 400 ml, Perfect Matt and Self Levelling FinishOur score8.6/10
- Vallejo Hobby Paint Spray Basic Primer, Black 400 ml, Perfect Matt and Self Levelling FinishOur score8.2/10
- Nicpro White Surface Primer Airbrush Paint (8.4oz, 250 ml), Matte Finish, Ready To Spray Water-Based Acrylic PrimerOur score8.0/10
Starter paint sets
- Vallejo Basic Colors: Acrylic 16 Airbrush Paint Set for Model & Hobby 71178Our score8.4/10
- The Army Painter, Speedpaint Most Wanted Set 2.0, 24 x 18 mlOur score8.1/10
- The Army Painter, GameMaster Adventure Starter Set, 15 x 18 mlOur score7.7/10
- Monument Hobbies PRO Acryl 22ml Acrylic Paint Set - Miniature Paint for Wargames - Non Toxic Acrylic Paint Compatible with Both Brush and Airbrush Painting Techniques - Expansion Set 3Our score7.4/10
Thinners matched to your paint
- Tamiya 81040 Acrylic Paint Thinner X-20A 250ml BottleOur score8.3/10
- Vallejo Airbrush Thinner for Acrylic Paints 200 mlOur score8.1/10
- Tamiya America Acrylic/Poly Thinner X20A 46ml TAM81030Our score7.1/10
- Tamiya LP-10 Lacquer Thinner 10ml TAM82110Our score6.8/10
Metallics with real shine
- Vallejo Metal Color Chrome 32 mlOur score8.4/10
- Molotow Liquid Chrome Alcohol Paint Pump Marker 1mmOur score8.4/10
- Vallejo Metal Color Gold 32 mlOur score8.0/10
- Tamiya Models X-11 Mini Acrylic Paint Chrome SilverOur score8.0/10
Clear coats to seal the finish
- Vallejo Polyurethane Varnish Gloss Finish 200 mlOur score8.6/10
- Mission Models Gloss Clear Coat MIOMMA006Our score8.1/10
- Mission Models Semi Gloss Clear Coat MIOMMA005Our score8.1/10
- Vallejo Model Color Polyurethane Varnish Gloss Finish 60 mlOur score7.8/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1Tamiya Gray Fine Surface Primer L in a 180ml spray can, a fine-grain primer that reveals flaws and grips plastic.
Fit for the job 10/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Very fine spray preserves delicate surface detail
- + Gray tone reveals seams and scratches before painting
- + Tamiya rattle can needs no airbrush setup
- - Strong lacquer fumes require outdoor or booth use
- - 180ml can goes quickly on large models
#2Vallejo Hobby Paint Spray Basic Primer, Grey 400 ml, a matt, self levelling acrylic spray primer for models.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Grey tone is a versatile base for most colors
- + 400 ml can offers strong value for regular builders
- + Self levelling acrylic lays down evenly with low odor
- - Needs gentle handling until fully cured
- - Spray pattern is broader than an airbrush for small parts
#3Vallejo Polyurethane Varnish Gloss Finish 200 ml, a tough, airbrush-ready gloss coat for protecting models.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Polyurethane formula resists handling wear well
- + 200 ml bottle offers excellent value for frequent use
- + Gloss finish prepares surfaces for decals and washes
- - Needs an airbrush for the smoothest application
- - Can tip dry in the airbrush if not kept moving
#4Vallejo Basic Colors acrylic 16 airbrush paint set 71178, ready-to-spray colors for model and hobby airbrushing.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 16 pre-thinned colors skip the guesswork of mixing ratios
- + Model Air line is designed specifically for airbrushes
- + Good starter palette for vehicles, aircraft and figures
- - Pre-thinned paint is too runny for brush work
- - Tips can clog if paint dries in the dropper nozzle
#5Vallejo Metal Color Chrome 32 ml, an alcohol-based acrylic metallic designed for airbrushing realistic chrome finishes.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Metal Color line gives very fine pigment for smooth metal
- + 32 ml dropper bottle is easy to measure for the airbrush
- + Can be buffed for a brighter polished metal look
- - Needs a gloss black undercoat for the best chrome effect
- - Delicate finish rubs off easily without a compatible sealer
#6Molotow Liquid Chrome alcohol paint pump marker 1mm, a marker that lays down a mirror-like chrome line on smooth surfaces.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Mirror chrome effect without an airbrush or spray can
- + 1mm tip is precise for trims, bumpers and small details
- + Marker format is clean and quick to use at the bench
- - Chrome finish dulls if touched or clear coated wrongly
- - Fine tip is slow for covering large areas
#7Tamiya 81040 Acrylic Paint Thinner X-20A 250ml bottle, a large bottle of thinner for Tamiya acrylic paints.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + 250ml bottle is economical for frequent airbrushing
- + Matches Tamiya acrylic chemistry for smooth flow
- + Also useful for cleaning brushes and airbrush parts
- - Alcohol-based thinner has a noticeable smell
- - Not ideal for thinning water-based acrylic brands
#8Vallejo Hobby Paint Spray Basic Primer, Black 400 ml, a matt, self levelling spray for dark basecoats on models.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Large 400 ml can covers many models per purchase
- + Black base suits metallics and dark schemes
- + Self levelling finish reduces orange peel texture
- - Acrylic spray is less tough than lacquer primers
- - Black hides seam flaws that gray primer would show
#924 x 18 ml Speedpaint 2.0 set from The Army Painter: 21 colors, 2 metallics and 1 Speedpaint Medium, plus a basecoating brush. One-coat paints that shade and highlight as they dry over a light primer.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + 21 colors, 2 metallics and a medium for thinning and mixing, with a basecoating brush included
- + One generous coat over a light primer flows into recesses for shadows and thins on raised edges
- + Every bottle includes two stainless steel mixing balls to help mix the paint when shaken
- - Needs a light-colored primer underneath, so it is not a drop-in for dark or unprimed models
- - Marketed for miniatures and figures: the listing does not address large flat panels or airbrushing
#10Vallejo Airbrush Thinner for Acrylic Paints 200 ml, a thinner formulated for Vallejo acrylics in the airbrush.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Designed to thin Vallejo acrylics without breaking them down
- + 200 ml bottle lasts a long time for regular sprayers
- + Helps reduce tip dry and improves paint flow
- - Less effective with lacquer or enamel paint brands
- - Too much thinner can cause paint to bead or run
#11Mission Models Gloss Clear Coat MIOMMA006, a water-based gloss varnish for sealing paint and preparing for decals.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Gloss finish gives a smooth surface for decal application
- + Water-based formula is low odor and easy to clean
- + Pairs with Mission Models paints for a consistent system
- - Needs Mission Models thinner for best airbrush results
- - Check the bottle size in the listing before stocking up
#12Mission Models Semi Gloss Clear Coat MIOMMA005, a water-based satin sheen varnish for realistic final finishes.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Semi gloss sheen suits most military vehicles and aircraft
- + Low odor water-based clear for indoor airbrushing
- + Evens out sheen differences between paint and decals
- - Airbrush thinning with the right medium is essential
- - Semi gloss may be too shiny for dusty armor looks
#13Nicpro White Surface Primer airbrush paint (8.4oz, 250 ml), a matte, ready-to-spray water-based acrylic primer.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 9/10
- + Ready to spray, so there is no need to thin
- + White base brightens light colors and yellows
- + 250 ml bottle covers many models through an airbrush
- - Requires an airbrush, unlike rattle can primers
- - Water-based primer needs a full cure before sanding
#14Vallejo Metal Color Gold 32 ml, a fine acrylic metallic gold for airbrushing details, trims and ornate parts.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Fine metallic pigment gives a smooth gold without grain
- + Works for ornate ship details and figure trims
- + Dropper bottle reduces waste when mixing small amounts
- - Airbrush-first formula is thin for brush painting
- - Handling marks show until the finish is sealed
#15Tamiya Models X-11 Mini Acrylic Paint Chrome Silver, a small jar of versatile silver for brush or airbrush use.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10
- + Mini jar is inexpensive for small metallic details
- + Tamiya acrylic thins well for airbrushing
- + Classic silver for weapons, exhausts and landing gear
- - Not a true mirror chrome like specialty metal paints
- - Mini jar size runs out quickly on larger parts
#16Vallejo Model Color Polyurethane Varnish Gloss Finish 60 ml, a smaller bottle of tough gloss for brush or airbrush.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 60 ml size is ideal for occasional varnishing jobs
- + Polyurethane gloss adds durable protection to paint
- + Dropper bottle lets you thin small amounts precisely
- - Less value per ml than Vallejo's larger bottle of the same varnish
- - Brushed gloss can show strokes on large flat areas
#17Starter set from The Army Painter with 15 x 18 ml Warpaints Fanatic acrylics: 10 colors, 2 effect paints, 2 metallics and 1 wash, plus a starter brush, painting guide and 5 snap-fit miniatures. A boxed way to begin brush painting.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + 15 bottles cover 10 colors, 2 effect paints, 2 metallics and 1 wash in one box
- + Includes a starter brush and a painting guide aimed at first-time painters
- + Paints are Warpaints Fanatic acrylics, described as high coverage with intense pigmentation
- - Themed for tabletop RPGs: the 5 fantasy miniatures and quest map add little for scale kit builders
- - Costs more than a basic 10-bottle starter, and no military or vehicle shades are mentioned
#18Monument Hobbies Pro Acryl 22ml acrylic paint set, Expansion Set 3, non-toxic miniature paint that the listing says works for both brush and airbrush.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Listing states it works for brush and airbrush painting, one paint for both techniques.
- + No-clog cap with a glass agitator in each bottle, per the listing.
- + Made in the USA and described as non-toxic, conforming to ASTM D-4236.
- - It is an expansion set, so the listing frames it as an add-on to a base set rather than a full starter range.
- - Aimed at wargame miniatures; the colors may suit models less than armor or aircraft shades.
#19Tamiya Acrylic/Poly Thinner X20A 46ml TAM81030, a small bottle of Tamiya's acrylic thinner for occasional use.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 6/10
- + 46ml size suits brush painters who thin sparingly
- + Same X20A formula as Tamiya's larger bottle
- + Compact bottle fits easily in a small paint station
- - Poor value per ml compared with Tamiya's larger thinner bottle
- - Runs out fast if you airbrush regularly
#20Tamiya LP-10 Lacquer Thinner 10ml TAM82110, a lacquer thinner for Tamiya LP lacquer paints and fine brushing.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 6/10
- + Formulated for Tamiya LP lacquer paints
- + Tiny 10ml bottle is handy for touch-up work
- + Helps lacquer paints level smoothly when brushed
- - 10ml is far too small for airbrushing sessions
- - Lacquer thinner fumes demand good ventilation
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Model Build Lab curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.