Paints for Miniatures and Scale Models

Which paint do you need?

If you're going to paint miniatures with a brush, start with acrylic paints and a good primer. For plastic scale models, lacquers and acrylics are common choices, especially combined with varnishes, washes and effects for the final finish. If you work with an airbrush, also check thinners, primers and auxiliary products that suit each brand.

Paints for scale models and miniatures

At CraftyMinis you will find paints for scale models, miniatures and dioramas designed for modelling, figures, military vehicles, aircraft, cars and scenery. We stock specialist brands such as Vallejo, Tamiya, AMMO Mig Jimenez, AK Interactive and Mr. Hobby, with ranges for brush painting, airbrushing, washes, effects, primers and varnishes.

Choose the right paint for your project

Acrylic paints for miniatures are one of the most popular choices thanks to their ease of use, water-based cleaning and fast drying time. You will also find lacquers, inks, washes, pigments, effects and auxiliary products to adapt each finish to the type of scale model or miniature you are painting. If you are looking for realistic finishes, you can combine base colours, primers, varnishes, washes and weathering effects to create shadows, wear, dirt, rust, dust and fine details.

Paint brands for scale modelling

• Vallejo: ranges such as Model Color, Game Color, Xpress Color, Model Air and auxiliary products for miniatures, figures and scale models.
• Tamiya: paints widely used in scale modelling, especially for vehicles, aircraft, cars and airbrush finishes.
• AMMO Mig Jimenez: paints, washes, pigments and effects designed for realistic modelling, weathering and dioramas.
• AK Interactive: colours, effects, auxiliaries and primers for modelling, miniatures and scale models.
• Mr. Hobby: paints and finishing products highly valued in Japanese modelling, Gunpla, vehicles and high-detail scale models.

Paints for brush painting, airbrushing and effects

In this category you can find paints for different techniques: brush painting, airbrushing, dry brushing, washes, glazing, priming, varnishing and ageing effects. You can also complete your workbench with thinners and auxiliary products, cleaners, brushes, mixers and other modelling accessories.

Find colours for your scale models and miniatures

Whether you are painting a military model kit, a fantasy figure, a car, an aircraft or a diorama scene, here you can find paints and complementary products to prepare, paint, protect and improve the final finish.

Frequently asked questions about paints for miniatures and scale models

What is the best paint for painting miniatures?

To start, acrylic paints are a convenient choice because they apply easily with a brush, dry quickly and clean up with water. You can also combine them with primer, washes and varnish to improve the finish and protect the miniature.

Do you need to prime before painting a model kit?

Yes, priming helps the paint grip better on plastic, resin or metal. It also helps even out the surface colour before applying the paint layers and makes for a cleaner result.

What's the difference between acrylic paints and lacquers?

Acrylic paints are generally easier to use and clean, especially with a brush. Lacquers offer fine, durable finishes widely used in modelling, but usually require specific thinners and good ventilation.

What products do I need besides paint?

Besides paints, primer, brushes, thinner, varnish, washes and effects products are usually useful. These materials help prepare the surface, shade, protect or age the model kit or miniature.