Intensify colours, create shadows, glazes and filters with acrylic inks for model kits and miniatures. Vallejo's Game Color INK inks are translucent and highly pigmented, ideal for figures, colour effects and detail work.
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Inks for model kits and miniatures
Acrylic inks give colour depth, saturation and control. They're translucent and highly pigmented, perfect for shadows, glazes, colour filters and enhancing metallics without covering up detail.Available range
- Game Color INK | Vallejo – acrylic inks in 18 ml dropper bottles for shading, boosting tones and creating light effects on figures and model kits.
What are inks used for?
- Shading and outlining panels, folds and recesses with control.
- Glazes for smooth transitions without losing volume.
- Colour filters that unify and enrich the base tone.
- Enhancing metallics (blues, greens, sepias) without killing the shine.
- Saturation touches on fabrics, iconography or magical energy/OSL.
How to use them (step by step)
- Prepare the surface: clean it, remove grease and, if possible, apply primer to improve adhesion.
- Dilute according to technique: for glazes and filters mix with water or medium; for outlining, use nearly undiluted.
- Brush or airbrush: they work with a brush; with an airbrush, dilute to a skim-milk consistency and apply thin coats.
- Build up in layers: let it dry between coats to avoid tide marks.
- Protect the result with varnish (matte/satin/gloss) depending on the finish you want.
Recommended accessories
- Brushes – fine control for outlining, glazes and details.
- Airbrushing – even glazes and filters.
- Masking tape – sharp lines for panel lining and patterns.
- Sandpaper and files – prepare and smooth before painting.
- Cutting tools and tweezers – clean assembly and precise handling.
- Adhesives and putties – fix joints before painting.
- Cutting mats – a stable work surface.
- See all accessories
Frequently asked questions about inks for model kits
What are inks used for on miniatures and model kits?
Inks are used to intensify colours, create shadows, glazes and colour filters. Being translucent and highly pigmented, they let you modify the tone without fully covering the layer underneath.
What's the difference between ink and wash?
A wash is usually used to mark shadows in recesses, folds and details. An ink is more intense and translucent, so it can be used for shading, tinting, creating glazes or reinforcing specific colours.
Can inks be diluted?
Yes. Inks can be diluted to control colour intensity and achieve softer layers. It's best to apply small amounts and work in thin coats until you reach the desired effect.
Which ink colours are most useful to start with?
Sepia, black, brown and red are very versatile colours for shadows, leather, skin, fabrics and details. Blue, green, yellow or violet are useful for colour effects, magic, lights, crystals or transitions.