Paints
Miniature paints range from traditional acrylics to one-coat contrast and speed paints. Most painters use a mix, choosing by the look they want and how many models they need to finish.
Best Miniature Painting Kits and Starter Sets
Compare miniature painting kits that pack paints, brushes and tools in one box: Reaper, Army Painter, Citadel and Nicpro starter kits and what each one includes.
Best Miniature Paint Sets for Tabletop Painters
Best miniature paint sets compared by color range, dropper vs pot bottles, pigment quality and value. Paint-only sets for tabletop painters, from starter to large.
Best Contrast Style Paints for One-Coat Miniature Painting
The best contrast style paints for miniatures compared. High-pigment one-coat formulas that shade and highlight in a single pass over a light primer.
Best Washes for Miniatures: Shades and Panel Liners Compared
Find the best washes for miniatures. We compare shades, panel liners, and all-over washes for adding depth, shading recesses, and quick tabletop results.
Best Metallic Paints for Miniatures: Silver, Gold and Beyond
The best metallic paints for minis reviewed. Compare flake size, coverage, and finish across silvers, golds, bronzes, and colorshift metallics for models.
Best Speed Paints for Fast Miniature Painting
Compare the best speed paints for miniatures. One-coat formulas compared for coverage, reactivation, color range, and getting armies tabletop-ready fast.
Best Acrylic Inks for Miniature Painting
The best acrylic inks for minis compared. Intense pigment, transparent glazes, and airbrush-ready formulas for shading, tinting, and vibrant color effects.
Best Dry Brushing Paints for Miniatures
Find the best dry brushing paints for miniatures. Heavy-body and hybrid formulas that catch raised detail cleanly for fast, striking highlights on models.
Best Glow Effect Paints for Miniatures and OSL
The best glow effect paints for minis compared. Fluorescent acrylics and phosphorescent formulas for OSL, plasma coils, spell effects, and glowing eyes.
Best Flesh Tone Paint Sets for Miniature Skin
Compare the best flesh tone paint sets for miniatures. Curated skin triads for realistic faces, from pale to deep tones, plus fantasy skin colors.
Best Varnish for Miniatures: Matte, Satin and Gloss Sealers
Find the best varnish for miniatures. Matte, satin, and gloss sealers compared for protection, frosting risk, and keeping gaming models safe from wear.
Best Starter Gear for Miniature Painting
The first items worth owning, judged on how forgiving they are rather than on colour count, from dropper bottles and grey primer to a wet palette and one brush.
Best Gifts for Miniature Painters
What to buy someone who paints small figures: self-contained kit they keep putting off buying themselves, plus the sizes and base diameters to check before ordering.
How to choose
- Start with a starter set covering basic colours plus a black and white.
- Add contrast or speed paints for fast tabletop results.
- Keep a dark wash for instant shading in recesses.
- Seal finished gaming models with a matte varnish.
Common questions
What paints should a beginner buy for miniatures?
A starter set of hobby acrylics, a dark wash and a metallic cover most models. Contrast paints are a good addition if you want fast results.
Do I need to thin miniature paint?
Yes, most paints benefit from a little water. Thin coats keep detail sharp and avoid visible brushstrokes.