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Dave Vinke
- Leestijd: 5 min
- Laatst geüpdatet: 29/08/2025
For model building, you primarily use three types of paint: water-based acrylic paint, oil-based enamel, and specialized model paints. Acrylic paint is the most popular choice due to its quick drying time, minimal odor, and easy cleanup with water. Enamel offers a more durable finish but requires better ventilation. Your choice depends on your project, experience level, and workspace.
What types of paint are available for model building?
There are three main categories of paint you can use for model building. Water-based acrylic paint is the most commonly used option, especially among beginners and hobbyists working at home. This paint dries within 20-30 minutes, has virtually no odor, and you can simply clean your brushes with water.
Oil-based enamel is the traditional choice for model builders who want an extra durable finish. This paint has a longer drying time of 6-24 hours, but provides a harder and glossier coat. You’ll need turpentine or white spirit for thinning and cleaning, and good ventilation is important due to the fumes.
Specialized model paints like lacquers and alcohol-based paints offer specific advantages. They dry extremely fast (within 10 minutes) and provide a very smooth finish. These paints are ideal for airbrushing but require more experience and safety precautions.
| Paint Type | Drying Time | Thinner | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Paint | 20-30 minutes | Water | Beginners, general use |
| Enamel | 6-24 hours | Turpentine | Durable projects |
| Lacquer | 10 minutes | Lacquer thinner | Airbrush work |
What’s the difference between acrylic paint and enamel for models?
The main difference between acrylic paint and enamel lies in their composition and properties. Acrylic paint is water-based, dries quickly, and has little to no odor. Enamel is oil-based, dries slower but provides a harder and often glossier finish that’s more resistant to damage.
For most model building projects, acrylic paint is the practical choice. You can work indoors without worrying about ventilation, mistakes are easy to correct with water while the paint is still wet, and you don’t need special thinners. The paint is also safer for children and beginners.
Enamel has its advantages for specific applications. The paint adheres better to metal parts and provides a more authentic gloss for aircraft models or cars. The longer drying time means the paint has more time to flow smoothly, resulting in fewer brush marks. The downside is that you must work in a well-ventilated area and need special cleaning agents.
Practical tips for your choice:
- Choose acrylic for your first projects and when working indoors
- Use enamel for metal parts or when extreme durability is needed
- Don’t combine both types in the same paint layer, as this can cause reactions
- Always test first on an inconspicuous part of your model
How do you prepare plastic models for painting?
Good preparation is half the work in model building. Start by thoroughly cleaning all parts with warm water and a drop of dish soap. This removes manufacturing residue and fingerprints that can interfere with paint adhesion. Let everything dry completely before proceeding.
Degreasing is the next important step. Use isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) on a lint-free cloth to clean all surfaces. Pay extra attention to areas where you handled the model during assembly. From now on, wear gloves to prevent new grease stains.
Light sanding with fine sandpaper (600-800 grit) helps the paint adhere better. Sand gently in circular motions, especially on smooth surfaces. Remove the sanding dust with a soft brush or compressed air. For best results, then use a primer specifically developed for plastic models.
The primer is your foundation for a perfect paint result. Apply a thin, even coat and let it dry completely according to the instructions. Grey primer works well for most colors, white primer for light colors, and black primer for dark shades. A good primer prevents the plastic from showing through your paint layers and ensures better adhesion.
Which paint brands are best for model building?
Vallejo is a favorite among model builders due to its extensive color range and consistent quality. Their Model Color line offers over 200 colors specifically for brush use, while Model Air is perfectly pre-mixed for airbrushing. The dropper bottles prevent waste and drying out.
Citadel paints are especially well-known in the world of miniatures and Warhammer. They offer unique effect paints like washes and contrast paints that accentuate details. The pots are easy to open but dry out faster than dropper bottles. Their technical paints for metal effects and weathering are excellent.
Tamiya is the go-to brand for scale models of aircraft and vehicles. Their acrylic paints have a unique formula that dries very smoothly, ideal for large surfaces. The X- and XF-series offer glossy and matte finishes. Tamiya enamels are also available for those who want to work traditionally.
Revell offers affordable quality for beginners and advanced users. Their Aqua Color acrylic paints are user-friendly and provide good coverage. The brand also has starter sets with basic paints that are perfect for your first projects. The numbering corresponds to their model kits, making it easier to choose the right colors.
For beginners, we recommend starting with a basic set from Vallejo or Revell. These brands offer good quality at reasonable prices. Advanced model builders can combine specific paints from different brands for optimal results. It’s better to invest in a few quality paints than many cheap alternatives.
Where can you find the right paint and materials for your model building project?
Online shops offer the largest selection of model building paint and materials. You’ll find all major brands there, often with detailed product descriptions and color charts. The advantage is that you can compare at your leisure and read reviews from other model builders. Just watch out for shipping costs on small orders.
Physical hobby shops have the advantage that you can see the paint and ask for advice. Most toy stores have a model building section with basic paints. Specialized model building shops offer a wider selection and expert advice, but aren’t available everywhere.
For a good start, it’s best to put together a basic paint set with these materials:
- 5-10 basic colors in your chosen paint type
- Primer in grey or white
- Set of quality brushes (sizes 0, 1, and 2)
- Thinner matching your paint choice
- Matte or glossy varnish for protection
With us you’ll find an extensive model building range with everything you need for your projects. We don’t just have model kits, but also paint sets, tools, and accessories from top brands. The great thing is that our automatic discounts also apply to model building products, so with multiple items you immediately benefit from extra savings. Check our game rules page for all details about our discounts and same-day shipping until 11:30 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use acrylic paint and enamel together on the same model?
You can use both paint types on the same model, but not directly over each other. First apply a protective coat of varnish between different paint types to prevent chemical reactions. Always wait until the first paint type is completely cured (minimum 24 hours) before applying another type.
How do I prevent brush marks in my paint layer?
Thin your paint with 10-20% of the appropriate thinner for better flow. Use quality brushes with soft bristles and apply multiple thin coats instead of one thick layer. Always brush in the same direction and work wet-on-wet to avoid visible transitions. For large surfaces, an airbrush is the best solution.
What do I do if my paint doesn't adhere well despite primer?
First check if your model is completely degreased - use isopropyl alcohol again and let it dry well. Your primer may have been applied too thick or isn't compatible with your plastic. Lightly sand the problem areas with 1000-grit sandpaper and try a different primer. Some plastic types (like PE or PP) require special adhesion primers.
How long does opened model paint stay good?
Well-sealed acrylic paint remains usable for 2-5 years, enamel even 5-10 years. Store paint at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Add a drop of water (acrylic) or thinner (enamel) if the paint thickens. Always stir well before use, especially with metallics where pigments can settle. Discard paint if it clumps or smells strange.
What safety measures should I take when painting?
Always work in a well-ventilated area, even with acrylic paint. Wear nitrile gloves to prevent skin contact and a dust mask when sanding. With enamel or lacquers, a vapor mask with organic filters (A2) is necessary. Keep an eyewash nearby and never work near open flames or heat sources.
How do I create realistic weathering and wear effects?
Start with drybrushing - wipe almost all paint from your brush and lightly stroke over raised areas for natural wear. Use washes (heavily thinned dark paint) in grooves for depth. For rust, mix orange-brown with red-brown and stipple this on logical spots. Weathering powders or pastels give dusty effects. Always work from light to dark for the most realistic result.
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