What You'll Learn In This Guide

This exhaustive hobby paint guide is intended for plastic modelers. All of the terminology and techniques here will be catered to that hobby, and this working knowledge has been compiled by me, Liam's Hobby Room, based on what I have found to be true over 15 years of plastic modeling. Here, I will teach you about all the different types of hobby paint, how to thin them, how to work with them, which ones are compatible, and what to expect from their usage.

While I certainly don't claim to be a master, I've never been happy with purely anecdotal knowledge. To that end, I've spent my hobby years (check out my YouTube channel to see my journey!) making mistakes, learning from them, pushing myself to try new things and consolidating my hobby knowledge base of tools, supplies and paint application. It is my intention that this guide be used as a reference by both new and seasoned modelers alike so that they can have more fun with their hobby and get better results.

What is Hobby Paint

Hobby paints, like those from Tamiya and Vallejo, are formulated for precision and fine detail, using finely ground pigments for smooth application and vibrant colours. They are designed for scale models and figures, offering quick drying times and airbrush compatibility.

In contrast, craft and canvas paints are more general-purpose, with coarser pigments and higher filler content, resulting in a thicker consistency and less vibrant colours. While craft paints are versatile for various surfaces, they lack the fine detail and smooth finish required for detailed hobby work.

In short, craft/canvas paints are made for application to porous surfaces (like canvas and wood) and hobby paints are made for application to non-porous surfaces (like plastic and metal.) This doesn't mean one is necessarily "better" than the other (that depends on individual manufacturing quality), it only means that it each type is suitable to a different surface.

Solvent vs Base

In the context of this guide, a solvent is the substance which dilutes the paint, while a base is an additive component within the paint mixture. For example, many paints are water-based, but that doesn't always mean they are water-soluble. This terminology can be confusing for beginners and seasoned pros alike based on how often they are misconstrued.

Some water-based paints use alcohol as a solvent (Tamiya Acrylics), and some use a water-soluble acrylic resin (Vallejo Model Color). This guide will tell you which is which, the properties of each, and how to work with them for the best results.

In most cases, it is the solvent that dictates whether or not paints can be mixed together. As a general rule, paints using different solvents do not mix. For example, water-soluble paints do not mix with alcohol-soluble paints, despite both of them being labeled as acrylic paint or water-based.

Some solvents are stronger than others, and may not play well together. From weakest to strongest, they are water < enamel < alcohol < lacquer. Never apply a stronger solvent over a weaker solvent, as it may eat the layer beneath it. However, you can apply a weaker solvent on top of a stronger solvent so long as the base layer is dry. For the performance of different types of paint, continue reading.

To strip cured paint from a model, you can soak it overnight in a plastic tub filled with industrial degreaser. Keep in mind this method may weaken or dissolve putty, glues and cement.

Thinning Paint

Unless otherwise specified, all hobby paint requires some level of thinning. The ratio for each type of paint is different, but one metric is the same: thin your paint to the consistency of skim milk. It sounds silly and hard to measure, but this is the best way to ensure your paint performs properly and reliably. This is true for painting by hand or with an airbrush (though for the latter there are additional thinning strategies).

It is crucial to thin your paint with the correct thinner. Ensure your thinner matches the solvent type of your paint. For instance:

Water-soluble paint uses water (tap or distilled depending on water quality) or water-based acrylic thinners.
Alcohol-soluble paint uses isopropyl alcohol thinners.
Enamel-soluble paint uses white spirits or enamel thinner.
Lacquer-soluble paint uses lacquer thinner.

For ease of use, purchase the dedicated thinner made by the same manufacturer as your paint. That way, you can be sure it will be compatible. However, some manufacturers also produce an airbrush cleaner, which is usually just their dedicated thinner mixed with more alcohol - it should never be used to thin paint.

Flow Improvers

Some water-soluble paint lines include a flow improver intended for airbrushing. This is not a paint thinner. It is the paint carrier without pigment, intended to prevent the pigment from clogging inside your airbrush. It is exclusive to water-soluble paints due to their extremely fast drying time.

Retarders

Paint retarder is a chemical that slows the drying time of your paint. What this does is allow more time for your coat of paint to level out, smoothing itself over time before drying. This creates a glossier finish.

Paint Accelerators

Certain manufacturers may offer a rapid thinner or accelerator, which is the opposite of a paint retarder. It speeds up the drying time without giving your paint much time to level out. This results in a matte finish.

Types of Hobby Paint

Acrylic

Acrylic paint is (typically) a fast-drying, water-based (but not always water-soluble)paint made with pigments suspended in an acrylic polymer. Once dry, it becomes water-resistant, making it versatile for various uses. The acrylic polymer binds the pigments, forming a flexible, durable film that keeps the colour intact.

Water-Soluble Acrylics

Water-soluble acrylic paints are generally odorless and non-toxic.

BC Hobbies carries the following water-soluble acrylic paint lines: Vallejo Model Color, Game Color, Mecha Color, Model Air, The Army Painter: Warpaints Fanatics, AK Interactive 3rd Generation Acrylics, Monument Hobbies Pro Acryl, and Citadel Colour. All of these water-soluble paints can be mixed with one another and thinned with tap water (sometimes old water pipes can affect the mixture, distilled water can be used here too) or water-based acrylic thinners.

Some water-soluble acrylic paint brands/lines are:

Alcohol-Soluble Acrylics

Alcohol-soluble acrylics still use water, but have a more complicated chemical makeup that renders them effectively unbondable with water or water-based acrylic thinners. Be sure to use the proper thinner, in this case, alcohol-based thinners like Tamiya X-20a thinner.

It is important to note that not all acrylic paints can be mixed together. Both Tamiya Acrylics and Vallejo Model Color are acrylic paints, as they both use acrylic polymer emulsions, though Tamiya includes alcohol in its formulation which renders them incompatible to be mixed with each other. Despite this difference, both brands share the key qualities of quick drying, versatility, and a (primarily) water-based formula. For the performance of individual brands of paint, see the branded paint list below.

Some solvent-based acrylic paint brands/lines are:

Lacquer

Lacquer paint is a fast-drying, solvent-based paint known for its smooth and durable finish. It is favored for its excellent adhesion to plastic, metal, and resin. While it dries quickly and offers a tough, long-lasting coat, it does require proper ventilation due to strong fumes. In the modeling world, lacquer is ideal for creating vivid, resilient finishes that stand up to handling and wear. Lacquer paint is well suited for use with an airbrush, but much less user-friendly for brush application.

Some lacquer paint brands/lines are:

Enamel

Enamel paint is known for its smooth application and durable, glossy finish. This type of paint is oil-based, offering excellent coverage and vibrant colour depth. Enamel or oil weathering paints are great for adding intricate visual effects to models like simulating dirt and dust, streaking grime and rust. It requires the use of a solvent (enamel thinner or white spirits) for thinning and cleaning.

Tamiya

Tamiya Acrylics

Alcohol-soluble acrylic paint introduced in the 80s. Initially they were primarily water-based, but the formula has been tweaked over time for improved finish and durability. This paint is suitable for brushing by hand or spraying with an airbrush, though suitable ventilation is required. Thin and clean up this paint with Tamiya X20a thinner or 99% isopropyl alcohol.

Tamiya Enamels

Tamiya’s enamel line was released in the 70s, and uses the same formula for durable and glossy finishes. This paint is suitable for brushing by hand or spraying with an airbrush (so long as you properly ventilate). Thin and clean up this paint with Tamiya X20 enamel thinner or white spirits. Tamiya enamels can be mixed with Testors enamels.

Tamiya Lacquers

Tamiya’s “LP” lacquer series was introduced in the 2010s to create a stronger, more vibrant and even more durable paint. This paint is most suitable for use with an airbrush (so long as you properly ventilate) and not as well suited for painting by hand. Thin and clean up Tamiya LP with any lacquer thinner.

Tamiya TS, AS & PS Spray Cans

Lacquer-based spray paint. Due to regulations enforced by the Government of Canada, these Tamiya products can no longer be imported. This choice is beyond our control, and we currently have no information as to whether or not the TS, AS or PS lines will return to shelves in the future.

Vallejo

Model Color

Designed for brush application, Model Color is a water-soluble, odor-free acrylic self-leveling hobby paint. It features fantastic coverage, high opacity and a matte finish, making it an ideal choice for detailed work on plastic models.

Thinning is recommended with water or Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, and cleanup can be done with water or Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (or 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol) if dry.

Game Color

Tailored for tabletop gaming miniatures, Game Color offers a wide palette of vibrant, matte colors with a resin that resists frequent handling. The water-soluble formula has been refined to improve flow and coverage.

It can be painted by hand or sprayed through an airbrush (so long as you properly ventilate). Thinning is recommended with water or Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, and cleanup can be done with water or Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (or 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol) if dry.

Xpress Color

Xpress Color by Vallejo is a quick-drying water-soluble acrylic paint line that combines base coating and shading in one step, similar to Citadel's Contrast Paint and The Army Painter's Speed Paint.

It flows smoothly onto models, settling into recesses for natural shading and highlighting, making it ideal for fast, high-quality painting.

Simply apply over a layer of light-coloured primer for vibrant results. Cleanup can be done with water if wet, or Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (or 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol) if dry.

Model Air

Specifically pre-thinned and designed for airbrushing, Model Air offers a range of colours with fine pigment suspension for smooth self-leveling application.

The water-soluble formula has been optimized for airbrush use, providing excellent flow and coverage. It is not suitable for brush application.

Thinning is recommended with water or Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, and cleanup can be done with water or Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (or 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol) if dry.

Mecha Color

Mecha Color features a satin finish and exceptional adhesion. It can be applied with a brush or sprayed through an airbrush (so long as you properly ventilate).

The water-soluble formula features enhanced durability for water-based acrylic paint, though it is not as durable as alcohol or lacquer paint when fully cured.

Thinning is recommended with water or Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, and cleanup can be done with water or Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (or 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol) if dry.

Game Ink

Vallejo Game Color Ink is a high-quality ink range designed for use on miniatures and models. These highly pigmented, water-soluble inks provide smooth, intense colours. Perfect for detailing and shading, they dry to a semi-gloss finish and are ideal for enhancing the depth of your models.

Further thinning can be achieved with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner. Cleanup can be done with water or Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (or 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol) if dry.

Game Fluo

Vallejo Game Color Fluo is a water-soluble paint that offers a vibrant collection of fluorescent colours designed to stand out from a distance. These paints are perfect for adding glowing effects to your miniatures and models. The fluo colours are ideal for use on sci-fi or fantasy projects where you want high-impact, neon highlights. Fluo paints lack the opaque coverage of regular colours unless painted over white. They can be airbrushed for a higher level of opacity.

Thinning is recommended with water or Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, and cleanup can be done with water or Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (or 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol) if dry.

Game Metallic

Vallejo Game Color Metallic is a range of water-soluble metallic paints designed specifically for tabletop miniatures. These colours feature fine metallic particles that create realistic, shimmering effects that go on smoothly. Available in a variety of shades, they are perfect for highlighting armour weapons and other metal details.

Thinning is recommended with water or Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, and cleanup can be done with water or Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (or 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol) if dry.

Game Special FX

Vallejo Game Color Special FX is a line of paints designed to create unique, dramatic effects on your miniatures and models. These specialty paints include textures like blood, rust, mud, and other effects that add realism and enhance your painting projects. Easy to apply, they are perfect for adding extra detail and atmosphere to your work.

Thinning is recommended with water or Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, and cleanup can be done with water or Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (or 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol) if dry.

Game Wash

Vallejo Wash is a range of transparent, highly pigmented paints that are perfect for shading and detailing. These water-soluble washes are designed to flow into the recesses of your miniatures, enhancing the depth and contrast with minimal effort. Ideal for quick shading, the Wash line is an essential tool for adding definition to your models.

Thinning is recommended with water or Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, and cleanup can be done with water or Vallejo Airbrush Cleaner (or 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol) if dry.

Color Primer (Spray Cans)

Vallejo Color Primer is a range of aerosol spray primers designed for miniature and model painting. These primers provide a smooth, even base coat that enhances paint adhesion, ensuring vibrant, durable results.

Available in a variety of colours, they simplify surface preparation, offering excellent coverage and drying quickly, making them an ideal jumping off point for brush painting plastic models of any type.

Like many aerosol products, this one is not foam-safe. Use GAME MASTER Terrain Primer to basecoat XPS foam.

The Army Painter

Warpaints: Fanatics

The Army Painter Warpaints: Fanatic is a range of high-quality water-soluble acrylic paints. Offering intense pigmentation and smooth coverage, these paints are designed for hobbyists seeking rich, bold colours. Ideal for basecoating, detailing, or highlighting miniatures and models, Warpaints: Fanatic can be applied by brush or airbrush. The line is comparable to Vallejo Model Color or Game Color and can be mixed with any water-soluble acrylic paint line.

Their "Tones" range are thin acrylic washes that offer many practical colours.

Thinning is recommended with water or any other water-based acrylic thinner we carry.

Warpaints: Air

The Army Painter Warpaints Air is a specially formulated line of paints designed for airbrush use. These paints are thinner than regular Warpaints (comparable to Vallejo Model Air) ensuring smooth, even application through an airbrush with minimal clogging. Offering the same excellent coverage and vibrant colours as the original line, Warpaints Air is ideal for those looking to achieve professional-quality results with airbrushing techniques, from basecoats to fine detailing.

Warpaints also has metallic and fluorescent offerings as well.

Thinning is recommended with The Army Painter Airbrush Medium Thinner & Flow Improver and cleaned up with water and 90% or higher isopropyl alcohol if dry.

Speed Paints

The Army Painter Speed Paints offer a fast and easy way to paint miniatures with stunning results. These one-coat, quick-drying paints work with the “Speed Painting” method, where you simply apply the paint and let it flow into the recesses, creating a detailed and shaded effect. Similar to Citadel Colour’s Contrast Paints and Vallejo’s Xpress Color. Perfect for hobbyists who want to get high-quality results in a fraction of the time, Speed Paints are ideal for fast-paced projects or large army builds.

Thinning is recommended with Speed Paint Medium. Cleanup is best achieved with water.

Colour Primer

The Army Painter Color Primer is a high-quality, multi-surface aerosol primer designed for miniatures and models. Like other premium aerosol primers such as Vallejo and Citadel’s offerings, it provides excellent coverage, a smooth surface, and enhances paint adhesion. Available in a wide range of colours, it simplifies the priming process by combining both primer and basecoat in one easy application.

Like many aerosol products, this one is not foam-safe. Use GAME MASTER Terrain Primer to basecoat XPS foam.

Game Master Terrain Primer

Game Master Terrain Primer is a specialized aerosol primer that is safe for XPS foam. Offering superior adhesion to a variety of surfaces, this primer helps paint adhere better and provides a strong basecoat for subsequent layers. It’s perfect for use on textured terrain, rocks, and dioramas, ensuring that your miniatures and scenery are ready for detailed painting. It helps enhance the durability and longevity of your terrain while ensuring a smooth, even application.

This primer is not suited for miniatures or models, and is too thick for regular use. Use it only for priming foam and large scenery pieces to avoid obscuring small details.

Citadel Colour

Water-soluble acrylics designed to be used in a specific system for painting Games Workshop miniatures. The paints are split into separate categories in order of application: Base, Layer, Shade, Contrast, Dry & Technical. While compatible with other water-soluble paints, each category has a different consistency.

Pro Acryl by Monument Hobbies

Monument Hobbies' Pro Acryl paints are premium water-soluble acrylics designed for hobbyists and miniature painters. Each 22ml bottle is formulated to provide consistent coverage, smooth flow, and vibrant colours, suitable for both brush and airbrush techniques. Thin Pro Acryl with water or a dedicated acrylic thinner.

Mr. Hobby (GSI Creos)

Mr. Color

Mr. Color is a lacquer paint line celebrated for its vibrant colours and durability. These paints are best suitable for airbrush application, offering excellent coverage and a smooth finish. Please ensure that you ventilate and wear a dual cartridge respirator while using this paint.

They are available in a wide range of colours, including gloss, semi-gloss, and matte finishes. To achieve optimal results, it's recommended to thin Mr. Color paints with Mr. Color Thinner or Mr. Leveling Thinner, which are both lacquer thinners. The Gundam Color line performs identically to the Mr. Color line.

Mr. Metal Color

Mr. Metal Color is a specialized alcohol-soluble line designed to replicate the appearance of metal surfaces. It comes pre-thinned, but additional thinning may be necessary for airbrushing. These paints contain fine metallic particles that, when applied and polished, produce a realistic metallic sheen. They are ideal for detailing parts like engine components, exhausts, and other metallic elements on models. For a deeper metallic finish, apply the paint over a gloss black base. Further thinning and cleanup can be performed with isopropyl based thinners like Tamiya’s X-20a Thinner.

Mr. Surfacer

A lacquer based product that comes in various thicknesses for filling surface imperfections that can be sanded smooth when dry. The Mr. Surfacer family is available in a few different grits from thickest to finest: 500, 1000, 1200 & 1500.

Mr. Surfacer 500: The thickest variant, ideal for filling larger gaps, seams, and imperfections. It can be applied with a brush or airbrush and sanded once dry to smooth out rough surfaces.
Mr. Surfacer 1000: A medium-thickness option that serves as both a primer and a filler for minor imperfections. It's commonly used to prepare surfaces for painting, providing a smooth base.
Mr. Surfacer 1200: A fine grit variant, best used as a primer. It offers excellent adhesion and a smooth coat.
Mr. Surfacer 1500: A premium primer and surfacer available in spray can or in a bottle. It is best used as a dedicated primer and comes in black, grey, white, brown & pink.

Mr. Aqueous Color

A water-soluble acrylic paint offered as a less toxic substitute for their flagship line. It is not compatible with the rest of the Mr. Hobby paints, which are primarily solvent-based. Despite it being water-soluble, it is recommended to use the dedicated thinner for this paint to ensure it performs properly, especially if airbrushing. Mr. Aqueous Color is sometimes confused with the Acrysion line, which is a solvent-based acrylic and is chemically incompatible with Mr. Aqueous Color.

Aqueous Color Surfacer is available in 500 or 1000 grit.

If airbrushing, use Aqueous Color Thinner or lacquer thinner to flush and clean your airbrush.

Mr. Weathering Color

A series of pre-thinned oil-based enamel paints for weathering, panel lining and washing models to produce a variety of effects. For further thinning and cleaning, use Odorless Thinner or the dedicated Mr. Weathering Thinner.

Gundam Markers

There are three types of Gundam Markers: paint markers (also available in sets), felts and liners.

The paint markers are filled with alcohol-based acrylic paint similar to Tamiya Acrylics. They can be drawn directly onto the model or deposited into a paint cup to be applied by brush for greater precision. Cleanup can be performed by isopropyl alcohol.

The liners are water-based ink pens designed for panel-lining and the felts (Real Touch) are designed for weathering. Cleanup, blending and streaking can be performed by isopropyl alcohol and enamel thinner, though this may damage paint layers beneath.

AK Interactive

3rd Generation Acrylic

Water-soluble acrylic paints available in 17ml dropper bottles. They offer smooth coverage, excellent adhesion, and vibrant colours, perfect for detailing and finishing work on models, including military, aircraft, and vehicles.

If using an airbrush, thin with AK Interactive's Acrylic Thinner or water for smooth application and fine detail.

Real Colors

This lacquer paint line recreates historically accurate military colours from a variety of armed forces. This attention to detail ensures that modelers, historians, and enthusiasts can recreate the real colors of this era with precision.

Be sure to use a spray booth and respirator when using alcohol, lacquer or enamel-based paints. To thin and clean this paint, use Real Colors dedicated lacquer thinner or any other lacquer thinner we carry.

Hobby Paint FAQ

Why do you use both spellings of the word “colour?”

Despite defaulting to the Canadian spelling of “colour” (which is used in copy), I will use the spelling appropriate to the brand name, such as “Vallejo Model Color.”

How do I avoid chipping?

Don’t let painted surfaces rub against one another. To help prevent chipping in this manner, sand down adjacent surfaces to account for the layer of paint you’ll be applying. The only provable way to prevent chipping on any type of painted surface is to avoid contact with other surfaces.

How do I know which thinner to use with which paint?

The easiest way to ensure the best results is to simply use the thinner offered by whichever paint brand you are using. The more elaborate answer is to select a thinner that is a match for the solvent type of your chosen paint. Here is quick guide for selecting a thinner:

Will this paint work on metal?

All of the paints we carry will adhere to metal, though some better than others. Use a solvent-based paint and Mr. Metal Primer for better results. Will it eventually chip? Yes. The only way to ensure paint does not chip is to prevent the painted surface from coming into contact with other surfaces.

Will hobby paint work on canvas or paper?

Yes but not well. The paints we carry are designed specifically for non-porous surfaces like plastic and metal. Porous surfaces like wood, paper, canvas or fabric may still take the paint, but will absorb most of the pigment and carrier. For better coverage on porous surfaces, you should use craft paint.

Is one brand/type of paint better than the others? Which should I choose?

The answer to this question is entirely subjective. People have their own preferences based on their experiences. However, if you are painting by hand, it is strongly recommended that you use a water-soluble acrylic paint for safety and ease of use.

Thinners by Solvent

Below is a list of thinners compatible with different types of paints. All of our water-soluble acrylic thinners are compatible with one another, all lacquer thinners are compatible with one another, all enamel thinners are compatible and so on and so forth. However, different solvents types are incompatible with one another.

Water-Based Acrylic Thinners

These thinners are compatible with any water-soluble acrylic paint.

Water-Based Flow Improvers

Flow improvers are not a stand-in for thinner. It is the paint carrier without the pigment, and is intended to aid in airbrushing water-based acrylic paint. If you have correctly thinned your water-based acrylics and are still experiencing speckling, spattering or no spray at all, be sure to first disassemble your airbrush and clean every part of it with alcohol (remove rubber o-rings for cleaning). If the problem persists after reassembly, try a drop or two of flow improver.

Alcohol-Based Thinners

These thinners are recommended for use with Tamiya Acrylics and Mr. Metal Color.

Enamel (Oil-Based) Thinners

It is recommended to use regular enamel thinner for airbrushing, and odorless thinner for applying enamel/oil-based weathering effects.

Lacquer Thinners

Lacquer thinner should only be used with lacquer paint.

Happy Hobbying!

I hope you found this guide helpful. If so, let us know! If you have any questions, come in and ask us at our brick & mortar shop in Hillside Shopping Centre in Victoria BC. Without further ado... have fun painting!