Choosing paints for miniatures can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of colors, several popular brands, and different products for base coating, shading, highlighting, and special effects.

The good news is that you do not need an enormous paint collection to get started. A small, balanced palette and a basic understanding of how miniature paints work can take you from a primed model to a finished tabletop-ready miniature.

This guide covers popular miniature paint brands, essential beginner colors, useful paint types, and practical techniques for painting Warhammer, historical, fantasy, science-fiction, and role-playing miniatures.

Browse the complete paints, brushes and hobby supplies collection at Little Big Wars.

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Why Choosing the Right Miniature Paints Matters

Not all miniature paints are the same. Cheap craft paints might save you a few bucks, but they’ll cost you in coverage, pigmentation, and frustration. High-quality miniature paints:

✔ Flow better (no gloppy mess!)
✔ Have richer pigments (fewer coats needed)
✔ Stay durable (no chipping mid-game)
✔ Blend smoothly (essential for pro-level shading)

Ever tried thinning a bargain-bin paint only for it to turn into watery garbage? Yeah, me too. Lesson learned.

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The Must-Have Miniature Paint Brands

Not all brands are equal, but these are the top dogs in the hobby:

1. Citadel (Games Workshop)

Citadel paints are closely associated with Games Workshop miniatures and use a painting system organized around base paints, layers, shades, contrast paints, dry compounds, and technical effects.

They are particularly convenient for painters following official Warhammer color guides.

Advantages:

• Wide selection of fantasy and science-fiction colors
• Clearly defined paint categories
• Extensive painting-guide support
• Strong range of shades and technical paints

Things to consider:

• Paint pots require careful handling to prevent drying
• The naming system may be less intuitive for painters matching historical colors
• Prices can be higher than some competing ranges

Explore Citadel Base Paints, Citadel Contrast Paints, and Citadel Shade Paints.

2. Vallejo Model Color

Vallejo produces several paint ranges for miniature painters and model builders. Model Color is commonly used for brush painting, while other Vallejo ranges serve different techniques and project types.

The dropper bottles make it easy to control paint quantities and mix repeatable colors.

Advantages:

• Large color selection
• Dropper-bottle packaging
• Many historically useful colors
• Matte finishes across much of the range
• Convenient for mixing paint

Things to consider:

• Some colors may require more shaking than others
• Finish and coverage vary across individual paints
• Different Vallejo ranges are formulated for different uses

Browse the Vallejo paint collection.

3. Army Painter

The Army Painter offers paints, washes, metallics, primers, and starter sets aimed at both beginning and experienced miniature painters. Its boxed paint sets can be useful for someone building a palette from scratch.

Advantages:

• Beginner-friendly paint sets
• Broad selection of colors
• Coordinated washes and effects
• Dropper bottles
• Options for traditional and faster painting methods

Things to consider:

• Thorough shaking may be required
• Buying a large set is not always necessary for a first project
• Choose a set that matches the miniatures you actually plan to paint

Browse The Army Painter products.

4. AK Interactive

AK Interactive offers acrylic paints, weathering products, textures, and modeling supplies. Its ranges are especially useful for military vehicles, terrain, historical miniatures, and models that need realistic wear or environmental effects.

Advantages:

• Strong selection of military and historical colors
• Weathering and terrain products
• Useful themed paint sets
• Products for vehicles, scenery, and dioramas

Things to consider:

• Specialty products may require additional practice
• Always follow the manufacturer’s application and safety instructions
• Confirm whether a product is intended for brush painting, airbrushing, or weathering

Browse the AK Interactive collection.

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Essential Colors for a Beginner Paint Collection

You do not need every available shade. Start with colors that can be mixed and used across several different miniature projects.

Basic neutral colors

• Black
• White or off-white
• Medium grey
• Dark brown
• Medium brown
• Bone or beige

Neutral colors are useful for clothing, weapons, equipment, bases, leather, stone, and highlighting or darkening other paints.

Primary and secondary colors

• Red
• Blue
• Yellow
• Green
• Purple
• Orange

You may not need every color immediately. Select the colors most relevant to the army, character, or historical force you plan to paint.

Metallic paints

A practical starter selection includes:

• Dark silver or gunmetal
• Bright silver
• Gold
• Bronze or copper

Metallic paints are useful for armor, weapons, machinery, jewelry, buckles, and decorative details.

Washes and shades

A small wash collection can add depth quickly:

• Black wash for metal, armor, and deep shadows
• Brown wash for leather, bone, earth, and weathering
• Flesh-toned shade for many skin recipes

Apply washes carefully and prevent excessive liquid from pooling on broad, flat surfaces.

Types of Miniature Paint

Understanding the purpose of each paint type makes it easier to choose the right product.

Base paints

Base paints establish the main colors of the miniature. Apply them in smooth, controlled layers instead of one heavy coat.

Layer paints

Layer paints are used to build brighter colors and highlights over the base coat. Multiple thin layers generally provide more control than one thick application.

Washes and shades

Washes flow into recesses and help define sculpted details. They are useful for adding depth, but excessive application can stain raised surfaces or leave visible tide marks.

Contrast and speed-style paints

These products combine color and shading in fewer steps. They work best over a light, smooth primer and can be helpful when painting larger groups of miniatures.

Metallic paints

Metallic paints contain reflective particles. Mix them thoroughly and avoid over-thinning. Using a separate brush-water container can help prevent metallic particles from transferring to ordinary colors.

Technical and effect paints

Technical products can create effects such as rust, corrosion, blood, mud, cracked earth, snow, or glowing energy. Use them selectively so that the effect supports the miniature rather than overwhelming it.

Paint Sets or Individual Bottles?

A paint set can be convenient when you are beginning or need a coordinated range of colors. Individual bottles are often better when you already know the exact colors required for a project.

Choose a paint set when:

• You are starting without an existing paint collection
• The set matches a specific army or theme
• You want a coordinated selection of colors
• You will use most of the included paints

Choose individual paints when:

• You only need a few colors
• You are replacing finished bottles
• You want to test a new brand
• Your project requires a specific color scheme
• A large set would contain colors you are unlikely to use

How to Prepare a Miniature for Painting

Good results begin before the first color is applied.

1. Remove mold lines and unwanted material carefully.
2. Wash the model if recommended for its material.
3. Allow every component to dry.
4. Assemble the miniature according to its instructions.
5. Apply an appropriate primer.
6. Let the primer cure before painting.

Always check the product instructions because plastic, resin, and metal miniatures may require different preparation or adhesives.

Browse glues and epoxies and hobby tools for miniature preparation and assembly.

How to Thin Miniature Paint

Many miniature paints benefit from controlled thinning. The goal is a paint consistency that flows from the brush while still providing useful coverage.

Place a small amount of paint on a palette and gradually add the appropriate thinning medium. Test it before applying it to the miniature.

Avoid relying on one exact paint-to-water ratio because different paints, colors, climates, and techniques require different consistencies.

A palette helps you control paint quantities and prevents the main bottle or pot from being contaminated.

A Simple Beginner Painting Process

Use this basic process for a tabletop-ready miniature:

1. Apply primer

Choose a primer color that suits the project. Black creates deeper shadows, white supports brighter colors, and grey provides a neutral starting point.

2. Add the base colors

Block in the major areas such as armor, clothing, skin, weapons, and equipment.

3. Apply controlled shading

Use a suitable wash or shade in recessed areas. Let it dry completely before continuing.

4. Restore the main colors

Reapply the base colors to raised areas if the wash darkened them too much.

5. Add highlights

Use lighter colors on edges and raised details where light would naturally strike the model.

6. Paint smaller details

Finish belts, buckles, weapons, eyes, insignia, and other details after the larger areas are established.

7. Complete the base

Add earth, texture, grass, rubble, or other basing materials that suit the miniature’s setting.

Explore basing materials and miniature accessories.

Practical Tips for Better Results

• Use multiple thin coats when one layer does not provide full coverage.
• Let each layer dry before applying the next.
• Avoid loading too much paint onto the brush.
• Use a larger brush for broad areas and a smaller brush only when necessary.
• Mix paints thoroughly before use.
• Keep the brush out of the metal ferrule when loading paint.
• Rinse brushes regularly during a painting session.
• Test unfamiliar paints and techniques on a spare model.
• Use good lighting so you can see coverage and details clearly.
• Follow manufacturer instructions for primers, thinners, varnishes, and specialty products.

Common Miniature-Painting Mistakes

Applying paint too thickly

Heavy coats can obscure facial features, armor panels, fabric folds, and other sculpted details. Use controlled layers and allow them to dry.

Skipping primer

Paint may have difficulty adhering evenly to an unprimed surface. Use a primer suitable for the miniature’s material.

Using too many colors

A limited palette often creates a more consistent result. Begin with the main colors and add specialty shades only when needed.

Rushing between layers

Painting over a layer before it dries can pull up the previous paint and create an uneven finish.

Buying products without a project plan

Choose paints for an actual miniature, army, or terrain project. This helps prevent purchasing colors that remain unused.

Frequently Asked Questions

What paint is best for miniatures?

Water-based acrylic miniature paints are a practical choice for most beginners because they dry relatively quickly, can be thinned, and are available in many colors. The best range depends on your project, preferred bottle style, finish, budget, and painting method.

Can regular acrylic craft paint be used?

Craft acrylics can be useful for terrain and larger scenery. For detailed miniatures, purpose-made miniature paints generally offer a consistency and pigment size better suited to small surfaces. Results vary by product.

How many colors does a beginner need?

A beginner can start with approximately 10–15 carefully selected colors, including black, white, basic colors, metallics, and one or two washes. Choose the palette according to the models you plan to paint.

Should miniature paint be thinned?

Many paints benefit from thinning, but the required amount varies. Add the appropriate thinning medium gradually and test the paint’s flow and coverage.

Do painted miniatures need varnish?

Varnish can help protect miniatures that are handled regularly during games. Choose matte, satin, or gloss depending on the desired finish, and follow the manufacturer’s application instructions.

What brushes should beginners buy?

A beginner usually needs a dependable medium brush for most work, a smaller brush for controlled details, and an older or dedicated brush for drybrushing or textured products. Browse paint brushes to compare available options.

Build Your Miniature Painting Setup

Start with a small group of dependable colors, an appropriate primer, a few useful brushes, and paints selected for your current project. As your skills and collection grow, you can add more specialized colors, washes, metallics, and effects.

Shop miniature paints, brushes and hobby supplies at Little Big Wars and find the tools you need for your next Warhammer, historical, fantasy, science-fiction, or role-playing miniature project.