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10 Best Paints For Miniatures 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

The Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic: Mega Combo Set

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,382
Type of Paint
Color Range
Consistency

Most important from
2039 reviews

Type of Paint
Metallics and effects paints add depth to figures, enhancing the overall painting experience.
Color Range
Each color is distinct and true to what they are meant to be, with no shades too close to each other.
Consistency
The colors are vibrant, offering excellent coverage with typically only one coat needed.

The Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic Mega Combo Set is a great choice for miniature enthusiasts, offering a robust selection of 50 paints at a competitive price. The set includes 36 vibrant acrylic colors, various skin tones, metallics, effects paints, and washes that cater to a wide range of painting needs. Its high-quality acrylic formulation provides impressive coverage and pigmentation, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced painters, enabling users to achieve professional-looking results with relative ease.

One notable strength of this combo set is the inclusion of additional tools like a character brush, basecoating brush, and a convenient paint station that helps keep your workspace organized. This makes it an attractive option for gamers who appreciate the practicality of having everything they need in one package.

However, there are some aspects to consider. While the paints are generally easy to use, beginners may still find some techniques challenging, particularly when working with washes and effects for shading. Additionally, the matte finish might not suit every painter's preferences, especially those who enjoy glossy or textured surfaces. Another point to note is that while the paints are designed for plastic surfaces, they might require proper priming for best results on different materials. Lastly, the set is designed for indoor use, which might limit options for those looking to paint outdoors.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,382
Type of Paint
Color Range
Consistency

Most important from
2039 reviews

Type of Paint
Metallics and effects paints add depth to figures, enhancing the overall painting experience.
Color Range
Each color is distinct and true to what they are meant to be, with no shades too close to each other.
Consistency
The colors are vibrant, offering excellent coverage with typically only one coat needed.
#2

The Army Painter, GameMaster: Adventure Starter Role-playing Paint Set, 15 x 18ml Warpaints Fanatic Acrylic paints, incl. a Brush-On Primer, 5 FREE Miniatures & 1 Brush - For Warhammer & Dnd

Rating
9.8
Type of Paint
Color Range

Most important from
114 reviews

Type of Paint
The paints deliver excellent coverage with just one coat, making the painting process efficient and satisfying.
Color Range
Color selection covers the essentials well, providing a solid foundation for beginners without overwhelming complexity.

The Army Painter GameMaster Adventure Starter Paint Set is a great match for beginners interested in painting miniatures for tabletop RPGs like Warhammer or Dungeons & Dragons. It includes 15 acrylic paints with a strong color range: 10 bright colors, 2 effect paints, 2 metallics, plus a versatile wash, giving you plenty of options to bring your miniatures to life with different finishes and effects. The paints have a smooth consistency that’s easy to work with, and they offer good coverage and pigmentation, meaning you don’t need a lot to get solid color. This makes it less frustrating for newcomers who may want to thin paints without losing vibrancy. While exact drying times aren’t specified, acrylic paints like these generally dry fairly quickly, which helps speed up the painting process.

The set also stands out because it includes a brush-on primer, a quality brush, and five snap-fit miniatures that require no glue, simplifying assembly. Plus, a painting guide and an adventure quest map add extra value for new players wanting inspiration. On the downside, if you’re looking for very advanced or highly specialized paints, this set might feel basic since it’s made for beginners. Also, while the wash and effect paints extend creative options, they may take some practice to use effectively.

This set is ideal for anyone seeking a convenient, all-in-one starter kit to explore miniature painting without buying separate components or struggling with complicated tools.

Rating
9.8
Type of Paint
Color Range

Most important from
114 reviews

Type of Paint
The paints deliver excellent coverage with just one coat, making the painting process efficient and satisfying.
Color Range
Color selection covers the essentials well, providing a solid foundation for beginners without overwhelming complexity.
#3

The Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic Most Wanted Set, 22 paints - 14 acrylic colours, 2 Skin Tones, 2 Metallics, 2 Effects, 1 Wash, 1 Brush-On Primer and one Free Miniature Figure

Rating
9.7
Type of Paint
Color Range
Consistency

Most important from
59 reviews

Type of Paint
The included brush-on primer prepares surfaces effectively for better paint adhesion.
Color Range
The paints blend effortlessly, allowing precise mixing to achieve any desired color.
Consistency
Application is smooth and easy, supporting efficient and enjoyable painting sessions.
Drying Time
Quick drying times enable a steady workflow without long interruptions.
Finish
Matte finish delivers realistic and subtle effects preferred in miniature painting.

The Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic Most Wanted Set offers a well-rounded selection of 22 carefully chosen paints, including 14 acrylic colors, skin tones, metallics, effects, a wash, and a brush-on primer, making it a versatile choice for miniature painters. These are high-quality acrylic paints known for their strong pigmentation and smooth consistency, which helps with good coverage and detail work on miniatures. The paints dry to a matte finish, which is preferred by many hobbyists for realistic and subtle effects on models. The included wash and effects allow for easy shading and adding special touches like rust or magical glows, enriching the final look without complex techniques. The flexible color triad system is a smart feature that groups colors by tone gradients for natural transitions, simplifying color selection and blending, especially helpful for beginners. Drying time is reasonably quick, letting you work efficiently without long waits. The set's washable nature is convenient for clean-up, and the brush-on primer included helps prepare surfaces well before painting.

This set is beginner-friendly while also meeting the standards of experienced painters, making it suitable for gamers and hobbyists who want to expand their palette with reliable, vibrant paints. One potential downside is the relatively small bottle size (18 mL), which might run out faster for those painting many miniatures. Also, the matte finish, while preferred by many, might not suit those seeking glossier effects without additional products. This set represents a strong choice for those looking for a handy, quality paint collection that covers most miniature painting needs with a good balance of ease, performance, and variety.

Rating
9.7
Type of Paint
Color Range
Consistency

Most important from
59 reviews

Type of Paint
The included brush-on primer prepares surfaces effectively for better paint adhesion.
Color Range
The paints blend effortlessly, allowing precise mixing to achieve any desired color.
Consistency
Application is smooth and easy, supporting efficient and enjoyable painting sessions.
Drying Time
Quick drying times enable a steady workflow without long interruptions.
Finish
Matte finish delivers realistic and subtle effects preferred in miniature painting.

Buying Guide for the Best Paints For Miniatures

Choosing the right paints for miniatures can significantly enhance the quality and appearance of your models. The right paint can bring out the details, create realistic effects, and ensure durability. When selecting paints, consider the type of paint, color range, consistency, drying time, and finish. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision and achieve the best results for your miniature painting projects.
Type of PaintThe type of paint is crucial because it affects how the paint adheres to the miniature and the final look. Acrylic paints are water-based, easy to clean, and dry quickly, making them popular among miniature painters. Enamel paints are oil-based, providing a durable finish but require solvents for cleaning. Choose acrylics for ease of use and versatility, or enamels for a tougher finish.
Color RangeThe color range refers to the variety of colors available in a paint line. A wide color range allows for more creativity and precision in your painting. Basic sets usually include primary colors and a few shades, while advanced sets offer a broader spectrum. If you're just starting, a basic set is sufficient. For more detailed and varied projects, opt for a set with a wider color range.
ConsistencyConsistency determines how thick or thin the paint is. Thicker paints provide better coverage and are ideal for base coats, while thinner paints are better for fine details and layering. Some paints are pre-thinned for airbrushing. If you prefer brush painting, look for paints with a medium consistency that can be thinned as needed. For airbrushing, choose paints specifically designed for that purpose.
Drying TimeDrying time affects how quickly you can work on different layers of your miniature. Fast-drying paints, like acrylics, allow you to apply multiple layers in a short time. Slower-drying paints, like enamels, give you more time to blend colors but require patience. If you want to work quickly and efficiently, choose fast-drying paints. For more intricate blending and shading, slower-drying paints might be better.
FinishThe finish of the paint determines the final appearance of your miniature. Common finishes include matte, satin, and gloss. Matte finishes are non-reflective and great for realistic looks, satin finishes have a slight sheen, and gloss finishes are shiny and can highlight certain areas. Choose a finish based on the effect you want to achieve. Matte is ideal for a realistic look, while gloss can make details pop.

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