The short answer: If you’re looking for the best paint for miniatures, acrylic paint is the go-to choice for most miniature painters. Paints like Citadel Paint, AK Interactive or Two Thin Coats each offer a specialized paint range tailored to miniature painting, each with its own pros, quirks, and best use cases. Whether you're lovingly detailing a single Space Marine or batch-painting an entire army, the right paint can make or break your project.
But let’s be honest: "best" is a bit of a moving target here. For some, it means vibrant color and one-coat coverage. For others, it's all about budget, finish, or compatibility with an airbrush. The truth? Personal preference plays a big role. Still, there are clear standouts in the world of miniature painting, and that’s what we’re here to break down.
What Painting Options Should you Consider for your Miniature Painting?
Comparing Types of Paints
Of course, acrylics aren’t the only option; they are just the most practical for most projects.
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Enamel paints dry more slowly and require harsh solvents to clean. They will give a specific vintage model feel.
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Oil paints are great for washes and blending, but take forever to dry and typically demand finesse.
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Airbrush paint is pre-thinned for sprayers and excellent for smooth gradients or speed painting.
A word of advice? Avoid the stuff from the hardware store. Sure, it might be affordable, but it’s not designed for the fine detail work that miniature painters live for. Stick to dedicated model paints from trusted hobby stores.
Why Acrylic Paint Dominates the Miniature Hobby
Walk into any hobby shop or browse your favorite online store and you’ll quickly see: acrylic paints are everywhere. And for good reason.
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Fast drying: You don’t have to wait hours between coats.
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Water-soluble: Easy cleanup, easy thinning.
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Great adhesion: Whether you’re working with resin miniatures, plastic models, or metal figures, acrylics stick well with the right base coat.
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Perfect for layering: Apply thin layers, build up highlights, or blend different colors smoothly.
Best Paint Brands for Miniatures
Citadel Paint
This is the gold standard for many painters, especially Warhammer fans. Designed by Games Workshop specifically for their own miniatures, Citadel Paint is beginner-friendly and comes with a huge paint range, including contrast paints for one-coat shading.
That said, Citadel comes in a paint pot, which can be frustrating. Most painters eventually decant them into a dropper bottle for easier control. Apply a thin coat, maybe even a second coat, and you're good to go.
Two Thin Coats
For painters who value control, color theory, and clean results, Two Thin Coats is a top-tier choice. This line is designed with hobbyists in mind, from beginner to advanced.
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High pigmentation means fewer coats for solid coverage.
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Smooth consistency is perfect for layering and detail work.
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Dropper bottles give you precise control and easy portioning, great for wet palettes and mixing.
It's quickly become a favorite among painters who want professional-level results without fuss. Whether you're doing edge highlights or smooth transitions, this range delivers.
AK Interactive
If you're looking for professional-level paints with exceptional versatility, AK Interactive is a standout. Originally developed for scale modeling, AK’s paint lines are now popular with miniature painters who want rich color, precision, and specialty effects.
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High-pigment acrylics offer smooth application and excellent coverage.
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A wide range of finishes and effects, from matte warpaints to metallics, weathering pigments, and textured paints.
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Dropper bottles and airbrush-ready formulas make it easy to use across different techniques.
Whether you're painting a gritty sci-fi model or a historical miniature, AK Interactive gives you the tools to elevate your project.
Tools & Techniques That Bring Out the Best in Your Paint
Why the Right Brush Matters
You don’t need to drop $30 on an expensive brush, but you should avoid bargain-bin packs. Good mid-tier synthetic brushes will go far.
Make sure you grab each of these brushes:
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One for base coats (Size 1 or 2 is a good all-arounder for most base coats.)
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One for drybrushing (Use a brush designed for dry-brushing. Doing so with a regular brush will damage it!)
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One for fine detail (Size 0 or 00 are good for most detail applications.)
Tip: Keep them clean and they’ll last through many painting journeys.
Get Smoother Results with a Wet Palette
A wet palette keeps your acrylic paint moist and workable for longer. It also helps when blending different colors and applying that oh-so-important thin coat. Once you try it, you'll never go back.
Using a Brush-On Sealer or Airbrush Sealer
After you’ve spent hours painting your latest project, protect it with a brush-on sealer or an airbrush sealer.
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Use brush-on sealers for touch-ups or small batches.
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Airbrush sealer is great for even coats over multiple models.
No matter which you choose, don’t skip this step; it keeps your paint job safe from chips, smudges, and shelf wear.
Tips for Choosing the Best Paint for Your Miniature Hobby
Match the Paint to Your Miniature
Painting a plastic miniature? Almost any hobby-grade acrylic paint will do. But for resin miniatures or metal models, use a good primer and compatible base coat to avoid peeling or poor adhesion.
Think About Your Project Scope
If you’re tackling a whole Warhammer army, prioritize volume and efficiency. While Citadel’s Contrast paints are popular for speed, both Two Thin Coats and AK Interactive offer excellent flow and coverage for controlled, high-quality results, even in batch painting.
Start with a Starter Set, Then Expand
Don’t overthink it at first. Pick a starter set that aligns with your project, learn what you like, and build out your collection based on personal preference. Try new paint ranges, experiment with effects, and develop your own style.
Where to Find the Best Paints (And Why It Matters)
Buying from a Hobby Shop vs Online
You can buy miniature paints from big box sites, but shopping with a dedicated hobby shop means better curation, deeper product knowledge, and staff who actually paints.
Local stores are also great for trying paints in person and asking questions before you buy. Plus, you get to be part of a real community of fellow miniature hobbyists.
Why On-Board Gaming is the Go-To Spot for Miniature Painters
Here at On-Board Gaming, we live and breathe miniatures. We specialize in Games Workshop products, and both our shelves and online store are stocked with Citadel Paint, Two Thin Coats, AK Interactive lines.
Our team? We’re miniature painters too. Whether you're looking for a new paint brush, wondering how to seal your Space Marine, or trying to figure out your next color scheme, we’ve got your back.
Book a table, grab some paints, and let us help you make your next miniature your best one yet.
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