Best Model Paints 2025: Complete Guide to Acrylics, Enamels & Spray Cans
Looking for the best model paint? Whether you're airbrushing Tamiya acrylics, hand-brushing Testors enamels, or grabbing a Revell spray can for quick coverage, choosing the right paint makes the difference between a professional finish and a frustrating experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything from $3.99 hobby paints to premium lacquers, helping you select the perfect paint for your scale models.
Understanding Model Paint Types
Model paints fall into three main categories, each with distinct characteristics:
Acrylic Paints - Most Popular
Pros: Water cleanup, low odor, fast drying, easy to use
Cons: Can be fragile without clear coat, sensitive to humidity
Best for: Beginners, indoor building, airbrush work
Top brands: Tamiya, Vallejo, Revell Aqua Color, Mission Models
Enamel Paints - Traditional Choice
Pros: Self-leveling, durable finish, forgiving, long working time
Cons: Solvent cleanup, strong odor, slow drying (24+ hours)
Best for: Hand brushing, weathering, traditional modelers
Top brands: Testors, Revell Enamel, Humbrol
Lacquer Paints - Professional Grade
Pros: Tough finish, fast drying, excellent for airbrushing
Cons: Hot solvents, requires ventilation, attacks some plastics
Best for: Advanced builders, automotive finishes, show models
Top brands: Tamiya (spray cans), Mr. Color, Alclad II
Spray Cans - Convenience Winner
Pros: No airbrush needed, professional results, perfect for primers
Cons: More expensive per ml, limited colors, overspray waste
Best for: Large surfaces, primers, quick projects
Top brands: Tamiya TS series, Testors, Revell
Quick Picks: Best Model Paints at a Glance
🏆 Best Overall: Tamiya Acrylic ($4.99) or Spray Can ($8.99)
Industry standard for precision and quality
💰 Best Value: Revell Enamel/Aqua Color ($3.99)
Excellent quality at budget price
🎨 Best for Beginners: Testors Enamel ($4.99)
Forgiving, easy to brush, widely available
⭐ Best Spray Primer: Tamiya Surface Primer ($9.99-13.99)
Perfect tooth for paint adhesion
✈️ Best for Airbrush: Vallejo Model Color ($5.99) or Mission Models ($7.99)
Pre-thinned, smooth atomization
Paint Selection by Use Case
Best Paints for Hand Brushing
Top choice: Testors Enamel - self-leveling hides brush strokes
Also excellent: Revell Aqua Color - acrylic with enamel-like flow
Pro tip: Thin 10-20% for smoother application
Best Paints for Airbrushing
Top choice: Tamiya Acrylics - perfect consistency when thinned 1:1
Pre-thinned option: Vallejo Model Air - ready to spray
Professional grade: Mission Models - zero orange peel finish
Best Spray Cans
Gold standard: Tamiya TS series - automotive-quality finish
Budget option: Revell spray cans - good coverage, half the price
For primers: Tamiya Surface Primer - best adhesion
Top 40 Model Paints & Supplies Reviewed
PRIMERS - Start Right
1. Tamiya Surface Primer Large White 180ml - Best Overall Primer
Price: $13.99 | Brand: Tamiya | Item: TAM87044 | Size: 180ml
This is the gold standard model primer. Tamiya's Surface Primer provides perfect tooth for paint adhesion without obscuring detail. White is ideal for bright colors and shows sanding marks clearly.
Why it's exceptional:
- Fills minor scratches without losing detail
- Dries in 30 minutes, ready to paint in 1 hour
- Works on plastic, resin, and metal
- 180ml large size for multiple projects
- Professional-grade adhesion
- Shows imperfections for perfect prep
2. Tamiya Surface Primer Plastic/Metal 100ml - Best Budget Primer
Price: $9.99 | Brand: Tamiya | Item: TAM87026 | Size: 100ml
Same excellent Tamiya primer formula in a smaller, more affordable can. Gray primer is perfect for darker color schemes and military models.
What makes it special:
- Under $10 Tamiya quality
- Gray shows panel lines clearly
- 100ml size for smaller projects
- Perfect for metal and plastic
- Same professional formula
3. Tamiya Liquid Surface Primer 40ml White - Best Brush-On Primer
Price: $6.99 | Brand: Tamiya | Item: TAM87096 | Size: 40ml
Brush-on primer for spot repairs or small parts where spray overspray would be wasteful. Also airbrush-ready when thinned.
What makes it special:
- Brush or airbrush application
- Perfect for small parts
- No overspray waste
- Spot repair capability
- Economic for detail work
4. Badger Model Flex Gray Primer - Budget Airbrush Primer
Price: $5.99 | Brand: Badger | Item: BAD1667 | Size: 1oz
Airbrush-ready acrylic primer with flexible formula that resists chipping. Excellent for models that will be handled.
What makes it special:
- Under $6 pricing
- Flexible finish resists chips
- Airbrush-ready formula
- Acrylic for easy cleanup
- Perfect for gaming miniatures
TAMIYA PAINTS - Premium Japanese Quality
5. Tamiya X-11 Chrome Silver Acrylic - Best Metallic
Price: $4.99 | Brand: Tamiya | Item: TAM81011 | Type: Acrylic
Tamiya's legendary chrome silver - the best metallic paint in a bottle. Hand-brushes beautifully and airbrushes to a mirror finish when polished.
What makes it exceptional:
- True chrome appearance
- Can be buffed to mirror shine
- Excellent coverage
- Works brush or airbrush
- Tamiya quality at budget price
- Essential for any paint collection
6. Tamiya TS-38 Gunmetal Spray - Best Gunmetal
Price: $8.99 | Brand: Tamiya | Item: TAM85038 | Type: Lacquer Spray
Perfect dark metallic finish for weapons, machinery, and sci-fi models. Tamiya's TS series delivers automotive-quality finishes.
What makes it special:
- Authentic gunmetal color
- Lacquer durability
- Even spray pattern
- Professional finish
- Ideal for weapons/machinery
7. Tamiya TS-9 British Green Spray - Best Military Green
Price: $8.99 | Brand: Tamiya | Item: TAM85009 | Type: Lacquer Spray
Authentic WWII British military green. Perfect for British tanks, aircraft, and vehicles. Historically accurate color.
What makes it special:
- Historically accurate British green
- Perfect for WWII models
- Tamiya lacquer quality
- Excellent coverage
- Military modeling essential
8. Tamiya TS-13 Gloss Clear - Best Clear Coat
Price: $10.99 | Brand: Tamiya | Item: TAM85013 | Type: Lacquer Spray
The final step for show-quality finishes. TS-13 provides crystal-clear gloss protection without yellowing or clouding.
What makes it exceptional:
- Crystal-clear finish
- Never yellows
- Durable lacquer protection
- Prepares surface for decals
- Professional gloss depth
- Essential for car models
TESTORS PAINTS - American Classic
9. Testors Enamel Red Gloss - Best Basic Red
Price: $4.99 | Brand: Testors | Item: TES1103TT | Type: Enamel
Classic Testors enamel in the iconic square bottle. Red gloss is perfect for everything from fire trucks to racing stripes.
What makes it special:
- Under $5 pricing
- Self-leveling enamel
- Vibrant red color
- Brush or thin for airbrush
- American modeling staple
- Available everywhere
10. Testors Flat Black Enamel - Most Essential Color
Price: $4.99 | Brand: Testors | Item: TES1149TT | Type: Enamel
Every modeler needs flat black. Tires, interiors, panel lines, weathering - this bottle does it all.
What makes it essential:
- Most versatile color
- Perfect for tires
- Excellent for panel lines
- Weathering essential
- Under $5
- Buy two, you'll use them both
11. Testors Semi-Gloss Black Enamel
Price: $4.99 | Brand: Testors | Item: TES1139TT | Type: Enamel
Semi-gloss black is perfect for modern car parts - trim, window frames, bumpers. More realistic than flat or gloss.
What makes it special:
- Realistic sheen level
- Perfect for car trim
- Modern vehicle accurate
- Easy to apply
- Budget-friendly
12. Testors Steel Flat Enamel
Price: $4.99 | Brand: Testors | Item: TES1180TT | Type: Enamel
Metallic steel without shine - perfect for weathered metal, exhaust systems, and military vehicles.
What makes it special:
- Realistic metal appearance
- Excellent for weathering
- Military modeling essential
- Exhaust pipes perfect
- Under $5
13. Testors Orange Gloss Enamel
Price: $4.99 | Brand: Testors | Item: TES1127TT | Type: Enamel
Vibrant orange for race cars, safety equipment, and eye-catching details.
What makes it special:
- Bright, eye-catching color
- Perfect for racing liveries
- Good coverage
- Budget-friendly
- Classic Testors quality
14. Testors Plastic Cement - Essential Adhesive
Price: $4.99 | Brand: Testors | Item: TES3501X | Type: Adhesive
Not paint, but essential. Testors cement is the standard plastic model glue - creates strong bonds by melting plastic together.
What makes it essential:
- Industry standard glue
- Strong plastic bonds
- Precise applicator tube
- Under $5
- Every kit needs this
REVELL PAINTS - European Quality, American Prices
15. Revell Aluminum Metallic - Best Budget Metallic
Price: $3.99 | Brand: Revell | Item: RMX32199 | Type: Enamel | Size: 14ml
Excellent aluminum metallic at incredible price. German Revell quality with American affordability.
What makes it exceptional:
- Under $4!
- German quality control
- Perfect for aircraft
- Good metallic coverage
- Best value metallic
16. Revell Black Gloss - Best Budget Black
Price: $3.99 | Brand: Revell | Item: RMX32107 | Type: Enamel | Size: 14ml
Deep gloss black for under $4. Perfect for tires, interiors, and any glossy black surface.
What makes it special:
- Cheapest quality black
- Deep gloss finish
- German quality
- Excellent value
- 14ml size
17. Revell Clear Orange - Best for Lenses
Price: $3.99 | Brand: Revell | Item: RMX32730 | Type: Enamel | Size: 14ml
Transparent orange for turn signals, taillights, and warning lights. Creates realistic lens effect on clear plastic.
What makes it special:
- Transparent color
- Perfect for lenses
- Realistic light effect
- Under $4
- Essential for car models
18. Revell Clear Red - Taillights Perfect
Price: $3.99 | Brand: Revell | Item: RMX32731 | Type: Enamel | Size: 14ml
Crystal-clear red for taillights. Brush on clear plastic parts for authentic light appearance.
What makes it special:
- Transparent red
- Taillight essential
- Clear, vibrant color
- Budget price
- Easy application
19-25. Revell Aqua Color Series (Acrylics)
Price: $5.99 each | Brand: Revell | Type: Acrylic | Size: 18ml
Revell's water-based acrylic line combines acrylic convenience with enamel-like flow. Larger 18ml bottles offer great value.
Available colors featured:
- Black Silk (RAL 9005): Satin-finish black - Buy Now
- Silver Metallic: Bright metallic silver - Buy Now
- Light Blue Gloss: Classic light blue - Buy Now
- Fiery Red Gloss: Vibrant red - Buy Now
- Blue Gloss: Deep blue - Buy Now
- Orange Gloss: Bright orange - Buy Now
- Silver Metallic (14ml): Metallic enamel - Buy Now
Why Aqua Color is special:
- Water cleanup (acrylic)
- Enamel-like flow
- 18ml larger size
- $5.99 excellent value
- Best of both worlds
VALLEJO - Airbrush Excellence
26. Vallejo Model Air Basic Colors Set - Best Starter Set
Price: $61.99 | Brand: Vallejo | Item: VLJ71178 | Type: Acrylic
Complete airbrush-ready paint set. Pre-thinned Vallejo Model Air paints spray perfectly straight from the bottle.
What makes it exceptional:
- Pre-thinned for airbrushing
- Complete color selection
- No mixing required
- Professional results immediately
- Excellent value per color
- Perfect starter collection
27. Vallejo Mecha Color Black - Best for Anime/Mecha
Price: $5.99 | Brand: Vallejo | Item: VLJ70642 | Type: Acrylic
Specially formulated for Gundam and mecha kits. Extra-fine pigments for smooth anime-style finishes.
What makes it special:
- Designed for anime/mecha
- Extra-fine pigments
- Water-based airbrush ready
- Smooth anime finishes
- Under $6
MISSION MODELS - Professional Grade
28. Mission Models Panzergrey RAL 7021
Price: $7.99 | Brand: Mission Models | Item: MMP014 | Type: Acrylic
Historically accurate German tank grey. Mission Models delivers zero orange peel, professional-grade finish.
What makes it exceptional:
- RAL-accurate color
- Zero orange peel finish
- Self-leveling formula
- Professional grade
- Military modeling essential
29. Mission Models NATO Black
Price: $7.99 | Brand: Mission Models | Item: MMP035 | Type: Acrylic
Authentic NATO black for modern military vehicles. Not pure black - slightly warmer tone matches real military equipment.
What makes it special:
- Authentic NATO specification
- Not pure black (realistic)
- Professional finish
- Modern military accurate
- Mission quality
30. Mission Models Iridescent Blue
Price: $7.99 | Brand: Mission Models | Item: MMP156 | Type: Acrylic
Color-shifting iridescent blue for custom car finishes and special effects. Professional show-car quality.
What makes it special:
- Color-shifting effect
- Show-car quality
- Iridescent finish
- Custom car essential
- Professional grade
TRU-COLOR - Railroad & Automotive Specialists
31. Tru-Color Semtex Cream 1939-41
Price: $8.99 | Brand: Tru-Color | Item: TCP1055 | Type: Lacquer
Period-accurate cream for WWII British vehicles. Tru-Color specializes in historically accurate railroad and military colors.
What makes it special:
- Historically accurate
- Period-specific formula
- WWII British vehicles
- Lacquer durability
- Research-backed color
32. Tru-Color Metallic Navy Blue
Price: $8.99 | Brand: Tru-Color | Item: TCP707 | Type: Lacquer
Deep metallic navy blue perfect for custom cars or naval subjects. Rich, deep color with metallic shimmer.
What makes it special:
- Deep metallic blue
- Custom car quality
- Rich color depth
- Lacquer finish
- Professional grade
33. Tru-Color Metallic Plum Crazy
Price: $8.99 | Brand: Tru-Color | Item: TCP731 | Type: Lacquer
Authentic "Plum Crazy Purple" - the legendary Mopar color. Perfect match for '70s Dodge/Plymouth muscle cars.
What makes it special:
- Authentic Mopar color
- Muscle car essential
- Metallic purple
- '70s accuracy
- Dodge/Plymouth correct
MR. HOBBY - Japanese Lacquer Excellence
34. Mr. Hobby Gloss Clear Red
Price: $3.99 | Brand: Mr. Hobby | Item: GUZH90 | Type: Lacquer | Size: 10ml
Crystal-clear transparent red lacquer. Perfect for candy finishes or realistic taillights on clear parts.
What makes it special:
- Under $4 lacquer
- Crystal-clear transparency
- Candy finish capable
- Taillight perfect
- Japanese quality
35. Mr. Hobby Olive Drab Modulation Set
Price: $16.99 | Brand: Mr. Hobby | Item: GUZCS581 | Type: Lacquer Set
Pre-selected olive drab shades for modulation technique. Creates depth and realism on military vehicles through subtle color variation.
What makes it exceptional:
- Complete modulation system
- Pre-selected shade progression
- Military modeling essential
- Professional technique made easy
- Lacquer quality
AMMO - Weathering & Effects Specialists
36. Ammo White Oilbrusher
Price: $8.99 | Brand: Ammo | Item: MIG3501 | Type: Oil Paint
Oilbrusher combines oil paint weathering power with a built-in brush applicator. White is essential for winter camo and highlights.
What makes it special:
- Built-in brush applicator
- Oil paint weathering
- No separate brush needed
- Perfect for winter camo
- Weathering essential
37. Ammo Enamel Odorless Thinner
Price: $17.99 | Brand: Ammo | Item: MIG2019 | Type: Thinner
Odorless enamel thinner for weathering washes. No harsh fumes means comfortable indoor use.
What makes it special:
- Truly odorless
- Indoor use comfortable
- Perfect for washes
- Large bottle
- Weathering essential
38. Ammo Ultra Glue (Acrylic)
Price: $12.99 | Brand: Ammo | Item: MIG2031 | Type: Adhesive
Super-strong cyanoacrylate (super glue) optimized for modeling. Precision applicator prevents over-application.
What makes it special:
- Super-strong bond
- Precision applicator
- Modeling-specific formula
- No messy overflow
- Dries crystal clear
39. Ammo Acrylic Thinner & Cleaner
Price: $14.99 | Brand: Ammo | Item: MIG20510 | Type: Thinner
Universal acrylic thinner works with Vallejo, Mission Models, and most acrylics. Also cleans airbrushes perfectly.
What makes it special:
- Universal acrylic compatibility
- Also airbrush cleaner
- Large bottle
- Two-in-one product
- Cost effective
BADGER - Airbrush Paints
40. Badger Model Flex SAC Bomber Green
Price: $5.99 | Brand: Badger | Item: BAD1692 | Type: Acrylic
Authentic Strategic Air Command bomber green. Flexible formula resists chipping on models that get handled.
What makes it special:
- Authentic SAC green
- Flexible, chip-resistant
- Airbrush-ready
- Under $6
- Military aviation accurate
Paint Type Comparison: Which Should You Choose?
For Beginners
Best choice: Testors Enamel
Why: Forgiving, self-leveling, hides brush strokes, slow drying allows repositioning
Start with: Flat Black, Red, Silver Metallic
For Airbrush Users
Best choice: Tamiya Acrylics or Vallejo Model Air
Why: Thin perfectly, no clogging, excellent atomization
Start with: Basic color set or Tamiya primary colors
For Show Models
Best choice: Tamiya TS Spray Cans or Mission Models
Why: Automotive-quality finish, zero orange peel
Start with: Primer + main color + TS-13 clear
For Military Models
Best choice: Mission Models or Mr. Hobby
Why: RAL-accurate colors, professional weathering capability
Start with: Panzergrey, Olive Drab, NATO Black
Essential Painting Techniques
Priming - Never Skip This Step
Primer provides "tooth" for paint adhesion and reveals surface imperfections. Always prime in thin coats 12 inches away. Wait 1 hour minimum before painting.
Primer color guide:
- White primer: Bright colors (red, yellow, white)
- Gray primer: Medium colors (most subjects)
- Black primer: Dark colors (saves paint)
Thinning Ratios
Hand brushing: 10-20% thinner (mostly for acrylics)
Airbrushing: 50% paint/50% thinner (Tamiya standard)
Pre-thinned: Vallejo Model Air needs no thinning
Drying Times
Acrylics: Touch dry 30 minutes, handle 2 hours, fully cure 24 hours
Enamels: Touch dry 4-6 hours, handle 24 hours, fully cure 72 hours
Lacquers: Touch dry 15 minutes, handle 1 hour, fully cure 24 hours
Clear Coating
Always clear coat before decals and after for protection:
- Gloss before decals: Prevents silvering
- Final coat matches desired finish: Gloss for cars, flat/satin for military
- Wait 24-48 hours between coats
Common Painting Problems Solved
Orange Peel Texture
Cause: Paint too thick or sprayed too close
Fix: Thin more, spray farther (12"), multiple thin coats
Brush Strokes Visible
Cause: Paint too thick or brushing too much
Fix: Thin 10-20%, use quality brush, don't over-brush
Paint Chipping
Cause: No primer or didn't cure fully
Fix: Always prime, wait 24-72 hours before handling
Cloudy Clear Coat
Cause: Humidity or incompatible paints
Fix: Paint on low-humidity days, let paint cure 24+ hours first
Building Your Paint Collection
Starter Collection ($50 budget)
- Tamiya Surface Primer Gray ($9.99)
- Testors Flat Black ($4.99)
- Testors Gloss Red ($4.99)
- Tamiya Chrome Silver ($4.99)
- Revell Clear Red ($3.99)
- Revell Clear Orange ($3.99)
- Testors Steel Flat ($4.99)
- Tamiya TS-13 Clear ($10.99)
- Total: $48.92
Airbrush Collection ($150 budget)
- Vallejo Model Air Basic Set ($61.99)
- Tamiya Surface Primer Large ($13.99)
- Ammo Acrylic Thinner ($14.99)
- Tamiya TS-13 Clear ($10.99)
- Mission Models primary colors ($24)
- Badger primers ($12)
- Total: $137.96
Professional Collection ($300+ budget)
- Complete Vallejo set ($61.99)
- Mission Models core colors ($80)
- Tamiya TS spray collection ($60)
- Mr. Hobby Modulation Set ($16.99)
- Ammo weathering products ($50)
- Tru-Color specialty colors ($30)
- Total: $298.98+
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best paint brand for beginners?
Testors Enamel or Revell. Both are forgiving, affordable ($3.99-4.99), and widely available. Enamels self-level to hide brush strokes, making them ideal for learning.
Do I need an airbrush?
No! Spray cans (Tamiya TS series) deliver professional results for bodies. Hand-brush details. An airbrush adds capability but isn't required for excellent models.
Can I mix paint brands?
Within the same paint type, yes (acrylic with acrylic, enamel with enamel). Never mix acrylics and enamels directly. You can layer different types after proper drying/curing.
Why is Tamiya paint more expensive?
Japanese precision manufacturing and quality control. Tamiya thinning ratio is perfect, pigments are finest, and results are consistently excellent. You pay for reliability.
What's the difference between gloss and flat paint?
Gloss reflects light (cars, candies). Flat absorbs light (military, weathered). Semi-gloss/satin is between. Match the finish to real-world subject.
How long does model paint last?
Unopened: 5-10 years if stored properly. Opened: 2-5 years. Acrylics dry out faster than enamels. Store bottles upside-down to seal better.
Do I need primer?
YES! Always primer. It provides adhesion "tooth," reveals imperfections, and makes paint coverage even. Skipping primer risks chipping and poor adhesion.
Ready to Paint Like a Pro?
From $3.99 Revell basics to $16.99 professional sets, quality model paint is accessible at every budget. Start with fundamentals (primer, black, primary colors), then expand based on your modeling interests - automotive metallics, military RAL colors, or weathering effects.
The paints featured in this guide represent the best options across all price points and use cases. Whether you're hand-brushing your first kit or airbrushing show-quality finishes, these proven paints deliver professional results.
Ready to stock your paint shelf? Browse our complete paint selection and build your perfect collection today.