Find the best acrylic paints for miniatures and Warhammer, and compare top brands like Citadel, Vallejo, Army Painter, and more for perfect model painting results.
Finding the best paint for miniatures can mean the difference between showing off a gorgeous army and weeping over a streaky, clumpy mess. Good miniature paints don’t just stick; they glide, cover, and make your models look like they belong in a display case, not the recycling bin.
This guide breaks down the best miniature paints and acrylic model paints, comparing Citadel, Vallejo, Army Painter, Pro Acryl, and more. Whether you’re painting Warhammer 40k armies, D&D heroes, or model kits, this guide will help you figure out which is the best paint for 40k.
Let’s get into it.
Quick Rundown of the Brands
Originally published in May 2023. Updated on March 19th, 2026, by Rob Baer with the latest miniature paint info and prices.
Based on their individual pros and cons, these are the best brands for painting tabletop miniatures and wargame models, depending on your preferences.
TL;DR: Best Miniature Paints (for what you’re trying to do)
- Best all-around quality: Pro Acryl
- Best “Warhammer ecosystem” + availability: Warhammer Color (Games Workshop)
- Best budget + easiest to live with: Army Painter
- Best realism / ultra-matte finish: Scale 75
- Best for blending: Two Thin Coats
- Best for wild effects: Turbodork
How we judged these: coverage/pigmentation, consistency/flow, finish (matte vs satin), bottle design (dropper vs pot), availability, and value per ml.
The Big 3:
- Games Workshop Citadel Paint (Now Warhammer Color): These paints are widely available at most local games stores and GW stores worldwide. Constant consistency across all batches. The only drawback is that the paint pot uses a pour method, which can cause messes and cause the paint to dry faster. Additionally, the price is the highest per milliliter. Best for: easiest availability + Warhammer tutorials everywhere.
- Army Painter: Consistent consistency across all batches and a color-matching primer/paint bottle system saves hours of time while hobbying. Plus, they even have an airbrushing line and a speedpaint (Contrast) line. Best for: budget army painting + dropper convenience.
- Pro Acryl: One of the best bottle designs available. Plus, the quality of the paint is extremely high. Best for: smooth coverage + pro feel without the premium pain.
The Rest of The Pack:
- Turbodork: Also now available in most gaming stores worldwide. Their Turboshift colors are among the most distinctive on the market. Best for: color-shift metallic effects. Avoid if: you want one line to handle every everyday paint job.
- Vallejo: Widely available at game stores outside of the United States. High consistency across all batches and a wide variety of paint styles. However, in recent years, even pre-pandemic, restocks of Vallejo paints in the United States have been problematic, to say the least. Best for: all-round use with droppers and broad range support.
- Scale 75: It’s available mostly online. Their finish is matte, and it is one of the most realistic options around. Best for: ultra-matte realism.
- P3 Paint (Now SFG): Previously found in most gaming stores, recent changes to how Privateer Press dealt with retailers led many to stop carrying any Privateer products, unfortunately. However, they are making a big comeback with a huge Kickstarter. Best for: solid coverage + matte finish fans.
- Reaper Paints: Reaper is on the lower end of the price range, and we regularly use the Orange-Brown and Harvest Brown for weathering and basing, as well as for yellows. Best for: weathering/basing tones on a budget.
- Two Thin Coats: Made the old-school way for smooth blending, this line delivers solid, reliable colors. Not the easiest to find. You’ll likely need to order online, but it’s worth it if you want a straightforward, no-fuss paint that just works. Best for: layering/blending with a classic feel.
TL;DR Paint Prices:
So, it appears that Army Painter and Pro Acryl offer the lowest paint price per milliliter among the other brands. Meanwhile, GW is topping the charts in terms of price.
Price isn’t the whole story: value also depends on finish, flow, and bottle design. If you want the cleanest workflow, droppers help. If you want the biggest tutorial ecosystem, Warhammer Color wins on support.
Just remember, at the end of the day, it really comes down to what you look for in the best paints for miniatures & wargames models: price, quality, or availability.
Snag your new paint goodies from our handpicked list of retailers, and give us a high-five in support! Every qualifying purchase helps Spikey Bits keep the lights on and the fun going.
What Makes a Good Paint for Miniatures?
Acrylic model paints are the go-to for miniature painters. They’re water-based, quick-drying, non-toxic, and clean up with water. For Warhammer models, acrylic paint offers smooth coats, strong pigmentation, and easy layering.
What should you look for?
These are the same criteria we’re using to judge the brands below, so if you care about one more than the others, finish vs price vs availability, you’ll know where to land.
- Consistency: You want paint that flows smoothly, clings to detail, and doesn’t drown your mini in globs. Thin layers, sharp edges, no blobs.
- Coverage & Pigmentation: Strong colors in fewer coats save you time and frustration. High-opacity paints let you work efficiently, not endlessly.
- Finish (Matte vs. Satin): Matte gives gritty realism; satin adds a touch of shine. Both have their place, depending on the vibe you want.
Acrylic model paint beats out enamel and oil for most hobbyists, thanks to its ease of use. Enamel and oil paints can create cool weathering effects, but they require solvents, additional tools, and patience.
For most painters, acrylic is the clear winner.
Best Acrylic Paint Brands for Miniatures
Let’s break down the top acrylic paint brands for miniatures and Warhammer.
Warhammer Color: (Games Workshop – Previously Citadel Color)
Citadel is practically synonymous with Warhammer paint, and now the Warhammer Color name reflects it. The range is designed for Warhammer 40k models, offering consistent colors and tons of support materials.
Pros:
- The Citadel range is massive, especially for Warhammer armies
- High-quality pigmentation
- Tutorials and guides everywhere
Cons:
- Expensive per ml
- Flip-top pots dry out fast
Best for: Warhammer painters who want maximum compatibility with official recipes and tutorials.
Avoid if: you hate pots or want a dropper workflow by default.
Vallejo Paints
Vallejo is the all-rounder. These acrylic model paints work for fantasy minis, historical models, and sci-fi mechs alike.
Pros:
- Great price per bottle
- Dropper bottles for easy dispensing
- Works well with brushes or airbrushes
Cons:
- Sometimes tricky to restock in the US
- Recent labor dispute
Best for: all-rounders who want droppers + broad range.
Avoid if: you need guaranteed local availability in the US right now.
Army Painter
If you want good paints for miniatures on a budget, Army Painter has your back. Known for speedpainting Warhammer armies, they offer acrylic model paint and airbrush-ready options.
Pros:
- Affordable per ml
- Dropper bottles = less mess
- Speedpaint and color-matching primers
Cons:
- Thick consistency; could need thinning
Best for: beginners and batch-painters, Speedpaint + primers = fast armies.
Avoid if: you want ultra-thin “straight from bottle” consistency without thinning.
Pro Acryl
Pro Acryl is beloved by serious painters. Smooth, highly pigmented, and housed in excellent dropper bottles, it’s a favorite for crisp details and smooth blends.
Pros:
- Fantastic coverage
- Great for blending and layering
- Smart bottle design
Cons:
- Smaller color range
Best for: smooth coverage + high pigment without fighting the paint.
Avoid if: you only buy what your local GW store stocks.
Scale 75
For realism, Scale 75 leads the pack. Known for matte finishes, this brand is ideal for gritty, lifelike models.
Pros:
- Ultra-matte finish
- Great for layering
- Excellent for historical and fantasy minis
Cons:
- Mostly sold online
Best for: matte realism and controlled layering.
Avoid if: you prefer a satin finish or want “effortless” coverage without learning its feel.
Turbodork
Want your miniatures to sparkle and shift colors? Turbodork’s Turboshift paints bring wild metallics and color-shifting effects to your models.
Pros:
- Unique colors and effects
- Fun for special projects
Cons:
- Not your everyday paint
Best for: special effects / color-shift metallic showpieces.
Avoid if: you want a single paint line to do everything.
P3 Paint
P3 Paints have solid coverage and were co-developed by hobby legend Mike McVey. They’re slowly making a comeback after a shift in the retail and ownership landscape.
Pros:
- Good pigmentation
- Solid matte finishes
Cons:
- Availability varies
Best for: painters who like solid coverage and matte finishes.
Avoid if: availability is your #1 priority.
Reaper Paints
Reaper’s acrylic model paints are budget-friendly and often used for basing and weathering. While not premium, they have their niche.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Great earthy tones
Cons:
- Lower pigmentation
Best for: basing/weathering tones and budget racks.
Avoid if: you want maximum pigmentation in one coat.
Two Thin Coats
Two Thin Coats paints were developed by the famed painter Duncan Rhodes and designed for smooth blending and ease of use. They offer a solid, reliable palette for painters who want that classic feel.
Pros:
- Good pigmentation
- Great for layering and blending
Cons:
- Availability can be hit or miss
Best for: layering and blending, classic “paint like Duncan” feel.
Avoid if: you need guaranteed availability without ordering online.
Price Comparison (Per Bottle & Per ML)
Here’s what you’re paying per bottle and per milliliter for these paints:
(Quick rule: compare $ per ml first, then sanity-check against bottle type and finish, cheapest doesn’t always paint “best.”)
- Citadel GW Paint: 12ml pot for $4.55
- Citadel Contrast Paint: 18ml pot for $7.80
- Citadel Air: (new, bigger pot) 24ml pot for $7.80
- Vallejo Paint: 17ml dropper bottle for $4.99 ($4.99 for Xpress Paint)
- Pro Acryl: 22ml dropper bottle for $5.00 (Note: They have raised the price, but also now include 5ml more per pot.)
- Turbodork: 20ml dropper bottle for $6.30
- Scale 75 Paint: 17ml dropper bottle for about $4.49
- Army Painter Paint: 18ml dropper bottle for $4.35 (price increased slightly with the new Fanatic line)
- P3 Paint: 20ml pots just got revamped in a new Kickstarter
- Reaper Paints: 14.78ml for $3.69
- Two Thin Coats: 15ml for $5.03-$6.85
Citadel leads on price, and not in a good way. Pro Acryl and Army Painter come out as the most cost-effective options.
Best Acrylic Paints by Use Case
Let’s break down the best brands for different painters’ needs.
- For Beginners: Army Painter and Citadel are perfect. Army Painter is budget-friendly with color-matching primers. Citadel offers great Warhammer paints with tons of online guides.
- For Airbrushing: Vallejo Game Air and Army Painter Warpaints Air flow beautifully through an airbrush. If you want airbrush paints, you can’t go wrong with either.
- For Metallics: Pro Acryl metallics give excellent coverage and shine. Army Painter also added metallic paints to their Speedpaint line.
- For Warhammer Models (in general): Citadel is the Warhammer paint set standard. However, Pro Acryl offers a more affordable alternative with professional results.
- For Blending / Display Painting: Pro Acryl and Two Thin Coats are the smooth operators for layering and blends.
- For Realistic Ultra-Matte Results: Scale 75 is the go-to when you want grit and realism.
- For Special Effects: Turbodork is the pick when you want “how did you do that?” color-shifts.
One-Coat Paints: Contrast vs. Speedpaints
Need to paint armies fast? Citadel Contrast Paint and Army Painter Speedpaints let you slap on a coat and get shading, highlights, and base color in one go.
Contrast Paint gives you fine control but costs more. Speedpaints offer budget-friendly efficiency, making them great for big Warhammer 40k projects.
- Pick Contrast if you want more control on smaller details.
- Pick Speedpaints if you’re batch painting lots of models on a budget.
- Either way: use a light primer and don’t overwork the coat, one pass is the point.
How to Transfer Citadel Paints to Dropper Bottles
Steps to decant paint:
- Stir the Citadel paint well.
- Use a pipette or funnel to move paint into an empty dropper bottle.
- Pro tip: add one drop of thinner if the paint is too thick to decant cleanly.
- Label it so you know which shade is which.
Done! Now you’ll waste less and paint more. However, if you’d like a more in-depth look, please check out our tutorial here!
Brushes, Mixers & Additives
While this guide focuses on acrylic model paints, having the right tools for painting matters too.
Minimal starter kit: one quality size 1 brush, one cheap “beater” brush for metallics/drybrushing, and a flow improver so your paint stops fighting you.
- Good Brushes: Try Monument Hobbies Bombwick, Winsor & Newton Series 7, or Army Painter Wargamer Series.
- Vortex Mixer Guide: Mixes paint perfectly, no more shaking until your arm falls off.
- Thinners & Flow Improvers: Help control acrylic paint thickness and improve flow, especially for airbrush work.
Final Thoughts on Best Paints for Miniatures
Picking the best acrylic paint for miniatures really comes down to what works for you and your painting style:
- Budget But Still Great Paints: Army Painter, Reaper
- Warhammer Fans: Citadel, Pro Acryl, Army Painter
- All-Rounders: Vallejo, Citadel
- Blending Lovers: Pro Acryl, Two Thin Coats
- Realism Chasers: Scale 75
- Speed Demons: Contrast Paints, Speedpaints
A great Warhammer 40k paint set or modeler’s paint kit doesn’t need to break the bank. Focus on good miniature paints that fit your style and projects. Whether you’re painting a single Dreadnought or a horde of Orks, there’s a perfect paint brand waiting.
If you remember nothing else: pick one “main line” you like, Pro Acryl, Army Painter, or Warhammer Color, then mix in specialists like Scale 75 for matte realism and Turbodork for effects. Your best paint is the one you’ll actually keep using.
Updated March 19, 2026: refreshed pricing per ml and rechecked availability notes.
Happy painting!
Miniature Paint FAQ
Do I need to thin miniature paints? Yes, most paints behave best in thin coats.
Dropper bottles vs pots: which is better? Droppers waste less and keep paint fresher; pots are convenient but can dry out faster.
What’s the best white paint for miniatures? Use a hobby white that covers smoothly and build up in thin layers. White is notoriously streaky.
Can I use craft acrylics on minis? You can, but coverage and pigment quality are usually lower than hobby paints.
Do I need primer before painting? Yes, primer helps paint stick and makes your coats more consistent.
Related Reads:
- The Ultimate Guide To Painting Miniatures
- GW Changes their Paint name to Warhammer Color
- Best Paint Conversion Charts for Miniatures
- Citadel Contrast Paints: How They Look on Miniatures
- How To Transfer Your Citadel Paints Into Dropper Bottles
- List of the Top Hobby Supplies for Miniatures
