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.
Originally published in May 2023. Updated on July 18th, 2025, by Rob Baer with the latest miniature paint info and prices.
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 jump in.
Quick Rundown of the Brands
Based on their individual pros and cons, these are the best brands for painting tabletop miniatures and wargame models, depending on your preferences.
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The Big 3:
- Citadel Paint (Games Workshop’s Brand): 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.
- 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 and a speedpaint (Contrast) line.
- Pro Acryl: One of the best bottle designs available. Plus, the quality of the paint is extremely high.
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.
- 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.
- Scale 75: It’s available mostly online. Their finish is matte, and it is one of the most realistic options around
- P3 Paint (Now SFG): Previously found in most gaming stores, recent changes to how Privateer Press deals with retailers have led many to stop carrying any Privateer products, unfortunately. However, they are making a big comeback with a huge Kickstarter.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
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?
- 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.
Citadel Paint (Games Workshop)
Citadel is practically synonymous with Warhammer paint. 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Price Comparison (Per Bottle & Per ML)
Here’s what you’re paying per bottle and per milliliter for these paints:
- Citadel GW Paint: 12ml pot for $4.55
- Citadel Contrast Paint: 18ml pot for $7.80
- Citadel Air: (new, bigger pot) 24 ml 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. The 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.
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.
How to Transfer Citadel Paints to Dropper Bottles
Those Citadel pots are infamous for drying out. Solution? Transfer them 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.
- 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 matter too.
- 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 modelers 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.
Happy painting!
See Our List of Top Hobby Supplies For Miniatures
What do you think about all the types of models and miniature acrylic paint out there for Warhammer and tabletop gaming? Which is your favorite?
