P3 paints are back and headed to Kickstarter- rediscover the iconic range with a modern twist—richer pigments, and the finish you remember.
P3 Paints Return on Kickstarter: Revamped Colors, Legendary Consistency, & New Formula by Steamforged Games
The return of P3 paints has been eagerly awaited by painters who’ve spent years perfecting their craft with these iconic colors. Once a staple in the hobby community, P3’s unique formula and vibrant colors were held in high regard by everyone from hobbyist weekend warriors to competition pros. Now, with its return, the anticipation is building again. So, whether you’re just dipping your brush into the painting waters or have been here since Citadel had screw-top lids, let’s break down what this means for your paint racks.
The Legacy of P3 Paints: A Storied Past Revived
P3 paints, originally launched by Privateer Press in 2006, are more than just a set of colors—they’re practically a toolkit for artists. Known for their smooth consistency, P3 paints have been favored by painters for their ability to create buttery transitions, whether you’re layering like a master or throwing down some wet blending on a Warjack’s armor. The brand’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the success of Warmachine and Hordes, with many hobbyists having fond memories of using these paints to bring their armies to life. It’s not just about nostalgia, though; P3 paints were always praised for giving hobbyists pro-level results without needing the hands of Michelangelo.
But like all things in the hobby world, trends change, and P3 paints slowly slipped out of the spotlight. With newer ranges and endless paint lines saturating the market, P3 became a hidden gem rather than the mainstream choice until now.
The Steamforged Twist: What’s New in the P3 Paints Re-Launch & Kickstarter
Under the watchful eye of Steamforged Games, P3 is getting a facelift. But don’t worry—this isn’t a case of “out with the old, in with the new” just for the sake of it. Instead, they’ve fine-tuned the formula to keep what made P3 special while giving it some modern perks. Steamforged has leaned into technological advancements that weren’t available back in 2006, pushing pigment load further for richer colors and adding a satin finish that works beautifully for all your shading and glazing needs.
Oh, and did we mention the metallics? The new P3 metallic range is already creating a buzz among painters who’ve tested them out. Gone are the days of fighting streaky coverage or dull finishes—these new metallics are promising to deliver a shine that’ll make your Iron Kingdoms minis look like they’ve stepped straight out of a steampunk masterpiece.
Why Kickstarter? Bringing Fans into the Fold
The choice to launch via Kickstarter isn’t just about crowdfunding; it’s about reviving a brand with a community-first mindset. It’s clear that Steamforged wants to give painters a voice in how this re-launch rolls out. Backers can expect exclusive colors and the chance to grab never-before-seen shades that could become the talk of your next painting hangout. Those itching to get the scoop early are sending out samples to some big names in the painting scene, so keep an eye on your favorite YouTube channels and Instagram feeds for early looks. Be sure to check out The Painting Phase on August 22nd for a sneak peek!
The Return of P3: More Than Just Paint
In a hobby filled with choices, what makes P3’s return stand out is the combination of nostalgia, quality, and the clear attention to detail that’s gone into modernizing it. Whether you’re layering up your first mini or have a backlog of unpainted resin that could rival a small mountain, there’s something genuinely exciting about seeing a classic brand brought back with care. And who knows? This might just be the push some hobbyists need to start painting again—just like in the days when P3 first hit the scene.
The Paints That Won’t Quit (Even After 18 Years)
So here we are, staring down a paint rack that feels both like a reunion and a fresh start. P3’s return is like an old friend showing up at your door with a new trick or two up their sleeve—but still with that familiar charm you always loved. Whether you’re fresh to the scene, nervously eyeing your first unprimed mini, or a grizzled painter with more brushes than sense, there’s something intriguing about this blend of old-school reliability and new-school innovation.
Find Out More About the P3 Paints Kickstarter Here!
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
