Best Airbrush Paints for Plastic Models in 2024
In today’s post, I will be sharing my top 6 picks for the best airbrush paints for plastic models. Whether you are a seasoned model builder or just starting out, finding the right airbrush paint can make a significant difference in achieving the desired finish and quality on your plastic models. So, if you’re looking to enhance your painting experience and produce stunning results, keep reading to discover the top airbrush paints that you should consider for your plastic model projects this year.
Army Painter Airbrush Paint Set & Thinner
The Army Painter Starter Airbrush Paint Set and Airbrush Thinner is an essential paint set for beginners in airbrushing. It includes 12 airbrush paints with paint mixing balls, allowing for easy and efficient mixing. The set also comes with 100ml bottles of matt grey and airbrush medium, ensuring a smooth and high-quality finish. Users have praised the paints for their great performance in airbrushing, as well as the good variety of colors provided. Additionally, the larger bottles of medium and primer are a practical addition, making this set a decent value for its price.
SAGUDIO Airbrush Paint Set: 12 Color, 30 ml/1 oz
The SAGUDIO Airbrush Paint is the second paint set in my list of best airbrush paints for plastic models. This set of 12 Colors (30 ml/1 oz) is a comprehensive and versatile set of paints specifically designed for airbrushing. With 12 different colors to choose from, including basic colors like black, white, and yellow, this set provides a wide range of options for creating custom colors. The paints come in 30ml (1 oz) bottles, ensuring a generous amount for your airbrushing projects. The texture and viscosity of the paints are well-suited for use with an airbrush, providing smooth application on various surfaces such as nails, shoes, leather, and plastic and of course plastic models. Many users have praised the quality of these paints, noting that they are easy to work with and produce vibrant results. Additionally, the set comes in a sturdy and well-packaged box, making it convenient for storage. Overall, the SAGUDIO Airbrush Paint Set is a great value for those looking to enhance their airbrushing skills.
NO-NAME Airbrush Paint Set – 16 Colors
The third paint set on my list of best airbrush paints for plastic models it the NO-NAME Brand Airbrush Paint Set. This paint set is a high-quality product made in the USA that guarantees excellence. With 16 vibrant colors, including metallic and neon shades, this water-based acrylic paint set is perfect for plastic models, metal, and hobbies. The paint has a great consistency and can be used straight from the bottle without needing to be thinned, making it ideal for beginners. It delivers consistent results and sprays smoothly, allowing for an enjoyable airbrushing experience. Affordable pricing without compromising on quality makes this set a reliable choice for any airbrush enthusiast.
Vallejo Metallic Model Air Paint – 8 Bottles, 17ml
1 used from $18.25
The next paint set on my list of best airbrush paints for plastic models is the Vallejo Metallic Colors Model Air Paint set. This paint set consists of 8 highly pigmented acrylic colors, each in a 17ml plastic eye dropper bottle. The colors included are Silver, Steel, Gold, Bright Brass, Copper, Artic Blue, Gun, and Gunmetal Metallizer. These paints are specifically designed for airbrushing and are ground to the finest possible consistency. They can be mixed with each other or diluted with water. The packaging of these paints in 17ml bottles with eyedroppers prevents evaporation and drying. According to reviews, these metallic paints are considered better than other brands, as they do not separate out from the medium as quickly, making them easier to work with. They are also praised for being pre-thinned, which makes them suitable for use with brushes as well. The gold and silver metallic paints are known for their quality, although there were some comments about the gold being a bit runny. Overall, this set offers a great variety of metallic colors at an affordable price.
24-Color Airbrush Paint Set with Cleaner – Ready to Spray Kit
$24.99 in stock
The Airbrush Paint Set – 24 Colors Acrylic Paint with 2 Airbrush Cleaner is a versatile and diverse paint set perfect for airbrushing on metal or plastic models. With 16 common colors, 4 neon colors, and 4 pearl colors, this set offers a wide range of options to bring your creations to life. Each bottle contains 20ml of high quality airbrush pigment that delivers brilliant visual color results. The set also includes 2 airbrush cleaners to ensure easy maintenance. Customers have praised the product for its affordable price, extensive color selection, and good consistency. However, some users experienced difficulties with the pearl gold color clogging the brush. Overall, this airbrush paint set offers great value for its variety of colors and ease of use.
Smalltongue 28-Color Airbrush Paint Kit
The Smalltongue 28 Colors Airbrush paint kit is the last paint set on my list of best airbrush paints for plastic models. It’s a comprehensive set that includes metallic colors, neon colors, and original colors. It also comes with 2X Cleaner and 2X thinner, each in 1fl oz (30ml) bottles. The paint is formulated with a special formula to ensure that it doesn’t block the airbrush pen and sprays evenly without any particles. It’s perfect for various applications such as leather, shoes, metal, and plastic models. Customers have praised the kit for its wide range of shades, ease of use, and reasonable price. Some reviewers have mentioned that the paint dries quickly and is easy to clean up after use. However, a couple of customers mentioned that the airbrush cleaner bottles were empty, but this didn’t impact their overall satisfaction with the product. Overall, the Smalltongue 28 Colors Airbrush paint kit is a great option for anyone looking for a versatile and affordable set.
Top-rated Airbrush Paint Options
Top Airbrush Paint Brands
The ultimate guide to choosing the perfect paint for airbrushing
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Best Airbrush Paint for Plastic Models
- Thoroughly clean the airbrush before use, ensuring that all previous paint and residue is removed
- Prime the plastic surface with a suitable primer to ensure better adhesion and a smoother finish
- Ensure the work area is well-ventilated or use a paint booth to avoid inhaling any fumes
- Dilute the airbrush paint with an appropriate thinner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps achieve the desired consistency for consistent spray patterns
- Test the paint consistency on a spare piece of plastic or a paint palette to ensure it flows smoothly through the airbrush without clogging or splattering
- Be patient and experiment with different paint-to-thinner ratios to achieve the desired effects
- Start by practicing on scrap plastic models or other disposable surfaces before working on your main project to gain confidence and fine-tune your airbrushing skills
- Hold the airbrush at a consistent distance (around 6-8 inches) from the surface and move it with smooth and even strokes to achieve even coverage
- Apply thin layers of paint in multiple passes rather than trying to cover the surface in a single coat, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next
- Remember, airbrushing is a skill that improves with practice, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t achieve perfect results right away. Take your time, be patient, and enjoy the process of learning and experimenting with the best airbrush paint for plastic models
Affordable and High-Quality Options for Airbrush Paints Ideal for Plastic Models
- Low-range ($5-$15): In this price range, you can find entry-level airbrush paints that offer basic coverage and colors. These paints may have slightly lower pigment concentration and may require multiple layers or mixing for desired results. They are suitable for beginners or occasional users who do not require highly professional finishes
- Mid-range ($15-$30): This range includes airbrush paints that provide a good compromise between affordability and quality. Paints in this range typically offer decent coverage, vibrant colors, and better pigmentation. They are usually suitable for intermediate users who seek improved control and better results compared to low-range options
- High-range ($30-$50+): In the high-price category, you will find professional-grade airbrush paints with exceptional quality and advanced features. These paints often have higher pigment concentration, superior color accuracy, durability, and specialized properties like reducing clogging or drying quickly. They are ideal for experienced painters, hobbyists, or professionals who demand top-notch finishes and breathtaking results
- It’s important to note that the prices mentioned above are general estimates and can vary based on factors like brand reputation, popularity, availability, and local market conditions. Additionally, keep in mind that the quantity of paint, specialized effects, or any additional accessories included may also influence the price
I’ve had some issues with certain airbrush paints not adhering well to plastic models. Are any of these picks known for their good adhesion?
Great article! I’ve been looking for the best airbrush paints for my plastic models. This list is very helpful.
I’ve tried some of these airbrush paints and they’ve worked wonders on my plastic models. Highly recommend!
The article is informative, but a short description of each paint and its characteristics would have been helpful.
It would be great to see a follow-up article with tips and tricks on using airbrush paints for plastic models. Overall, love this list!
One thing I would have loved to see in this article is a comparison of the price range for these airbrush paints.
These top picks seem great but are there any specific brands or colors that are recommended for beginners?
I’ve been looking for airbrush paints that have a matte finish. Are there any picks on this list that meet that requirement?