Best Paints for Warhammer and Miniatures 2026

The best paints for Warhammer and miniatures are specialized acrylics from brands like Vallejo, which offer high pigmentation, excellent flow, and a color range designed specifically for modeling. In my experience, they are the secret ingredient that takes your figures from being a piece of resin to a small work of art.

So you don't get lost, I recommend starting by taking a look directly at the complete collection of Vallejo paints I have in the store. But be careful, it's addictive! 🤙

What makes a paint the best for your miniatures?

A good miniature paint must have a high pigment concentration, glide smoothly from the brush, and grip the surface like a barnacle. Its specific formulation avoids obscuring fine details, unlike conventional acrylic paints.

Think of it this way: painting a wall is not the same as outlining the tiny rivets on a Space Marine's armor. Miniature paints are formulated so as not to bury those details under a thick layer. Their mission is to color, not to smother.

Why does the type of paint matter so much?

Each type of paint has a specific function in the process, and understanding them is the first step toward achieving results that leave people speechless. Not all pots serve the same purpose, and choosing the right one will save you time and frustration.

• Base Paints: These are the foundation of your work. They have extremely high pigmentation, designed to cover the primer with a solid, opaque colour in one or two thin coats.
• Layer Paints: Slightly more translucent than base paints. You use them to build up colour, apply highlights, and create smooth transitions. They're for adding volume.
• Contrast Paints (or Xpress): Magic in a bottle. With a single brushstroke, the paint flows into the recesses to create shadows while leaving a lighter tone on the raised areas. It's like doing three steps in one.
• Metallic Paints: They contain tiny metal particles to give a realistic shine to swords, armour, or vehicle exhaust pipes.
• Washes: Super fluid paints, almost like an ink. They settle into every crack and line of the miniature to define shadows and add depth with minimal effort.

Quick comparison of miniature paint types

Understanding this will save you a lot of frustration. For example, trying to cover a black primer with a yellow layer paint is a suicide mission that will require endless coats. If you use a yellow base paint first, you'll save yourself time and more than a few choice words.

In my experience, the bottle format also makes a difference. Brands like Vallejo use dropper bottles, and this is a huge advantage: you dose the exact amount, prevent the paint from drying out, and it allows you to make precise mixes by counting drops. A small detail that makes your life much easier.

What types of miniature paints are there?

Miniature paints are almost always water-based acrylics, which means they dry quickly, clean up easily, and are non-toxic. They are divided mainly into ranges such as Base, Layer, Xpress/Contrast, metallics, and washes, each with a specific purpose in the painting process.

Let's break down the main types.

Base and layer paints

'Base' paints are, as their name suggests, your starting point. They have an extremely high pigment load, which makes them very opaque. Their purpose is to lay down a solid, uniform first coat of color over the primer. With one or two thin passes, you'll have perfect coverage without obscuring a single detail.

Once you have that solid base, it's time for 'Layer' paints. These are somewhat more translucent and allow you to build up color gradually. With them you add highlights, create smooth transitions, and ultimately give volume and life to the figure.

The magical Xpress Color and Contrast

This is where miniature painting has taken a giant leap forward. Vallejo Xpress Color and their equivalents are pure magic in a bottle. They are paints with a special formula that, when applied over a light primer, flow into recesses to create shadows and leave a thinner coat on surfaces, creating an initial highlight.

From experience I can tell you that Xpress Color paints are an absolute game-changer for painting entire armies at breakneck speed. With a single brushstroke you achieve a result combining base, shadow, and first highlight that is already more than decent for the gaming table.

The arrival of these paints has changed the rules. With the number of new miniatures coming out (you can check out the official Warhammer website), speeding up the process is key. I've seen painters who, using an airbrush and these paints, paint minis at a rate of 3 minutes per figure.

Metallics, washes, and inks for the finishing touch

To make weapons and armor shine as they should, you need specific paints.

• Metallics: Game Color metallics carry ultra-fine metal particles in suspension. They create a super realistic shine.

• Washes: Your best friends for bringing out details effortlessly. These are very fluid paints. A trick that never fails: apply a black or dark brown Game Color wash over metallic armor and watch every rivet come to life.

• Inks: Similar to washes, but with a far more intense and saturated pigment. They are fantastic for glazing (very thin, transparent layers to shift the tone) or for achieving vibrant colors.

If you'd like to dive deeper, I recommend taking a look at my detailed review of Vallejo paints for scale modeling. I break it all down there!

Why is Vallejo the most recommended brand in Spain?

Vallejo is the most recommended brand for its unbeatable value for money, its high pigment concentration that ensures excellent coverage, and its practical dropper bottle format. It's a safe bet for both beginners and veterans alike.

And no, it's not just my opinion. In Spain, the hobby is booming and Vallejo has crowned itself as the undisputed queen. Painter communities confirm that the vast majority of hobbyists choose Vallejo. Its adhesion on 3D resin miniatures is fantastic, a key point for many of us. If you're into data and want to snoop around tournament figures, take a look at the Warhammer event analyses.

Almost unbeatable value for money

Let's be clear: this hobby can put a serious dent in your wallet. Every euro counts, and this is where Vallejo pulls an ace out of its sleeve. They offer professional quality at a price that other brands can't even dream of matching.

Every pot of Vallejo Game Color goes an incredibly long way. This allows you to build a super complete color palette without having to mortgage the house. It's the smart buy, especially for painting entire armies.

Pigment concentration and brutal coverage

The first thing that will surprise you when using Vallejo is the strength of its colors. This is thanks to its extremely high pigment concentration. And what does that mean for you? Very simply: you need fewer coats to achieve a solid, opaque color.

This richness of pigment is vital to ensure the finest details of your figures don't end up buried. With a couple of thin brushstrokes, you achieve a smooth and vibrant finish that takes your breath away.

A tip from one painter to another: shake the bottle like there's no tomorrow before using it. The pigment settles at the bottom, and if you don't mix it well, the paint comes out watery. A good shake is the secret to unleashing its full power!

The dropper bottle is your best friend

It might seem like a minor thing, but the bottle design is one of the best things about Vallejo. Those little dropper bottles are an absolute marvel, and here's why:

1. Zero waste: You put exactly the right amount on your wet palette, drop by drop.
2. Fresh paint for longer: Since you don't open the bottle wide, barely any air gets in. The paint doesn't dry out.
3. Perfect, repeatable mixes: Need to recreate that color you mixed yesterday? Counting the drops makes it super easy.

Ranges for every painter's need

Vallejo isn't just one line of paints, it's an entire universe designed so you can find exactly what you need.

• Game Color: The star range for fantasy and science fiction.
• Model Color: More realistic and historical tones, ideal for military vehicles or dioramas.
• Xpress Color: Vallejo's answer to contrast-type paints. The Vallejo Xpress Color range is a joy for painting at top speed.
• Metal Color: For me, the best metallic acrylics out there. The shine and fineness of their pigment are on another level.

If you want to know more about where to get your hands on these wonders, take a look at my guide on where to buy Vallejo paints in Spain.

How to prepare and prime a miniature before painting?

To prepare a miniature, first clean it with warm water and soap (plastic) or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (3D resin). Then, remove mold lines and apply a thin coat of spray or airbrush primer so the paint adheres correctly.

Trust me, putting a little care into this step is what separates beginners from veterans. It doesn't matter if your figure just came out of its mold or your 3D printer. This preliminary ritual is sacred.

Hunting down imperfections and the final curing touch

Once clean, it's time to put on your watchmaker's monocle. This is the moment to remove mold lines on plastic or the small support structures from 3D printing with a modelling blade.

For resin figures, there's still one vital step left: UV curing (hardening the resin using ultraviolet light). This process fully hardens the resin.

I'm telling you from experience: skipping the curing is a massive mistake. The paint won't adhere properly and the figure will stay soft and fragile. Don't rush at this point!

The sacred moment of priming

Now we get to the step that ties everything together. Primer is that base coat that acts as a bridge between the material and the paint. It creates a matte surface for acrylics to grip onto. Priming is not a suggestion, it's an order. 😉

You have three ways to do it:

• Spray: Fast, effective and leaves a thin, even coat. The secret is to apply short, quick passes at around 20-30 cm distance.
• Airbrush: The pro option. It gives you absolute control and an ultra-fine finish. It's my favourite method.
• Brush: The most budget-friendly route. It requires skill to avoid leaving brushstroke marks.

If you're just starting out, I highly recommend Vallejo spray primers without hesitation. They're wonderful. And if this topic has sparked your curiosity, I have a complete guide where I break down all the secrets of miniature priming.

What do I need to start painting my first miniatures?

To start painting you need a good quality starter paint set, three basic brushes (detail, standard and one for dirty work) and a spray primer. Tools like a wet palette and a good lamp will greatly improve the experience.

My golden tip: don't go crazy buying individual pots. The smartest move is to start with a set. A classic that never fails is the Vallejo 16-colour introduction set. If you want to take it a step further, the Squidmar Essential Set is fantastic. And if you're the type who likes to browse, you can take a look at all the sets I carry here.

Brushes, palettes and the rest of the kit

Once you have your paints, next on the list are brushes. Please, forget about those 50-brush packs for five euros. They'll only bring you frustration. To get started, you only need 3 or 4 good brushes.

Next, you'll need a palette. And here I'm going to give you the advice I wish I'd received when I started: buy a wet palette. This invention is a total game-changer. It keeps the paint fresh for hours.

Mr Resin's tip: Don't underestimate lighting. Painting under poor light is the perfect recipe for a headache. A good desk lamp with white light (LED type, around 6000K) is one of the best investments you'll ever make.

✦ If you print your own miniatures, calculate the cost first

Before painting, many printers don't know how much each miniature printed at home actually costs them. Our calculator gives you the real cost (material + electricity + depreciation + your time) so you can see exactly how much you're investing per piece before painting it. Calculate cost per miniature →

The rise of Warhammer in Spain is a fact, as analysed in this article by Xataka. People value having the right equipment from day one. At Mr Resin we've seen that many makers buy complete Vallejo kits alongside their Anycubic resins, which demonstrates this trend.

Shopping list for your first painting project

How to protect your miniatures once painted?

To protect a painted miniature, it is essential to apply one or two thin coats of acrylic varnish. The varnish creates an invisible shield that protects the paint from wear caused by handling, rubbing, dust and light, ensuring your work lasts a long time.

This is where your best-kept secret weapon comes into play: varnish. Applying that final coat is not optional — it is the definitive step that armours your masterpiece.

The three varnish finishes for your figures

The big difference lies in the finish they leave, and choosing the right one can completely change the result. There are three main types:

1. Gloss Varnish: Creates a reflective surface. It's perfect for gems, polished metal armour, fresh blood or slime effects.

2. Satin Varnish: The middle ground. It adds a subtle sheen, like that of silk or well-treated leather. I love it for fabrics, straps or metals.

3. Matte Varnish: The king of the party, the one you'll use the most. It eliminates almost any reflection, leaving a super natural and realistic finish.

My personal foolproof trick: For maximum protection, I first apply a coat of gloss varnish (which tends to be the hardest) over the entire figure. Once dry, I apply a coat of matte varnish on top. The result? The durability of the gloss with the realistic finish of the matte.

Just as with primers, you can find varnishes in spray, brush-on or airbrush form. For those of you who want to master this art, I've put together a dedicated article exclusively about varnish for miniatures where I reveal all the secrets.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about paints for miniatures

Can I use any acrylic paint for my minis?

No, I strongly advise against it. Craft acrylic paints have a very coarse pigment that will obscure the detail on the miniature. Always use paints specifically made for modelling, such as those by Vallejo, which have an extremely fine pigment.

Is it mandatory to thin the paints?

Yes, 99% of the time. Most paints need to be thinned with water to flow properly and avoid leaving brushstroke marks, aiming for a consistency similar to skimmed milk. A wet palette makes this process enormously easier.

What is the difference between priming in black, white or grey?

The colour of the primer affects the final result: black creates deep shadows, ideal for dark colours and metallics; white makes light colours (yellows, reds) more vibrant; and grey is a neutral wildcard that works well with almost any palette.

Can paints from different brands be mixed?

Yes, in my experience, most acrylic modelling paints are compatible with each other, such as Vallejo Game Color. However, be careful when mixing very different formulas, such as a standard paint with one like Vallejo Xpress Color, as the result can be unpredictable.

Conclusion:

In summary, the best paints for your Warhammer miniatures are specialised acrylics. After having tried everything, my direct recommendation is Vallejo: for its pigment quality, its price and those dropper bottles that are an absolute delight.

Don't be afraid to experiment, to mix colours and, above all, to enjoy the process. Every miniature you paint is a small victory. Now, grab those brushes!