When you type "Vallejo paints modeling" into the search bar, the answer is simple: you're looking for quality, versatility, and a color range that seems to have no end to bring your figures to life. 🎨 And it's no coincidence. Vallejo paints are the preferred tools of modelers worldwide, especially for those of us who work with resin-printed pieces. Why? Their pigmentation is incredible and they're remarkably easy to use.
🤔 Why is Vallejo the number one choice in modeling?
Getting into the modeling hobby is like falling down a rabbit hole full of details, and paint is what gives soul to every creation. Vallejo has become the de facto standard for both hobbyists and professionals, and it's no coincidence. There are several key reasons that make the difference.
The first, and perhaps most important, is their water-based acrylic formula. This means they're safe, have very little odor, and clean up with water. Say goodbye to harsh solvents and hello to painting at home in peace. 👋 Additionally, this composition makes thinning them for glazes or airbrush use a breeze, giving you total control over the finish.
Resin-printed miniatures have an insane level of detail. Vallejo's high pigmentation is perfect because it covers with ultra-thin layers, respecting every last engraving and texture without obscuring anything. 👌
Quality and a name recognized worldwide 🌍
This quality didn't come from nowhere. Acrylicos Vallejo, the legendary Barcelona business, has spent years consolidating its position as the undisputed leader. To give you an idea, in 2023 they turned over 20 million euros and exported 80% of their production to more than 70 countries. These numbers don't lie: their reliability is global.
Their success rests on three pillars that any painter values:
- Top-tier pigmentation: They cover beautifully with fewer layers, which means you save time and paint.
- A massive color range: Whether you're looking for highly accurate historical tones or fantasy colors that blow your mind, they're sure to have the color you need. 🌈
- Total flexibility: They work brilliantly both with brushes and airbrush, so they adapt to your painting style without any issues.
This combination makes Vallejo modeling paints the smartest choice for any project, whether it's a World War II tank, a space marine, or a dragon. If you want to dive deeper, don't miss our complete guide on Vallejo paints, where we break down all their features.
A walkthrough of the main Vallejo color ranges 🎨
Every modeling project is its own world, and Vallejo knows this better than anyone. That's why there isn't a single paint for everything, but rather different ranges designed for each task. Getting to know them is the first step toward making smart choices and getting your figures to look exactly as you imagined. Let's break down the most important ones! 👇
Game Color: the soul of fantasy and science fiction 🧙♂️
The Game Color range is, without a doubt, the queen of painting wargame, fantasy, and science fiction miniatures. 🐉 Its colors are super vibrant and saturated, perfect for making that orc, elf, or space marine stand out on the gaming table.
The formula is designed to withstand the wear and tear of gaming sessions, so it offers pretty good resistance to handling. At Mr Resin we have a huge selection from this range, with all the colors you need for your army or that special character you have in mind.
Model Color: historical rigor and pure realism 🎖️
Now, if historical modeling is your thing, your best friend will be Model Color. 🎨 This range is a whole different story. Its pigmentation is extremely high and the color palette is designed with almost surgical precision, based on real military references.
The finish is ultra matte, which is wonderful for avoiding odd reflections on tanks, dioramas, and historical figures. If you're painting a Panzer IV, for example, with Model Color you'll nail that authentic Dunkelgelb tone.
Xpress Color and Game Air: speed and silky finishes 💨
Vallejo also has those of us in mind who want to paint quickly but well. For that, it has two ranges that are absolutely fantastic.
- Xpress Color: These are the contrast-type paints. What does that mean? That with a single brushstroke over a light base, the paint does almost all the work by itself. It settles into the recesses to create shadows and pulls away from the edges to leave highlights. They are ideal for painting entire armies in record time. ⏱️
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Game Air: If you use an airbrush, don't even think twice. This is your range. It comes already thinned and ready to pour into the cup and start spraying. With it you achieve incredibly smooth and even base coats, saving you a ton of time and headaches.
To make it even clearer, take a look at this quick overview. It will help you decide in no time which range suits you best.
As you can see, it all comes down to whether you're looking for bold colors and speed for your fantasy worlds, or whether you prefer the precision and detail of historical modeling. There's a Vallejo paint for every painter!
How to take your miniatures to the next level ✨
Details are what truly separates a well-painted miniature from one that leaves you speechless. That's exactly where Vallejo's special products come into play, designed to add that professional touch that will make your pieces stand out in the display case or on the gaming table. ✨ Let's see how to use them!
Unmatched metallic shine with the True Metallic Metal TMM range ⚔️
For swords, armor, exhaust pipes or any piece that needs a convincing metallic finish, the True Metallic Metal TMM range is, simply put, unbeatable. Its secret lies in the aluminum pigments it uses, which achieve a shine and realism that other metallic paints can only dream of. ⚔️
Its water-based formula works beautifully with both airbrush and brush, leaving a smooth and highly reflective finish. Want your hero's sword to look like real polished steel? This is your paint. And if you want to get the most out of your steady hand, take a look at our guide on the best brushes for miniatures, which are the perfect complement.
The foundation of great painting: primers 🏗️
Before applying the first stroke of color, there is a step you absolutely cannot skip: primer. The resin in our 3D printing has a very smooth surface, and Vallejo primers create the perfect adhesion layer so that paint grips firmly and does not peel over time or with handling.
Think of primer as the foundation of a house. Without a solid foundation, everything you build on top will eventually fall apart. It is the guarantee of a lasting result. 🏗️
Protect and define with Vallejo varnishes 🛡️
Once you have finally finished your masterpiece, it is time to protect it. Varnishes not only defend the paint from wear and scratches, but also unify and define the final finish you want to achieve. Vallejo makes it easy with three main options:
- Matte Varnish: Eliminates any unwanted shine. It is perfect for fabrics, leather, or terrain, giving them an ultra-realistic look.
- Satin Varnish: Adds a subtle sheen, ideal for leather armor or surfaces that need a slight luster without being fully reflective.
- Gloss Varnish: Use it for very specific effects. It is great for gems, visors, puddles, or any surface that should look wet or crystalline. 💧
Playing with different varnishes on the same figure is a pro technique. A simple coat of gloss varnish over a character's eyes can give them an incredible spark of life.
Step-by-step guide to painting your resin miniatures 📝
You now have a clear picture of the painting arsenal, so it is time for the fun part: getting your hands dirty. 🎨 This is the practical section, where we will apply everything we have covered so you can get the most out of your next miniature. Let's walk through the complete process together to bring a 3D resin figure to life using Vallejo products.
Preparation and priming: where it all begins 🧼
Any experienced painter will tell you: a great finish starts long before you touch the paint. 🧼 The very first thing is to wash your miniature with warm water and a little soap. This removes any uncured resin residue or finger grease that could ruin the paint's adhesion. Once dry, use precision clippers to carefully remove any remaining support.
Now, with the figure clean, comes the step that makes all the difference: priming. This is a non-negotiable step. The resin surface is very smooth, and without a good coat of primer, Vallejo model paints will not adhere properly. Apply a thin, even coat using a Vallejo primer, either in spray or with an airbrush, and let it dry completely.
Scale modeling in Spain is truly in a golden age. Brands like Acrylicos Vallejo are a benchmark, and for good reason. In 2023, their revenue reached 20 million euros, with a spectacular annual growth rate of 27.51%. This boom, which accelerated during the pandemic, reflects the huge number of people who, just like you and me, seek top-quality materials for their projects. If you are interested in the topic, you can find out more about the sector's growth in this detailed report.
Applying color and creating depth 🌈
With the miniature already primed, the real magic begins. Next come the base color layers.
- With brushes: If you're working with Model Color or Game Color, a key trick is to thin the paint slightly with a few drops of water or Thinner Medium using a wet palette. This way you'll get thin layers, avoid visible brushstrokes, and cover the surface smoothly.
- With an airbrush: For applying uniform base layers quickly, an airbrush is your best friend. You can use the Game Air range straight from the bottle or, if you prefer, thin Model Color or Game Color with Airbrush Thinner until it has the consistency of skimmed milk. 🖌️
Once the base layers are dry, it's time to add volume to the figure. Vallejo washes (washes) are perfect for this. When applied, the paint settles into the recesses and creates super natural shadows, highlighting all the details with almost no effort.
The finishing touches: the protective varnish 🛡️
To complete the volume, the dry brush technique is fantastic for highlighting edges and more superficial textures. Take an old brush, load it with very little paint, and wipe off almost all the excess on a piece of paper. Then, gently drag it across the raised areas of the miniature. You'll see how the details come to life.
And last but not least, protect your work. A coat of Vallejo varnish is essential to keep the paint resistant to scuffs, dust, and the passage of time. Available in matte, satin, or gloss finishes, so you can choose whichever suits your piece best.
If you want to dive deep into techniques with Game Color, you can't miss our guide on how to use Vallejo Game Color to paint resin prints.
Solving the most common painting problems 🛠️
Even the most experienced painter runs into a little problem every now and then. But don't panic, because almost everything has a pretty simple solution if you know how to tackle it. Think of this section as your first-aid kit for the typical setbacks with your Vallejo modelling paints. 🛠️
Since their beginnings in Barcelona back in 1994, Acrylicos Vallejo has become a benchmark brand in Spanish modelling, and for good reason. With an annual growth rate of 27.51% and a return on assets of 41.86%, they rank among the top 50 businesses in the sector in Barcelona. It's no coincidence that their bottles flood workbenches all over the world, and of course, the ranges that work best for post-processing your 3D prints are right here at Mr Resin. If you want to find out more about their history, take a look at this market analysis.
The paint is lumpy or too thick 😩
You open the bottle and the paint looks more like yoghurt than a smooth cream? This is the number one issue, and it's almost always down to two things. First things first: shake the bottle like there's no tomorrow for at least a minute. Pigments tend to sink to the bottom, and a good shake usually sorts it out.
If after shaking it's still too thick, especially if you're going to use it with brushes, it's time to thin it down.
- Put a little paint on your palette and add one or two drops of water. Even better if you use Vallejo's Thinner Medium, which is exactly what it's made for.
- Mix everything well until it has a consistency like skimmed milk. Fluid, but not watery.
A trick that will save you a lot of grief: it's a thousand times better to apply two thin coats than one thick, gloopy one. The finish will be much smoother and you won't lose the detail on your miniature. 👍
The airbrush keeps clogging up again and again 😡
Few things are more frustrating than an airbrush that sputters paint or flat out refuses to work. 😥 The main cause, in 99% of cases, is incorrect thinning. The paint needs to be fluid enough to pass through the nozzle without clogging. To get it right every time, always use Vallejo's Airbrush Thinner, which is formulated specifically for that purpose.
The other common cause is lack of cleaning. Be methodical: thoroughly clean your airbrush with Airbrush Cleaner after each session, and especially when switching colors. This ensures no dried residue is left inside to cause problems next time.
One last note before picking up the brushes 👋
Well, that wraps up our journey through the Vallejo paints universe. We've broken down together their most popular ranges and all the tricks to make your resin minis look spectacular. Now you have the roadmap to choose your tools wisely and avoid the typical headaches.
Remember that Vallejo is more than a pot of paint; it's the bridge between what you imagine and what you create with your own hands. The key, as with everything, is to experiment, make mistakes and, above all, enjoy the journey. Every figure is an opportunity to learn something new.
We encourage you to visit the Mr. Resin store and take a look at the full range of Vallejo modelling paints we carry. You're sure to find exactly what you need for that project you have in mind! 🚀
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We answer your questions about Vallejo paints 🤔
To finish up, let's clear up those questions we all ask ourselves when we start painting with Vallejo. 🤔 Here are straight-to-the-point answers so you can dive in without hesitation.
Do I need to thin Vallejo paints for brush painting?
Almost always, yes. It's the trick to achieving a professional finish. For base coats, a few drops of water or Vallejo's Thinner Medium and a wet palette will help the paint flow better, self-level and leave no trace of brushstrokes.
If you're doing glazes or filters, you'll need to thin it much more. The only exception is Xpress Color, which comes ready to apply straight from the pot.
What's the difference between Model Color and Game Color?
The key is what they were created for. Model Color is the range for realism enthusiasts: tanks, historical dioramas, aircraft... Its color palette stays true to reality, it has extremely high pigmentation and a completely matte finish.
On the other hand, Game Color 🐉 is pure fantasy. It's designed for wargame miniatures, with super vivid and saturated colors. Its finish is slightly more satin, which gives it extra resistance to withstand handling during a game.
Can I use these paints on minis that aren't made of resin?
Absolutely! Vallejo acrylic paints are all-terrain. They grip wonderfully on the plastic of Warhammer minis, on the metal of vintage figures, on the wood of bases, and on almost any material you can think of.
The only secret, as always, is to apply a good primer coat first. That way you ensure a perfect and long-lasting grip.
And what varnish should I apply at the end to protect the miniatures?
It depends on the look you want to achieve. Each varnish has its function:
- Matte Varnish: It's the most widely used by far. Ideal for a realistic finish on clothing, skin, wood, or military vehicles.
- Satin Varnish: Gives a subtle sheen, perfect for highlighting metallic armor, leather, or dragon scales without looking plasticky.
- Gloss Varnish: Save this one for special effects. It's the key to simulating gems, liquids, blood, slime, or any surface that should look wet. ✨
Conclusion:
You've got everything you need! This guide has shown you why Vallejo model paints is the preferred choice of experts. We've covered its main ranges such as Game Color and Model Color, learned the importance of priming and varnishing, and given you solutions to the most common problems. You're now more than ready to take your miniatures to the next level. 🚀
Feeling inspired? Head over to our store at Mr. Resin and get everything you need for your next project! And don't forget to join our community so you don't miss a thing:
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✨Happy Printing! 🚀