Best Paints for Warhammer and Miniatures 2026

The best paints for Warhammer and miniatures are specialist acrylics from brands like Vallejo, offering high pigmentation, excellent flow, and a colour range designed specifically for scale modelling. In my experience, they're the secret ingredient that transforms your figures from a lump of resin into a tiny work of art.

To save you some time, I'd recommend heading straight to the full Vallejo paint collection in my store. Fair warning though — it's seriously addictive! 🤙

What makes a paint the best choice for your miniatures?

A good miniature paint needs high pigment concentration, smooth brush flow, and strong adhesion to the surface. Its specialist formula prevents obscuring fine details — something standard acrylic paints simply can't match.

Think of it this way: rolling a coat of paint onto a wall is a completely different job from picking out the tiny rivets on a Space Marine's armour. Miniature paints are formulated to work with those details, not bury them under a thick, gloopy layer. Their job is to colour, not to clog.

Why does paint type matter so much?

Each type of paint serves a specific role in the painting process, and understanding them is the first step towards results that make people stop and stare. Not every pot does the same job, and choosing the right one will save you time, frustration, and more than a few ruined minis.

• Base Paints: The foundation of your work. They have extremely high pigmentation, designed to cover your primer with a solid, opaque colour in one or two thin coats.
• Layer Paints: Slightly more translucent than base paints. You use these to build up colour, apply highlights, and create smooth transitions. They're all about adding depth and volume.
• Contrast Paints (or Xpress): Magic in a bottle. With a single brushstroke, the paint flows into recesses to create shadows while leaving a lighter tone on raised areas. It's like doing three steps in one.
• Metallic Paints: Contain tiny metal particles to give a realistic shine to swords, armour, or vehicle exhaust pipes.
• Washes: Super-thin, ink-like paints. They flow into every crevice and panel line on your 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 black primer with a yellow layer paint is a thankless task that will take endless coats. Use a yellow base paint first and you'll save yourself both time and a fair few choice words.

In my experience, the bottle format also makes a real difference. Brands like Vallejo use dropper bottles, and that's a massive advantage: you dispense exactly the amount you need, prevent the paint from drying out, and can make precise mixes by counting drops. A small detail that makes your life so 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're mainly divided 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 the name suggests, your starting point. They have an extremely high pigment load, making them very opaque. Their job is to lay down a solid, even first coat of colour over your primer. With one or two thin passes, you'll get perfect coverage without obscuring a single detail.

Once you have that solid base, it's time for 'Layer' paints. These are slightly more translucent and let you build up colour gradually. Use them to add highlights, create smooth transitions, and ultimately give your miniature depth and life.

The game-changing Xpress Color and Contrast paints

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

From experience, I can tell you that Xpress Color paints are an absolute game-changer for painting entire armies at lightning speed. With a single brushstroke you get a result that already includes a base coat, shadow, and first highlight — more than good enough for the gaming table.

The arrival of these paints has changed the game entirely. With the sheer number of new miniatures being released (check out the official Warhammer website — it's mind-blowing), speeding up the process is key. I've seen painters using an airbrush and these paints knock out minis at a rate of 3 minutes per figure.

Metallics, washes, and inks for the finishing touch

To make weapons and armour shine the way they should, you'll need some specialist paints.

• Metallics: Game Color metallics contain ultra-fine metallic particles in suspension, creating a super realistic shine.

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

• Inks: Similar to washes, but with a far more intense and saturated pigment. They're brilliant for glazing (very thin, transparent layers used to shift the tone) or for achieving vibrant, punchy colours.

If you want to dig deeper, I highly recommend checking out my in-depth review of Vallejo paints for scale modelling. I cover absolutely everything!

Why Vallejo Is the Most Recommended Paint Brand for Miniature Painters

Vallejo is the most recommended miniature paint brand thanks to its outstanding value for money, high pigment concentration for excellent coverage, and practical dropper bottle design. It's a solid choice for beginners and seasoned painters alike.

And it's not just my opinion. The miniature painting hobby is booming, and Vallejo has firmly established itself as the go-to brand. Painting communities confirm that the vast majority of hobbyists reach for Vallejo first. Its adhesion on 3D resin miniatures is fantastic — a key factor for many of us. If you want to dig into tournament data, take a look at these Warhammer event breakdowns.

Unbeatable Value for Money

Let's be honest: this hobby can seriously drain your wallet. Every dollar counts, and that's exactly where Vallejo pulls ahead. You get professional-quality paint at a price point that competing brands simply can't match.

Each pot of Vallejo Game Color goes a long way, letting you build a comprehensive paint palette without breaking the bank. It's the smart buy — especially when you're painting entire armies.

High Pigment Concentration and Exceptional Coverage

The first thing you'll notice when using Vallejo is just how rich and vibrant the colors are. That comes down to its high pigment concentration. What does that mean for you in practice? Simple: you need fewer coats to achieve a solid, opaque finish.

That pigment density is essential for keeping the finest details on your miniatures crisp and visible. With just a couple of thin brush strokes, you get a smooth, vibrant finish that really makes your models pop.

A painter-to-painter tip: shake the bottle thoroughly before every use. The pigment settles at the bottom, and if you don't mix it properly, the paint will come out watery. A good shake is the secret to unlocking its full potential!

The Dropper Bottle Is a Game Changer

It might sound like a small thing, but the bottle design is one of Vallejo's biggest strengths. Those dropper bottles are a genuine game changer, and here's why:

1. Zero waste: Dispense exactly the amount you need onto your wet palette, one drop at a time.
2. Paint stays fresh longer: Because you're not opening the bottle wide, minimal air gets in — so your paint won't dry out.
3. Consistent, repeatable mixes: Need to recreate that custom color from last session? Just count the drops and you're there.

A Range for Every Painter's Needs

Vallejo isn't just a single paint line — it's a complete ecosystem designed to cover whatever you need.

• Game Color: The flagship range for fantasy and sci-fi miniatures.
• Model Color: More realistic, historically accurate tones — ideal for military vehicles and dioramas.
• Xpress Color: Vallejo's answer to contrast-style paints. The Vallejo Xpress Color range is fantastic for speed painting.
• Metal Color: In my opinion, the best acrylic metallic paints available. The shine and pigment fineness are on a completely different level.

If you want to learn more about where to pick up these paints, check out my guide on where to buy Vallejo paints.

How to prepare and prime a miniature before painting?

To prepare a miniature, first clean it with warm soapy water (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 properly.

Trust me, taking a little extra care with this step is what separates beginners from veterans. It doesn't matter whether your figure just came out of its mold or your 3D printer. This prep ritual is sacred.

Hunting down imperfections and the final curing step

Once it's clean, it's time to put on your jeweler's loupe. Now's the moment to remove mold lines on plastic or support remnants from 3D prints using a hobby knife.

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

Take it from experience: skipping the cure is a massive mistake. The paint won't stick properly and the figure will stay soft and brittle. Don't rush this step!

The sacred moment of priming

And now we reach the step that ties everything together. Primer is that base coat acting as a bridge between the material and the paint. It creates a matte surface that acrylics can grip onto. Priming isn't a suggestion — it's a must. 😉

There are three ways to do it:

• Spray can: Fast, effective, and leaves a thin, even coat. The trick is to use short, quick passes at around 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) away.
• Airbrush: The pro option. It gives you complete control and an ultra-fine finish. It's my personal favourite.
• Brush: The most budget-friendly route. It takes some skill to avoid visible brushstrokes.

If you're just starting out, I'd wholeheartedly recommend Vallejo spray primers. They're fantastic. And if this topic has sparked your curiosity, I have a full guide where I break down all the secrets of miniature priming.

What do I need to start painting my first miniatures?

To get started painting, you'll need a quality starter paint set, three basic brushes (detail, standard, and one for rough work), and a spray primer. Tools like a wet palette and a good lamp will make a huge difference to your experience.

My golden tip: don't go overboard buying individual pots. The smartest move is to start with a set. A classic that never lets you down is the Vallejo 16-colour introduction set. If you want to take it up a notch, the Squidmar Essential Set is brilliant. And if you like browsing, you can check out all the sets available here.

Brushes, palettes, and the rest of your kit

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

Next, you'll need a palette. And here's the advice I wish someone had given me when I started: get a wet palette. This is an absolute game-changer. It keeps your paint workable for hours.

Mr Resin's tip: Don't underestimate lighting. Painting under bad light is a guaranteed headache. A good desk lamp with daylight bulbs (LED, 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 home printers don't really know what each miniature actually costs them. Our calculator gives you the true cost (material + electricity + depreciation + your time) so you can see exactly how much you're investing per piece before you pick up a brush. Calculate cost per miniature →

Warhammer's rise in popularity is undeniable, as covered in this article from Xataka. People want to have the right gear from day one. At Mr Resin, we've noticed that many makers pick up complete Vallejo paint sets alongside their Anycubic resins, which really shows how strong this trend has become.

Shopping List for Your First Miniature Painting Project

How to Protect Your Painted Miniatures

To protect a painted miniature, it's essential to apply one or two thin coats of acrylic varnish. Varnish creates an invisible shield that guards your paintwork against wear from handling, scuffs, dust, and light — keeping your work looking great for years to come.

This is where your secret weapon comes in: varnish. That final coat isn't optional — it's the step that truly locks in and protects everything you've worked so hard to create.

The three varnish finishes for your miniatures

The biggest difference comes down to the finish they leave, and choosing the right one can completely transform your results. There are three main types:

1. Gloss Varnish: Creates a shiny, reflective surface. Perfect for gems, polished metal armour, fresh blood, or slime effects.

2. Satin Varnish: The middle ground. Adds a subtle sheen, like silk or well-treated leather. Great for fabrics, straps, or metals.

3. Matte Varnish: The king of the range, and the one you'll reach for most. It eliminates nearly all reflections, leaving a super natural, realistic finish.

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

Just like with primers, you can find varnishes in spray, brush-on, or airbrush formulas. If you want to master this art, I've put together a dedicated article all about miniature varnish where I share all the secrets.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about miniature paints

Can I use any acrylic paint on my minis?

No, I'd strongly advise against it. Craft acrylic paints have very coarse pigments that will obscure the fine details on your miniature. Always use paints specifically designed for scale modelling, such as Vallejo, which use ultra-fine pigments.

Do I always need to thin my paints?

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

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

The primer colour affects your 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 all-rounder that works well with almost any colour scheme.

Can I mix paints from different brands?

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, like a standard paint with something like Vallejo Xpress Color, as the results can be unpredictable.

Final thoughts:

To sum up, the best paints for your Warhammer miniatures are specialist acrylics. Having tried just about everything out there, my top recommendation is Vallejo: for their pigment quality, their price point, and those dropper bottles that are an absolute game-changer.

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