When you search "Vallejo model paints" online, what you're really looking for is quality, versatility, and a colour range that seems truly endless — everything you need to bring your figures to life. 🎨 And there's a good reason Vallejo keeps coming up. Vallejo paints are the go-to choice for modellers worldwide, especially those of us working with resin-printed pieces. Why? Because the pigmentation is outstanding and they're incredibly easy to work with.
🤔 Why is Vallejo the number one choice for scale modelling?
Getting into scale modelling is like falling down a rabbit hole of incredible detail, and paint is what gives every creation its soul. Vallejo has become the de facto standard for hobbyists and professionals alike — and for good reason. There are several key factors that set them apart.
The first, and arguably most important, is their water-based acrylic formula. This means they're safe to use, have minimal odour, and clean up with water. No harsh solvents, no fumes — just a relaxed painting session at home. 👋 This composition also makes thinning them down for glazes or airbrushing an absolute breeze, giving you complete control over your finish.
Resin-printed miniatures have an insane level of detail. Vallejo's high pigmentation is ideal because it covers in ultra-thin layers, preserving every last engraving and texture without obscuring a thing. 👌
World-class quality and a globally recognised name 🌍
This quality didn't come from nowhere. Acrylicos Vallejo, the legendary Barcelona-based company, has spent years establishing itself as an undisputed industry leader. To give you a sense of scale, in 2023 they turned over €20 million and exported 80% of their production to more than 70 countries. Those numbers speak for themselves — their reliability is truly global.
Their success is built on three pillars that every painter appreciates:
- Exceptional pigmentation: Excellent coverage in fewer coats, which means you save both time and paint.
- A vast colour range: Whether you're after highly accurate historical tones or bold fantasy colours that blow your mind, they've got what you need. 🌈
- Complete versatility: They perform brilliantly with both brush and airbrush, adapting effortlessly to however you like to paint.
This combination makes Vallejo model paints the smartest choice for any project — whether that's a Second World War tank, a space marine, or a dragon. If you want to dive deeper, check out our complete guide to Vallejo paints, where we break down everything you need to know.
A tour of the main Vallejo colour ranges 🎨
Every modelling project is unique, and Vallejo knows that better than anyone. That's why there isn't a single paint for everything — instead, there are different ranges designed with specific tasks in mind. Getting to know them is the first step to making the right choice and achieving exactly the look you're after. Let's break down the most important ones! 👇
Game Color: the soul of fantasy and sci-fi miniature painting 🧙♂️
The Game Color range is, without question, the go-to choice for painting wargame, fantasy, and sci-fi miniatures. 🐉 The colours are incredibly vibrant and saturated — perfect for making that orc, elf, or space marine pop on the tabletop.
The formula is designed to hold up to the wear and tear of regular gaming sessions, offering excellent handling resistance. At Mr Resin, we stock an extensive selection from this range, covering every colour you need for your army or that special character you've been planning.
Model Color: historical accuracy and true-to-life realism 🎖️
If historical modelling is your thing, then Model Color is your best friend. 🎨 This range is in a league of its own. The pigmentation is exceptionally high, and the colour palette has been developed with near-surgical precision, grounded in real military references.
The finish is ultra-matte, which is ideal for avoiding unwanted shine on tanks, dioramas, and historical figures. If you're painting a Panzer IV, for example, Model Color will nail that authentic Dunkelgelb tone perfectly.
Xpress Color and Game Air: speed and a silky-smooth finish 💨
Vallejo also caters to those of us who want to paint quickly without sacrificing quality. For that, they offer two ranges that are absolutely brilliant.
- Xpress Color: These are the contrast-style paints. What does that mean? With a single brushstroke over a light base coat, the paint does almost all the work for you. It flows into the recesses to create shadows and pulls away from the edges to leave highlights. They're perfect for painting entire armies in record time. ⏱️
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Game Air: If you use an airbrush, this is a no-brainer. This is your range. It comes pre-thinned and ready to pour straight into the cup and start spraying. It gives you incredibly smooth, even base coats while saving you a ton of time and hassle.
To make things even clearer, take a quick look at this handy chart. It'll help you decide in seconds which range is right for you.
As you can see, it really comes down to whether you want bold, vibrant colours and speed for your fantasy worlds, or the precision and detail of historical modelling. There's a Vallejo paint for every painter!
How to Take Your Miniatures to the Next Level ✨
The details are what truly separate a well-painted miniature from one that leaves you speechless. That's exactly where Vallejo's specialty products come in — designed to add that professional finishing touch that will make your pieces stand out on the display shelf or the gaming table. ✨ Let's see how to use them!
Unmatched Metallic Shine with the True Metallic Metal TMM Range ⚔️
For swords, armour, exhaust pipes, or any piece that needs a convincing metallic finish, the True Metallic Metal TMM range is simply unbeatable. The secret lies in its aluminium pigments, which deliver 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, highly reflective finish. Want your hero's sword to look like genuine polished steel? This is your paint. And if you want to get the most out of your steady hand, check out our guide on the best brushes for miniatures — the perfect companion for these paints.
The foundation of every great paint job: primers 🏗️
Before you put down your first stroke of colour, there's one step you simply cannot skip: priming. The resin on our 3D prints has an extremely smooth surface, and Vallejo primers create the perfect adhesion layer so your paint bonds firmly and won't chip or flake over time — no matter how much handling your model gets.
Think of primer as the foundations of a house. Without solid foundations, everything you build on top will eventually come crashing down. It's your guarantee of a long-lasting finish. 🏗️
Protect and define your work with Vallejo varnishes 🛡️
Once you've finally finished your masterpiece, it's time to protect it. Varnishes don't just shield your paintwork from wear and scratches — they also unify and define the final finish you're going for. Vallejo makes it easy with three main options:
- Matt Varnish: Kills any unwanted shine. Perfect for cloth, leather, and basing materials, giving them an ultra-realistic look.
- Satin Varnish: Adds a subtle sheen — ideal for leather armour or surfaces that need a gentle lustre without being fully reflective.
- Gloss Varnish: Save this one for specific effects. It's fantastic for gems, visors, puddles, or any surface that needs to look wet or glassy. 💧
Mixing different varnish finishes on the same miniature is a real pro technique. A single coat of gloss varnish over a character's eyes can give them a stunning spark of life.
Step-by-step guide to painting your resin miniatures 📝
Now that you know your paints inside out, it's time for the fun part: getting your hands dirty. 🎨 This is where we put everything into practice and get the most out of your next miniature. Let's walk through the complete process of bringing a 3D resin figure to life using Vallejo products.
Prep and priming: where every great model begins 🧼
Any experienced painter will tell you: a great finish starts long before you ever touch the paint. 🧼 Your very first step is to wash your miniature in warm water with a drop of dish soap. This removes any uncured resin residue or finger oils that could ruin paint adhesion. Once it's fully dry, use a pair of precision clippers to carefully remove any remaining supports.
With your miniature clean, it's time for the step that makes all the difference: priming. This is non-negotiable. Resin surfaces are very smooth, and without a solid coat of primer, your Vallejo model paints simply won't adhere properly. Apply a thin, even coat using a Vallejo primer — either from a spray can or through an airbrush — and let it dry completely before moving on.
Miniature painting is having a genuine golden age right now. Brands like Acrylicos Vallejo have become a true benchmark in the hobby, and the numbers back it up. In 2023, their revenue reached €20 million, with an impressive annual growth rate of 27.51%. This boom — which accelerated during the pandemic — shows just how many people, like you and me, are chasing top-quality materials for their projects. If you want to dig deeper, you can explore the sector's growth in this detailed report.
Adding Colour and Creating Depth 🌈
With your miniature primed, the real magic begins. Next up: applying your base coats.
- Brush painting: If you're working with Model Colour or Game Colour, a key tip is to thin your paint slightly with a few drops of water or Thinner Medium using a wet palette. This gives you thin, smooth layers, prevents visible brushstrokes, and ensures even coverage.
- Airbrushing: For fast, uniform base coats, an airbrush is your best friend. You can use the Game Air range straight from the dropper bottle, or thin down Model Colour or Game Colour with Airbrush Thinner to a skimmed-milk consistency. 🖌️
Once your base coats are dry, it's time to add depth to your figure. Vallejo washes are perfect for this. As you apply them, the paint naturally settles into recesses and creates beautifully realistic shadows, bringing out all the fine details with minimal effort.
The Finishing Touches: Varnish and Protection 🛡️
To push the depth even further, drybrushing is a fantastic technique for picking out edges and surface textures. Load an old brush with a tiny amount of paint, wipe off almost all of the excess on a piece of paper, then lightly drag it across the raised areas of the miniature. You'll be amazed how much the details pop.
Last but certainly not least, protect your work. A coat of Vallejo varnish is essential for keeping your paintjob safe from handling, dust, and the test of time. Choose from matte, satin, or gloss finishes to get exactly the look you want.
If you want to dive deeper into painting techniques using Game Colour, don't miss our guide on how to use Vallejo Game Colour to paint resin prints.
Troubleshooting the Most Common Painting Problems 🛠️
Even the most experienced painters run into the occasional hiccup. But don't panic — nearly every issue has a straightforward fix once you know what to look for. Think of this section as your first-aid kit for the most common problems you'll encounter with Vallejo model paints. 🛠️
Since their founding in Barcelona back in 1994, Acrylicos Vallejo has grown into one of the most trusted names in scale modelling — and for good reason. With annual growth of 27.51% and a return on assets of 41.86%, they rank among Barcelona's top 50 companies in the sector. It's no surprise their dropper bottles crowd workbenches all over the world. The ranges that work best for post-processing your 3D resin prints are right here at Mr Resin. For more on their story, take a look at this market analysis.
Lumpy or Overly Thick Paint 😩
Open the bottle and find something closer to cottage cheese than paint? This is the most common issue, and it almost always comes down to two things. First things first: shake the bottle like your life depends on it for at least a minute. Pigments tend to settle at the bottom, and a good shake usually does the trick.
If the paint is still too thick after shaking — especially if you're brush painting — it's time to thin it down.
- Put a small amount of paint on your palette and add one or two drops of water. Even better, use Vallejo's Thinner Medium — that's exactly what it's designed for.
- Mix it thoroughly until you get a consistency similar to skimmed milk. Fluid, but not watery.
A tip that will save you a lot of headaches: two thin coats are always better than one thick, gloopy one. The finish will be much smoother and you won't lose any of the miniature's detail. 👍
The airbrush keeps clogging up 😡
Few things are more frustrating than an airbrush that sputters paint or simply refuses to cooperate. 😥 In 99% of cases, the main culprit is incorrect thinning. The paint needs to be fluid enough to flow through the nozzle without clogging. To get it right every time, always use Vallejo's Airbrush Thinner, which is specifically formulated for just that.
The other common cause is lack of cleaning. Be methodical about it: thoroughly clean your airbrush with Airbrush Cleaner after every session, and especially when switching colours. This ensures no dried residue is left inside to cause problems next time.
One last thought before you pick up your brushes 👋
And that's a wrap on our journey through the world of Vallejo paints. We've covered their most popular ranges together and all the tips you need to make your resin minis look absolutely stunning. Now you've got everything you need to choose the right tools and avoid the most common pitfalls.
Remember that Vallejo is more than just a pot of paint — it's the bridge between what you imagine and what you create with your own hands. The key, as with anything, is to experiment, make mistakes, and above all, enjoy the process. Every figure is a chance to learn something new.
We encourage you to head over to the Mr. Resin store and browse the full range of Vallejo modelling paints we carry. You're sure to find exactly what you need for that project you've been thinking about! 🚀
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Your Vallejo paint questions answered 🤔
To wrap things up, let's clear up the questions that come up time and time again when you first start painting with Vallejo. 🤔 Here are straight-to-the-point answers so you can dive in with confidence.
Do I need to thin Vallejo paints for brush painting?
Almost always, yes. It's the key to achieving a professional finish. For base coats, a few drops of water or Vallejo's Thinner Medium combined with a wet palette will help the paint flow more smoothly, self-level, and leave no visible brushstrokes.
For glazes or filters, you'll need to thin it down considerably 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?
It all comes down to what they were designed for. Model Color is the range for realism enthusiasts: tanks, historical dioramas, aircraft... Its colour palette stays true to real-world references, with exceptional pigmentation and a fully matte finish.
On the other hand, Game Color 🐉 is pure fantasy. Designed for wargame miniatures, it features super vivid, highly saturated colours. The finish is slightly more satin, giving it extra durability to withstand handling during a game.
Can I use these paints on miniatures that aren't resin?
Absolutely! Vallejo acrylic paints are incredibly versatile. They adhere brilliantly to plastic Warhammer miniatures, metal figures, wooden bases, and just about any other material you can think of.
The only secret, as always, is to apply a good primer coat first. This ensures a perfect, long-lasting bond.
What varnish should I use at the end to protect my miniatures?
It depends on the look you're going for. Each varnish has its purpose:
- Matt Varnish: By far the most popular choice. Ideal for a realistic finish on clothing, skin, wood, or military vehicles.
- Satin Varnish: Gives a subtle sheen, perfect for highlighting metallic armour, leather, or dragon scales without looking plasticky.
- Gloss Varnish: Save this one for special effects. It's the go-to for simulating gems, liquids, blood, slime, or any surface that needs to look wet. ✨
Conclusion:
Now you have everything you need! This guide has shown you why Vallejo model paints are the top choice among hobbyists and experts alike. We've explored their main ranges — including Game Color and Model Color — learned the importance of priming and varnishing, and covered solutions to the most common painting problems. You're now more than ready to take your miniatures to the next level. 🚀
Feeling inspired? Head over to our Mr. Resin store and grab everything you need for your next project! And don't forget to join our community so you never miss a thing:
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✨ Happy Printing! 🚀