Paints (Opinions)

[TNHoundDog]

What are the best paints to use? The current paint I have been using is acrylic but I cant really get the detail or dry brushing with it. What kind do you use?

[Snake_Eyes898]

I use the Games Workshop paints. They seem to work quite well. I dunno about you, but I always prime my models with black before I paint them. It helps alot.

[Har!Bandit]

I use Games Workshop too. They're pricy, but the variety of bright colors is great for superhero stuff, and the consistency is just about right. I've gotten away from drybrushing, but they're good for that too. I brush on my primer, usually just use a coat of cheap black Delta Ceramcoat paint because it's easy to find and very inexpensive. I also paint in white over the areas that are eventually going to be white, yellow, light orange or bright red, because sometimes those colors aren't opaque enough.
If you're having trouble getting detail with acrylic paint, the problem is more likely the brush than the paint. Unless the pigment is ground so coarse you can't paint with it, acrylic shouldn't be a problem. I definitely use cheap Ceramcoat paint not only for priming, but also for large areas of a solid color, and occasionally for mixing if I need a very specific color like lavender. It works fine in my experience. Make sure you use a different brush for drybrushing than you do for your other painting, because drybrushing will quickly make your brush all bristly and unsuitable for anything resembling detail work.

[MadCap#1]

Another company to look at is Reaper Miniature Pro-Paints. These paints come in 3/4 ounce jars as opposed to the less then 1/2 ounce jars of GameWorkShop. They are also cheaper! The quality is equal in my opinion (and I have been painting for a good 15 years now). I buy from both companies so you are safe with both as far as quality.
I do recommend GameWorkShops primers and sealers.
I would avoid Armory products..I just have not had luck with them.
As for brushes, pick the ones that are sable hair. You can get them pretty cheap at craft stores.

[Blubeard]

yeah i use some of the reaper stuff with the GW stuff, bu the reaper stuff is generally not as bright and less useful

[Domi]

I use acrylic paint, cause I had a huge tub of 'em already... But anyway, they work well for me. I never use a sealer or anything, and none of my paint jobs have worn off so far. And I have no problem detailing with acrylics, I just use a really fine brush. I think it's a size 0 brush. Actually I use the same brush for just about everything... Rinse your brushes in hot water after every time you use 'em, the paint comes out better in hot water. And you can get some pretty bright colors in acrylic paints, too. It all depends on where you buy them. The brands I use are from craft stores, not hobby stores. They're probably cheaper there too.

[proditor]

I use Games Workshop but I'm slowly switching to craft paints from stores like Michael's because I get 3 times the volume for half the price. I'm getting the same coverage and pigment, the only difference is that they take a little longer to dry (And if you want to blend and not just dry brush, GW paints actually are the pits since they dry so fast).

So I'm using GW, Americana and erm...one other. Most of the craft paints are top notch though and like I said, half the price for three times the volume.

[rctpool]

I like Apple Barrel by Plaid. I already had a box of the stuff before I started on modding figures. I haven't tried any of the "gaming" brands. At the prices I hear, I probably won't. I find myself agreeing with proditor on yet another thread. The craft stuff is much easier to find, especially since I live in the sticks.

[CornsilkSW]

if you need a good detail brush get yourself a Winsor and Newton 00

i use the W&N university series 233 00 liner and i can paint pupils, eyebrows, reflections of light on the eyes, and drybrush textures all with the same brush.

~Silk

[KJLH]

Just switched over to Games Workshop paints, but I have a sneaking suspicion, I'll still use some of the Cream Coats from time to time.