Are you a new painter? The world of miniature painting can be a daunting one to step into. Where do you start? What brands do you buy? What even is a contrast paint? Below, I have compiled a list of what I consider essential buys for you to think about the next time you whip out some hard-earned cash to paint your plastic forces.
Are you a veteran painter? Looking to change things up? Looking for a new take on what to add to your already robust painting bench? I did the work for you! Below are some essentials that I find myself reaching for on most projects.
Regardless of where you are on your painting journey, I hope you enjoy this list from one painter to another as I explore what I consider to be the big hitters on my paint bench!
Top Ten Miniatures Paints
10. Citadel Contrast – Baal Red
I cannot tell you the number of times that I have needed a rich, vibrant red undertone, and this paint from Citadel. Part of the “second generation” of the contrast line, it takes the decent contrast formula and sharpens the color to a bright red.
9. Citadel Contrast – Bad Moon Yellow
If you are like me, I hate painting yellow. It requires so many layers to get that crisp, solid look that you see on the best painted Space Marines. The Bad Moon Yellow contrast helps really trim the time down on getting that nice yellow color. I usually use about two layers of this yellow to get a nice, solid coat. Honestly, this paint needs to be in everyone’s paint shelf.
8. Green Stuff World – Liquid Frost
I didn’t know about this stuff until I received a large kit of all the Green Stuff World effects paints (another one makes this list a little further down). I decided to utilize this effect on the armor of my skeletons for my frost-themed Soulblight Gravelords army for Age of Sigmar, and it gives the exact effect you are thinking of. It crackles and creates ice and ice-like finish on your minis, something that I cannot replicate in any other way. This is wonderful for cooling lines or ice scenes as well.
7. Pro Acryl – Dark Jade
So, this is a personal preference. I truly love the dark green color of this paint. It makes it wonderful to splash on pieces of fabric to add a subtle pop of color without being too obvious. Not to mention, Pro Acryl paints need minimal thinning and are in great dropper bottles. Don’t sleep on their line!
6. Green Stuff World – Liquid Pigments Orange Rust
I believe GSW used to have different concentrations of the rust coloring, but has trimmed it down recently, if I am not mistaken. Regardless, this paint allows you to easily add rust to your metals, especially ruined and scrap metal pieces. It also comes in green and blue variations for different metals and erosion effects.
5. Pro Acryl – Basing Textures
I am going to cheat a little here and just recommend the whole line of basing textures from Pro Acryl. They used to come in a large tub, but have moved towards the arguably better tubes that allow you to control how much you use and preserve the rest. Pro Acryl’s basing textures allow for great control, and they dry uniformly. I suggest Fine Grey Earth as your workhorse color that can go on everything, but they have a nice variety to choose from.
4. Pro Acryl – Bold Titanium White
You. Need. This. White. That is, if you can find it. I had to grab two the last time I was at my local game store because it is always out of stock. White is like yellow for those who paint. You need to thin it down quite a bit and paint multiple layers to get a clean, crisp finish. Not so much with this white. Like most Pro Acryl paints it requires minimal thinning, the color is true and crisp. This is the only true white paint you ever need to buy again.
3. Citadel Paints – Lead Belcher
I was torn between my number two and three choices. They could have easily been switched. This is a workhorse metallic paint that you can use almost anywhere you need metal. It looks great with a wash over it and can be dry-brushed against with a light silver to give a chipping effect. Unless you are some crazy sadist (who always paints non-metallic metallic) then you need to make sure you always have some on deck ready to go.
2. Army Painter – Speed Paint Markers Grim Black
I was very suspicious of the Army Painter speed paint markers when I first saw them. No way that it could be this simple right? Painting markers that disperse a speed/contrast paint sounds like a dream. It is kind of. These are super-fast options, making touch-ups at your painting table a breeze. I specifically found the black marker to be the one I reach for the most, and think this is a unique and innovative way to use this type of paint. Long hours will wear on the tip as well as feeding the paint. You run into some angle limitations due to the body bulk, but overall, it’s a great tool.
1. Pro Acryl – Black Wash
This would have been Nuln Oil from Games Workshop, but ever since they changed the recipe, I have converted to the Pro Acryl Black wash. This mythical paint is a staple across tables everywhere. Those of you who are just starting to paint, don’t be afraid of using washes, specifically this one. Washes will give shadowing into the crevices of your minis and highlight details and texture variation. This wash stands out as an easier-to-control and more forgiving wash. I wash a lot of my grittier miniatures, and I would buy this by the gallon if I could. Tastes like licorice too, but the top ten paint tastes will be in another article…
