When it comes to building and painting plastic models whether they be model cars, airplanes, tanks, or figurines choosing the right acrylic paint is essential for achieving a professional, long-lasting finish. Acrylic paints are widely favored in the modeling community due to their ease of use, quick drying times, and versatile application. But with so many different brands and types of acrylic paints available, it can be difficult to know which one is the best for your plastic model projects.
We will explore the best acrylic paints for plastic models, including key factors to consider when making your selection and a few tips for painting your models effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned model enthusiast, this article will help you choose the perfect paint to bring your creations to life.
1. Why Acrylic Paint for Plastic Models?
Acrylic paint is one of the most popular options for painting plastic models because it offers a wide range of benefits, making it the ideal choice for beginners and experienced modelers alike. Here’s why acrylic paint is the go-to choice for many:
- Fast Drying Time: Acrylic paints dry quickly, allowing modelers to apply multiple layers in a shorter period of time, which is particularly useful when working on detailed projects.
- Low Odor: Unlike oil-based paints, acrylics have very little odor, making them more pleasant to work with, especially in enclosed spaces.
- Water-Based: Acrylics are water-based, meaning they can be thinned with water, making them easy to manipulate and clean up. This is a huge advantage when working on intricate model parts.
- Non-Toxic: Acrylic paints are generally non-toxic, making them safer to use, especially for those who are new to painting models or work in smaller, less ventilated areas.
- Wide Color Selection: Acrylic paints come in a vast range of colors, including specialized shades for military models, weathering effects, and more.
For these reasons, acrylic paints are ideal for those looking to achieve a smooth, even, and durable finish on plastic model kits.
2. What to Look for in Acrylic Paint for Models
When selecting the best acrylic paint for your plastic models, there are several factors to keep in mind. These factors will help you ensure the paint adheres well, provides a smooth finish, and is durable enough for display or handling.
1. Adhesion
One of the most important aspects of painting plastic models is ensuring that the paint adheres properly to the surface. Some acrylic paints are specifically formulated to bond better with plastic surfaces, reducing the likelihood of chipping, peeling, or fading.
2. Coverage and Pigmentation
The best acrylic paints should provide good coverage in one or two thin coats. You’ll want a paint that is highly pigmented to ensure vibrant colors and an even application. Low-quality paints may require multiple coats to achieve the same effect.
3. Compatibility with Thinners
If you prefer to thin your paints for a smoother application or to use airbrush techniques, choose acrylic paints that are compatible with water or dedicated acrylic thinners. This will allow you to adjust the consistency of the paint to suit your technique.
4. Finish Options
Acrylic paints are available in different finishes, such as matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Consider the type of finish you want for your plastic model. Matte finishes are great for military models, while gloss or satin finishes may be better for cars or sci-fi models.
5. Drying Time
Some modelers prefer fast-drying paints for quicker projects, while others may choose slower-drying paints to allow for blending and adjustments. Make sure to check the drying times before making a decision.
6. Color Range
Choosing a brand with a wide range of colors can save time and effort, especially for models requiring specific shades. Some companies offer model-specific colors, like military camouflage paints or colors for historical figures.
3. Top Acrylic Paint Brands for Plastic Models
With so many acrylic paint brands available, it can be challenging to know where to start. Below, we list some of the top-rated acrylic paint brands for plastic models, each with its own strengths.
| Product | Key Features | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint, 4 oz., Neutral |
| Best Value | Check price on Amazon |
| Angelus Collector Edition Leather Paint for Shoes, Couches, Sofas, Jackets and More – DTRT Yellow – 1 oz |
| Best Value | Check price on Amazon |
| Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint-4 Oz.-Light Grey |
| Best Value | Check price on Amazon |
 Seakuur Acrylic Watercolor Paint Box Paintbrush Earrings for Women Unique Artistic Handmade Dangle Earrings Lightweight Party Jewelry (Colorful) |
| Best Budget | Check price on Amazon |
 2 in 1 Black Shoe Paint, 2-Pack Acrylic Shoe Dye Marker for DIY Midsole Recoloring & Instant Scuff Fix, Permanent & Waterproof Restorer for Suede, Rubber, Fabric, Foam Sneakers |
| Best Value | Check price on Amazon |
 Forcefield unisex adult Paint Kit for Shoes, Black, White, Red, Blue, Yellow, One Size US |
| Best Premium | Check price on Amazon |
 Angelus Collector Edition Leather Paint, Shadow Gray |
| Best Value | Check price on Amazon |
Whether you are restoring, customizing or completely revamping, this leather paint the perfect way to transform boots, jackets, athletic shoes, purses and more Water-based
- Whether you are restoring, customizing or completely revamping, this leather paint the perfect way to transform boots, jackets, athletic shoes, purses and more
- Water-based
- Non-toxic
- Easy to clean up
- Whether you are restoring, customizing or completely revamping, this leather paint the perfect way to transform boots, jackets, athletic shoes, purses and more
- Water-based
- Non-toxic
This Angelus Collector Edition acrylic leather paint is the same high quality paint as the regular Angelus Leather Acrylic Paint, featuring colors designed to match many of the latest sneakers. Water-based
- This Angelus Collector Edition acrylic leather paint is the same high quality paint as the regular Angelus Leather Acrylic Paint, featuring colors designed to match many of the latest sneakers.
- Water-based
- Non-toxic
- Easy to clean up
- 1 oz Bottle
- This Angelus Collector Edition acrylic leather paint is the same high quality paint as the regular Angelus Leather Acrylic Paint, featuring colors designed to match many of the latest sneakers.
- Water-based
- Non-toxic
WIDE APPLICATION: Our Angelus Acrylic leather paint is perfect for any smooth leather goods, such as leather shoes, sneakers, sofas, leather jackets, handbags, leather bags, wallets, & more. QUICK DRYING AND FLEXIBLE: Our paint is quick to dry, flexible and will not crack or peel. Our paint has gone through years of testing to make sure its of the highest quality. Made right here in the USA since 1907.
- WIDE APPLICATION: Our Angelus Acrylic leather paint is perfect for any smooth leather goods, such as leather shoes, sneakers, sofas, leather jackets, handbags, leather bags, wallets, & more.
- QUICK DRYING AND FLEXIBLE: Our paint is quick to dry, flexible and will not crack or peel. Our paint has gone through years of testing to make sure its of the highest quality. Made right here in the USA since 1907.
- NOT ONLY FOR SNEAKERS: This paint works perfectly on any leather surface. It can be blended in to hide scuffs, customize, color, and More. You can use this on hoes, boots, sneakers, couches, chairs, briefcases, bags, purses, car seats, & More. We have almost 200 colors, and these can also be mixed to create even more colors! We also have mixers available to make it for canvas, t-shirts, & air brush as well.
- MADE IN USA: We have been proudly servicing and manufacturing the shoe & leather care industry in America for over 100 years. Our highest quality products, and customer service is what keeps us going. We aren't happy until you are.
- WIDE APPLICATION: Our Angelus Acrylic leather paint is perfect for any smooth leather goods, such as leather shoes, sneakers, sofas, leather jackets, handbags, leather bags, wallets, & more.
- QUICK DRYING AND FLEXIBLE: Our paint is quick to dry, flexible and will not crack or peel. Our paint has gone through years of testing to make sure its of the highest quality. Made right here in the USA since 1907.
- NOT ONLY FOR SNEAKERS: This paint works perfectly on any leather surface. It can be blended in to hide scuffs, customize, color, and More. You can use this on hoes, boots, sneakers, couches, chairs, briefcases, bags, purses, car seats, & More. We have almost 200 colors, and these can also be mixed to create even more colors! We also have mixers available to make it for canvas, t-shirts, & air brush as well.
- QUICK DRYING AND FLEXIBLE: Our paint is quick to dry, flexible and will not crack or peel. Our paint has gone through years of testing to make sure its of the highest quality. Made right here in the USA since 1907.
- NOT ONLY FOR SNEAKERS: This paint works perfectly on any leather surface. It can be blended in to hide scuffs, customize, color, and More. You can use this on hoes, boots, sneakers, couches, chairs, briefcases, bags, purses, car seats, & More. We have almost 200 colors, and these can also be mixed to create even more colors! We also have mixers available to make it for canvas, t-shirts, & air brush as well.
Artistic Design – Unique earrings shaped like miniature paintboxes with attached paintbrushes, perfect for artists and art lovers. Lightweight & Comfortable – Made from lightweight acrylic, ensuring comfort for all-day wear.
- Artistic Design – Unique earrings shaped like miniature paintboxes with attached paintbrushes, perfect for artists and art lovers.
- Lightweight & Comfortable – Made from lightweight acrylic, ensuring comfort for all-day wear.
- Size – As shown in the picture.Due to manual measurement, there is an error of 1-2cm.
- Vibrant Colors – Bright and colorful designs that mimic real watercolor palettes, adding a playful touch to outfits.
- Dangle Style – Features a charming dangle or drop design that adds movement and visual interest.
- Artistic Design – Unique earrings shaped like miniature paintboxes with attached paintbrushes, perfect for artists and art lovers.
- Lightweight & Comfortable – Made from lightweight acrylic, ensuring comfort for all-day wear.
- Size – As shown in the picture.Due to manual measurement, there is an error of 1-2cm.
High-Coverage Acrylic Black: SMAPHY shoe marker is formulated to recolor even the most vibrant midsoles into a deep, bold black; with just one coat, yellowing, stains & scuffs vanish, leaving your shoes with a like-new matte finish Permanently Flexible & Waterproof: Bonds permanently to form a tough, flexible finish that endures extreme midsole compression without cracking or peeling, locking in deep black with waterproof, wear-resistant durability that won’t fade
- High-Coverage Acrylic Black: SMAPHY shoe marker is formulated to recolor even the most vibrant midsoles into a deep, bold black; with just one coat, yellowing, stains & scuffs vanish, leaving your shoes with a like-new matte finish
- Permanently Flexible & Waterproof: Bonds permanently to form a tough, flexible finish that endures extreme midsole compression without cracking or peeling, locking in deep black with waterproof, wear-resistant durability that won’t fade
- A Lasting Black for Diverse Materials: Instantly recolors midsoles of foam, leather, and rubber in deep black; this flexible formula won’t stiffen soft fabrics & canvas, or roughen delicate suede, achieving a durable finish in just one application
- Smooth Dual Tips with Controlled Flow: Use a broad tip for easy, fast coverage and a fine tip for precise seam filling, while the optimized pen valve ensures a stable flow for smooth and even strokes, achieving a streak-free, seamless midsole repair
- Get Peace of Mind Purchase Experience: SMAPHY patient service team will serve wholeheartedly, solving your misgiving includes resupply flawless product or make up all value of your order, assuring you complete confidence for use on canvas & fabric
- High-Coverage Acrylic Black: SMAPHY shoe marker is formulated to recolor even the most vibrant midsoles into a deep, bold black; with just one coat, yellowing, stains & scuffs vanish, leaving your shoes with a like-new matte finish
- Permanently Flexible & Waterproof: Bonds permanently to form a tough, flexible finish that endures extreme midsole compression without cracking or peeling, locking in deep black with waterproof, wear-resistant durability that won’t fade
- A Lasting Black for Diverse Materials: Instantly recolors midsoles of foam, leather, and rubber in deep black; this flexible formula won’t stiffen soft fabrics & canvas, or roughen delicate suede, achieving a durable finish in just one application
- Permanently Flexible & Waterproof: Bonds permanently to form a tough, flexible finish that endures extreme midsole compression without cracking or peeling, locking in deep black with waterproof, wear-resistant durability that won’t fade
Sneaker and gear customization paint kit includes 5 acrylic paints, 5 premium brushes, and a how-to guide Smooth acrylic paint formula for controlled, buildable color application via paint brush or airbrush
- Sneaker and gear customization paint kit includes 5 acrylic paints, 5 premium brushes, and a how-to guide
- Smooth acrylic paint formula for controlled, buildable color application via paint brush or airbrush
- 5 unique premium brush heads included for application and technical painting styles on many materials including leather, canvas, cotton, and more
- Primary paint colors for widest range of color and shade mixing
- Each acrylic paint includes 1.6 oz of color, 50% more than the competition
- Sneaker and gear customization paint kit includes 5 acrylic paints, 5 premium brushes, and a how-to guide
- Smooth acrylic paint formula for controlled, buildable color application via paint brush or airbrush
- 5 unique premium brush heads included for application and technical painting styles on many materials including leather, canvas, cotton, and more
This Angelus Collector Edition acrylic leather paint is the same high quality paint as the regular Angelus Leather Acrylic Paint, featuring colors designed to match many of the latest sneakers. Water-based
- This Angelus Collector Edition acrylic leather paint is the same high quality paint as the regular Angelus Leather Acrylic Paint, featuring colors designed to match many of the latest sneakers.
- Water-based
- Non-toxic
- Easy to clean up
- 1 oz Bottle
- This Angelus Collector Edition acrylic leather paint is the same high quality paint as the regular Angelus Leather Acrylic Paint, featuring colors designed to match many of the latest sneakers.
- Water-based
- Non-toxic
4. How to Apply Acrylic Paint to Plastic Models
Once you have chosen the best acrylic paint for your plastic models, it’s time to start painting. Here’s a step-by-step guide for applying acrylic paint to your models:
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Before you start painting, it’s important to clean your plastic model. Wash it with soap and water to remove any dust, oils, or residues. If your model has a smooth or glossy surface, consider lightly sanding it with fine-grit sandpaper to help the paint adhere better.
Step 2: Prime the Model (Optional)
Priming the model ensures better paint adhesion and creates a uniform surface for the paint. Use a primer specifically designed for plastic models, and allow it to dry thoroughly before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Apply the Paint
Apply the paint in thin, even coats. You can use a paintbrush for smaller areas or an airbrush for larger areas and more detailed work. Always allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick coat.
Step 4: Finish and Detail Work
Once the base layers are complete, you can add additional details, highlights, and washes to bring your model to life. Use thinner paint for fine lines and detailing work.
Step 5: Seal the Paint (Optional)
After you’re satisfied with the paint job, consider sealing your model with a clear coat or varnish. This will protect the paint and provide the desired finish, whether matte, satin, or glossy.
5. Tips for Achieving a Professional Finish
- Use Thin Layers: Apply multiple thin layers of paint instead of one thick coat. This helps prevent streaks, drips, and uneven finishes.
- Thinning the Paint: If the paint is too thick, you can thin it with water or a dedicated acrylic thinner to achieve a smoother finish, especially for airbrush application.
- Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Even though acrylic paints are low-odor, it’s still important to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
- Use the Right Brushes: Invest in high-quality brushes for finer details, especially for small areas or miniature models.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use any acrylic paint on plastic models?
Not all acrylic paints are formulated for plastic surfaces. Look for paints specifically designed for plastic models for the best adhesion and durability.
2. Do I need a primer before painting plastic models?
While primer is not always necessary, it can improve paint adhesion and provide a smoother finish. It’s particularly useful when painting glossy or shiny plastic models.
3. Can I use an airbrush with acrylic paint?
Yes! Acrylic paints are ideal for airbrushing, especially those formulated for this purpose, such as Vallejo Air. Just be sure to thin the paint properly for smooth application.
4. How do I fix mistakes or touch up areas?
If you make a mistake, let the paint dry completely, then sand the area lightly and reapply the paint. For small touch-ups, use a fine-tipped brush.
5. How can I achieve a glossy finish on my plastic model?
To achieve a glossy finish, use acrylic paints with a gloss finish or apply a clear gloss varnish after the paint has dried.
7. Conclusion
Choosing the best acrylic paint for plastic models can greatly influence the outcome of your project. Tamiya, Vallejo, Citadel, and AK Interactive are some of the most trusted brands for model enthusiasts, each offering a range of colors, finishes, and paints that cater to different modeling needs.
By selecting the right paint and following the proper application techniques, you’ll be able to create stunning, professional-looking plastic models that you can be proud of. Happy modeling!
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