Best Paint for Airbrushing Plastic Models

Airbrushing is one of the most popular and effective techniques used for painting plastic models, whether it’s for miniature figures, scale models of vehicles, or any other type of detailed model. The right paint for airbrushing can make a huge difference in the overall finish of your project, ensuring smooth coverage, vibrant colors, and long-lasting durability.

We’ll explore the best types of paint for airbrushing plastic models, as well as provide tips on how to get the best results with these products. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you have all the information you need to create a stunning airbrush paint job.

Why Airbrushing is Ideal for Painting Plastic Models

Airbrushing offers several advantages when painting plastic models:

1. Smooth Finish: Airbrushing creates an even, smooth finish with little to no brush strokes, perfect for the fine details and precision required for plastic models.
2. Fast and Efficient: Airbrushing covers larger areas more quickly than traditional brush painting and allows for faster drying times between coats.
3. Detail and Gradients: Airbrushing is perfect for achieving detailed shading, highlights, and gradients, which can make your models look more realistic and dynamic.
4. Minimal Paint Waste: With airbrushing, you can achieve excellent coverage with minimal paint, which is more efficient and economical, especially for smaller models.

Best Paints for Airbrushing Plastic Models

When it comes to choosing the best paint for airbrushing plastic models, there are several well-known brands and products that stand out. These paints are designed specifically for airbrushing, offering excellent flow, adhesion, and durability.

Here are some of the best options:

1. Tamiya Acrylic Paints

Best for: Smooth application and color accuracy

Tamiya has long been a trusted name in the model-making community, and their acrylic paints are some of the best for airbrushing plastic models. Tamiya paints offer smooth coverage, excellent pigmentation, and ease of use, making them a top choice for both beginners and professionals.

Key Features:

• Water-based acrylic paint
• Great for both plastic and resin models
• High pigmentation for vibrant colors
• Dries quickly and sands well
• Easy to mix and thin for airbrushing

Why it’s great for airbrushing plastic models: Tamiya paints are specifically formulated for airbrushing, making them a favorite among modelers. They offer a high-quality finish with minimal effort, and the water-based formula means they’re easy to clean up after use. Tamiya also provides a wide range of colors, including military, automotive, and fantasy tones, so you can find exactly what you need for your project.

2. Vallejo Model Air Paints

Best for: Precise detail work and advanced techniques

Vallejo Model Air paints are another popular choice for airbrushing plastic models, offering exceptional consistency and vibrant colors. The formula is specifically designed for airbrushing, so it flows easily through an airbrush without needing much thinning.

Key Features:

• Water-based acrylic paint
• Pre-thinned for airbrushing (no need for thinning)
• Excellent coverage and smooth finish
• Wide variety of colors suitable for different models
• Dries to a matte or satin finish, depending on the color

Why it’s great for airbrushing plastic models: Vallejo Model Air paints are renowned for their smooth application and ability to create highly detailed finishes, making them perfect for small, intricate areas on your models. The paints are pre-thinned for airbrushing, so you can get started right away without worrying about adjusting the viscosity. This saves time, especially if you’re working on complex models or large-scale projects.

3. Gunze Sangyo Mr. Color

Best for: High-quality finish and gloss coatings

Gunze Sangyo’s Mr. Color paints are well-loved by modelers for their rich pigmentation and smooth application. They’re an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced modelers, and they come in a range of colors ideal for military, aircraft, and automotive models.

Key Features:

• Solvent-based paint for a high-gloss finish
• High durability and long-lasting results
• Excellent flow and adhesion
• Requires additional thinning with a lacquer thinner for airbrushing

Why it’s great for airbrushing plastic models: Gunze Sangyo Mr. Color paints provide a smooth, glossy finish that’s especially great for detailed models that require sharp lines and high contrast. The solvent-based formula ensures a durable, high-quality finish, but it does require some thinning before airbrushing. This is ideal for experienced modelers who want more control over the paint consistency.

4. Citadel Contrast and Base Paints

Best for: Quick painting with minimal effort

Citadel, a brand widely associated with Warhammer and tabletop miniature painting, offers a range of paints designed for fast and efficient coverage. Their Contrast and Base paints are particularly useful for airbrushing models that need to be painted quickly and with less emphasis on perfect blending.

Key Features:

• Water-based acrylic paint
• Designed for use with miniatures and models
• Works well with thin layers or glazing techniques
• Ideal for creating depth with minimal layering

Why it’s great for airbrushing plastic models: Citadel’s paints are formulated to provide quick coverage with minimal effort, making them ideal for larger models or when you want to get the job done quickly. The Contrast paints are especially useful for airbrushing detailed miniature figures, as they provide an instant shading effect without needing multiple layers of paint.

5. AK Interactive Real Color Paints

Best for: Military and historical model enthusiasts

AK Interactive’s Real Color range is aimed at modelers who focus on military and historical subjects, offering a range of colors that replicate real-world military vehicles, aircraft, and tanks. These paints are specifically designed for airbrushing, with an emphasis on smooth finishes and authenticity.

Key Features:

• Water-based acrylic paint
• Excellent color accuracy and realism
• High pigment concentration for rich coverage
• Easy to airbrush without excessive thinning
• Compatible with multiple surfaces, including plastic, resin, and metal

Why it’s great for airbrushing plastic models: If you’re painting military vehicles or other historical models, AK Interactive’s Real Color range offers unparalleled color accuracy and smooth application. These paints are formulated to flow easily through an airbrush without requiring much thinning, which saves time and effort when you’re working on intricate details.

6. Misterkit Paints

Best for: Fine details and custom model work

Misterkit is a popular brand among model enthusiasts for its wide range of colors and excellent consistency. Their paints are designed specifically for airbrushes, providing smooth and even coverage with minimal effort.

Key Features:

• Water-based and airbrush-ready
• Wide range of colors for military, automotive, and fantasy models
• High-quality pigments for vibrant finishes
• Easy to mix and thin

Why it’s great for airbrushing plastic models: Misterkit paints are ideal for fine-detail work and custom model projects. The paint flows smoothly through an airbrush, and the high-quality pigments provide a vibrant finish. Additionally, the range of colors and finishes makes it easy to match specific model details or create unique color schemes.

Tips for Airbrushing Plastic Models

Airbrushing can be tricky if you’re new to the process, but with a little practice and the right technique, you’ll achieve stunning results. Here are some tips to help you get the best finish when airbrushing plastic models:

1. Thin Your Paint Properly: While some paints are pre-thinned for airbrushing, others might need to be diluted with water, acrylic thinner, or lacquer thinner (depending on the paint type). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for thinning, as using too much or too little can affect the quality of the finish.
2. Use the Right Airbrush: Choose an airbrush with a needle size suitable for your project. A smaller needle (0.2mm or 0.3mm) is ideal for fine detail work, while a larger needle (0.5mm) is better for covering larger areas quickly.
3. Test on a Scrap Piece: Before spraying directly on your model, practice on a scrap piece of plastic or cardboard to ensure your paint is applied evenly.
4. Maintain a Consistent Distance: Hold the airbrush about 4-6 inches away from the surface of the model to avoid excessive paint buildup in one area. Keep your strokes steady and even.
5. Use Light Coats: Apply several thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat. This will reduce the chance of drips or runs and provide a smoother finish.
6. Clean Your Airbrush Regularly: To prevent clogs and ensure consistent performance, clean your airbrush after every painting session. This will keep the paint flowing smoothly and ensure no old paint affects your new project.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular paint for airbrushing plastic models? It’s best to use paint specifically formulated for airbrushing, as regular craft paints can clog the airbrush or provide poor coverage. Airbrush-ready paints are designed for smooth application and better adhesion to plastic.
2. Do I need to thin the paint before airbrushing? Some paints are pre-thinned for airbrushing, but others might require thinning. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see if thinning is necessary.
3. What kind of airbrush should I use for painting plastic models? For most plastic models, a dual-action airbrush with a needle size between 0.2mm and 0.5mm is ideal. Smaller needles are better for detailed work, while larger needles can cover broader areas more quickly.
4. How do I prevent paint from running or dripping on my model? Apply thin layers of paint rather than one thick coat. Hold the airbrush at a consistent distance (around 4-6 inches) from the model to avoid buildup in one spot.
5. Can I airbrush over primer on plastic models? Yes, airbrushing over primer is often necessary to ensure the paint adheres properly to the plastic. Be sure to use a primer that’s compatible with the paint you plan to use.
6. How do I clean my airbrush after painting? After painting, disassemble the airbrush and clean it thoroughly with warm water or an appropriate solvent. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to avoid damaging your airbrush.
7. What kind of paint finish is best for plastic models? The finish depends on your project. Gloss finishes are great for cars and aircraft, while matte finishes are often used for military models and miniatures.
8. Is it necessary to use a clear coat after painting with an airbrush? A clear coat can protect your paint job and provide a uniform finish. It’s especially important for models that will be handled frequently.
9. Can I mix different brands of paint for airbrushing? Mixing paints from different brands can be done, but ensure they’re compatible (e.g., acrylic with acrylic or lacquer with lacquer) to avoid adverse reactions.
10. How long does it take for airbrush paint to dry on plastic models? Drying times vary by paint brand and type. Generally, most airbrush paints dry to the touch within 15-30 minutes, but full curing can take 24 hours.

Conclusion

Choosing the best paint for airbrushing plastic models depends on your specific needs and the type of model you’re working on. Brands like Tamiya, Vallejo, Gunze Sangyo, and Citadel offer high-quality paints formulated specifically for airbrushing, ensuring smooth application, vibrant colors, and a durable finish. By following the right techniques and using the right products, you can achieve stunning, professional-level results for all your plastic modeling projects. Happy painting!