Best Spray Paint for Plastic Models

When it comes to building and painting plastic models, choosing the right spray paint is critical to achieving a professional finish. Whether you’re working on model cars, aircraft, or miniatures, the paint you use can make all the difference in terms of color, texture, and overall quality. Using the wrong type of paint can lead to issues like chipping, poor adhesion, or uneven coverage, leaving your models looking far from their potential.

We’ll explore the best spray paints for plastic models, highlighting key factors to consider when selecting the right paint, and offering helpful tips for achieving a smooth, flawless finish.

Why Spray Paint is Ideal for Plastic Models

Spray paint is often the preferred method for painting plastic models due to its ability to provide an even and smooth coat without leaving brush marks. The fine mist of spray paint allows it to reach into crevices and small areas of the model, ensuring consistent coverage. It’s also time-efficient, making it a favorite among hobbyists who want to work quickly but still achieve high-quality results.

Here are some of the main reasons why spray paint is ideal for plastic models:

1. Smooth Finish: Spray paints create a smooth, even coat without the streaks or brush marks that can sometimes occur with traditional brush painting.
2. Time-Saving: Applying spray paint is faster than using a brush, especially on larger surfaces or models with intricate details.
3. Consistency: Spray paints are designed to cover large areas with even coats, making it easier to get a uniform color.
4. Versatility: Many spray paints designed for plastic models come in a wide range of colors and finishes, allowing you to achieve the exact look you’re going for.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Spray Paint for Plastic Models

When choosing spray paint for your plastic models, it’s essential to consider the following factors to ensure the best results:

1. Adhesion: The spray paint must be able to adhere to plastic surfaces. Some paints are specially formulated for plastic, while others may require a primer to ensure proper adhesion.
2. Finish: Depending on the look you want for your model, you’ll need to choose a spray paint that offers the correct finish. Some paints offer a glossy, matte, satin, or even metallic finish, depending on your preferences.
3. Drying Time: Quick-drying spray paints are often preferred for model builders since they allow you to move on to the next stage of painting or handling the model sooner. However, faster drying times might mean you need to work in light coats to avoid paint runs.
4. Color Range: Look for a paint that offers the colors you need for your specific model. Some brands offer specialized colors designed for specific types of models (e.g., military colors, automotive colors, etc.).
5. Compatibility with Other Products: If you plan to use different types of paint or finishes (e.g., washes, decals, or varnishes), make sure the spray paint you choose is compatible with these products.

The Best Spray Paints for Plastic Models

Here are some of the best spray paints for plastic models that have gained popularity in the hobbyist community for their high quality and ease of use:

1. Tamiya Spray Paint (TS Series)

Best For: Precision and a wide variety of finishes.

Tamiya is one of the leading brands in the modeling industry, known for its wide range of paints and accessories. Modelers highly regard the TS Series of spray paints from Tamiya for its excellent coverage, smooth finish, and compatibility with plastic models.

• Key Features:
  • Excellent Adhesion: Tamiya spray paints adhere well to plastic surfaces, and no primer is required in most cases.
  • Smooth, Even Finish: Provides a glossy or matte finish depending on the specific type of paint used.
  • Fast Drying: Tamiya paints dry quickly, which makes them ideal for multi-stage painting projects.
  • Variety of Colors: The TS series offers a vast selection of colors, making it easy to find the perfect shade for your model.
  • No Need for Additional Primer: Most Tamiya spray paints are formulated for direct use on plastic models without the need for primer.
• Why It’s Great: Tamiya spray paints are favored by model builders for their precision and consistency. The smooth finish they offer is hard to beat, and their wide color range makes them suitable for a variety of models.
• Price: Approximately $8–$12 per can.
• Recommended Models: Cars, airplanes, tanks, and sci-fi models.

2. Testors Model Master Enamel Spray Paint

Best For: Military and aircraft model builders.

Testors is another trusted name in the modeling community, offering a variety of paints and supplies for plastic model enthusiasts. Military and aircraft modelers widely use the Model Master Enamel Spray Paint because it provides excellent coverage and accurate colors.

• Key Features:
  • Durability: Provides a durable finish that withstands handling and weathering.
  • Matte and Gloss Finishes: Available in both matte and gloss finishes, which can be useful depending on the type of model you’re working on.
  • Wide Range of Colors: Known for its precise, historically accurate color options, especially in military and aviation models.
  • Good for Detailing: Offers great control for creating detailed finishes and effects on your model.
• Why It’s Great: Testors Model Master paints are known for their authenticity and precision, making them a top choice for builders of military and aviation models. The enamel formula provides a high level of durability and gives a smooth, professional finish.
• Price: Approximately $7–$12 per can.
• Recommended Models: Military tanks, airplanes, ships, and dioramas.

3. Citadel Colour Spray Paint (by Games Workshop)

Best For: Tabletop and miniature painting.

Games Workshop created Citadel Colour spray paints, which many consider some of the best for miniature models and wargaming miniatures. These paints deliver excellent coverage and vibrant colors, thanks to their model-specific design.

• Key Features:
  • Primer and Base Coat Options: Citadel spray paints come in both primer and base coat formulas, providing excellent coverage right from the start.
  • High-Quality Finish: Provides a smooth, even coat with great opacity, perfect for creating detailed effects.
  • Easy to Use: Spray nozzles are designed for precision, making it easy to achieve a consistent coat on miniatures and smaller models.
  • Compatibility with Citadel Paints: Citadel spray paints are formulated to work perfectly with other Citadel paints and washes, allowing for seamless blending and layering.
• Why It’s Great: Citadel Colour spray paints are a must-have for anyone working on tabletop wargames, miniatures, or other small-scale plastic models. Their color variety and ease of use make them ideal for achieving high-quality results quickly.
• Price: Approximately $15–$18 per can.
• Recommended Models: Miniatures, tabletop wargaming models, and figurines.

4. Krylon Fusion for Plastic

Best For: General-purpose use and plastic surface bonding.

Krylon’s Fusion for Plastic spray paint is an excellent option for a variety of plastic surfaces, including plastic models. The paint is designed to bond directly to plastic without the need for a primer, making it a great choice for those who need quick and easy results.

• Key Features:
  • Superior Adhesion: No primer is needed as it bonds directly to plastic, including plastic models.
  • Flexible Finish: Offers a durable, flexible finish that resists chipping, fading, and peeling.
  • Quick Drying: Dries to the touch in 15 minutes and can be handled after an hour, which speeds up the painting process.
  • Wide Color Range: Krylon Fusion for Plastic comes in a wide variety of colors, including gloss, satin, and matte finishes.
• Why It’s Great: This spray paint is perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy option for painting plastic models. Its strong adhesion and flexibility make it ideal for models that may be handled frequently.
• Price: Approximately $5–$8 per can.
• Recommended Models: General-purpose plastic models, outdoor items, and home décor.

5. Vallejo Surface Primer

Best For: High-quality priming for miniatures.

While primarily a primer, Vallejo Surface Primer spray is an excellent choice for plastic modelers who need a smooth, even base coat for their projects. Vallejo earns recognition for its top-tier model painting products, and their Surface Primer spray lays down a flawless foundation for additional paint layers.

• Key Features:
  • Smooth Finish: Provides a very smooth, even base coat for subsequent paint layers.
  • Great Adhesion: Helps paint adhere better to plastic, creating a more durable finish.
  • Fast-Drying: Dries quickly to prevent dust or debris from sticking to the surface.
  • Multiple Color Options: Available in various colors, including white, black, and gray, allowing you to tailor it to your project.
• Why It’s Great: Vallejo Surface Primer is a favorite for those who need a reliable, smooth primer for their models. It’s particularly useful for miniatures, ensuring that the subsequent layers of paint adhere properly.
• Price: Approximately $10–$12 per can.
• Recommended Models: Miniatures, wargaming models, and high-detail models.

Conclusion

Choosing the best spray paint for plastic models is essential to achieving a professional and durable finish. Whether you’re building military models, miniatures, or automotive models, there’s a spray paint that can meet your needs. For top-tier performance, Tamiya Spray Paint (TS Series) and Testors Model Master Enamel Spray Paint are excellent choices. If you’re working on miniatures, Citadel Colour Spray Paint is a must-have. And for general-purpose use, Krylon Fusion for Plastic offers superior adhesion and durability.

By selecting the right spray paint and following the proper application techniques, you can ensure that your plastic models look great and last for years to come.