(Part 2) Best hobby tool paints according to redditors

Summary of OP's statements so far:

MODEL

• The STL can be found on myminifactory - model by Rob Pauza called the Mandalorian Helmet. The URL is posted in the comments, but the bot hates it.
  
• STL was printed in one piece (except ears and back piece) but modified:
  
• Scaled at 108% (any bigger and according to another poster who has printed it before, it won't fit the CR10) but would print again at 104-105% - YMMV, OP has a 'bigger head'.
  
• Custom tree supports were needed on the top of the visor area.
  
  PRINT
  
  
• Layer height was .28
  
• Printed oriented as it sits (upright)
  
• Took about 2 days to print on a 2-year-old CR10 using a mirror bed
  
  FINISH
  
  
• Filler - Elmer's Wood Filler watered down a little
  
• Sanded, then primer, wetsand
  
• Black Gloss Paint
  
• The silver is Ultimate Mirror Chrome Aeorosol by SPaz Stix from Amazon
  
• No Clearcoat; damage adds character
  
• Foam pads were velcroed inside
  
  VISOR
  
  
• Is a Hobart 770580 Face Shield Replacement Lens ($7) from Amazon
  
• Visibility is good

Here's a paint set. I'm sure you can find other sets or single paints out there as well. "Colorshift" "chameleon paint" and "oil slick paint" are keywords you can search for.

This was done by someone on reddit using rattle cans.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Acrylicos-Vallejo-Stains-Streaking-Model/dp/B00PGPY4B0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551043691&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=rust+stains+and+streaking&dpPl=1&dpID=51-9uwKmoBL&ref=plSrch
The base color is just one I mixed from other paints

Sure, I used this stuff on top of a gloss black paint

Just used Vallejo mud and grass. Then dabbed it on with a paintbrush. Wiped it with a paper towel on the tracks

Vallejo mud and grass

Dude, if I get those fans, I think I'll pick this paint up, too and Holo up my case https://www.amazon.com/Color-Change-Holographic-Paint-Aerosol/dp/B0015H1FG0

Just to give that extra magical look.

Granted I'd have to completely disassemble it, remove my Mobo and all the components before painting my case BUT... HOLO will be worth it. Especially since it's a holo clear coat, it'll look super awesome over the black parts of my case.

It's an enamel wash. They hobby store owner here said that Tamiya had just released it. I'm gonna be honest, I was really excited when I saw it show up on Amazon. It only cost around $4 when I bought it, but the price appears to have gone up:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005CTJUVE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1462505063&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=tamiya+panel+line&dpPl=1&dpID=31yofx0B08L&ref=plSrch

The actual wash performs really well, but the one that I received was extremely dark, so I'd recommend throwing in a few drops of paint thinner to water it down to a grayish hue.

Yeah pretty much. Technically it's "holographic" paint. It was a bit of a laborious process, and I cut some corners by just leaving the bottom black and rough, and then halfass finsihing the back by leaving in some base coat sags and not doing the high grit sanding.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015H1FG0/

Nice work, if you are planning on doing more of these I would give one small recommendation. Try and find some acrylic model paint and thin it down with some water. If you use multiple thin coats you will end up with a much smoother finish. You can go over that with a gloss clear coat like this: https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Acrylic-X22-Gloss-Clear/dp/B0006O523U

No worries, I'm a beginner as well. Panel Liner (also known as Panel Wash) is a liquid you add to panels, such as the door frames and hood on your car, to make them stand out more. It's basically thinned out black or brown enamel paint. It will add more realism to your model.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Panel-Accent-Color-87140/dp/B009ENMC8C/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=tamiya+panel+line+accent+color+black&qid=1556123990&s=gateway&sr=8-1

​

Tutorial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGF-o-6y1LU

I've been using this stuff:
Acrylicos Vallejo 85 ml Liquid Mask https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0063TQ99I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_jBSMBb6RZS7M6
Paint it on areas you have already painted, it dries like a rubber seal. Spray next load and then peel the rubber off once done.

I would think something like this would do the trick? It's not gonna stop it getting scraped and chipped obviously but it should stop it rubbing off really easily.

I know people that have used this for large warhammer models but obviously they don't have to deal with the kind of elements a skateboard does.

Spax Stix "Mirror" chrome is the best spray-on chrome I've come across, just so you know for the buttstock. I love the build.

Thank you! To make the clear coat finish would I use a clear acrylic like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Acrylic-X22-Gloss-Clear/dp/B0006O523U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1484747292&sr=8-2&keywords=tamiya+clear+acrylic
Since this is my first model I want to keep it cheap. I was wondering if you have anything to say about either of these models: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DEWA6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
lastly: the Revell 302 Mustang Boss

or the Tamiya #24090 Skyline

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XHBFX26/

Or

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BATBMDY/

I am not familiar with Citadel paints, seems to me like it is something similar. This is the one I used: http://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Acrylic-X22-Gloss-Clear/dp/B0006O523U

For the effect, the base color is plain black (the brand I used calls it rubber black, basically a non shiny black). Then I used dry brush to add highlights using grey. Finally I applied 3 layers of tamiya gloss, waiting some time between layers (15-20 min).

I would go for this set from The Army Painter as it has just about everything you would need to get going with your project.

So I went to my FLGS this weekend and saw these paint racks. The middle piece is linked above, and the corner piece here.

They look great - can't wait to get my paint desk finished up so I can move away from the revolving paint rack I use now.

Ok. Gonna throw out a couple of suggestions to get you started.

First get a starter paint set.

You can get them from the local hobby shops

A few of them come with the basic supplies you need to get started.

The following ones come with a small set of paints, a brush and a miniature to paint. Often they also come with step by step instructions or online videos to watch

Dungeons and Dragons Official Paint Line Adventurer's Paint Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DWMTNDJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kTC0Db25P03XH

Dungeons and Dragons Official Paint Line Monsters Paint Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DWL5JZZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VVC0Db4FCQTAM

Reaper Miniatures 08906 Learn To Paint Bones Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NTMC49G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vWC0DbVBYBCNP

Reaper Miniatures Master Series Paints #09970 Starter Set for Mini Figures https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07664WJ3H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RXC0DbPXRB07Z

The Army Painter Kings of War Undead Miniatures Paint Set - Highly Pigmented Acrylic Model Paint Set - 10 Miniature Paints in 18ml Dropper Bottles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MRYAY5R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FYC0Db3QD8HJT

The above links are only there to show you what to look for.

Citadel also has a great range of paints but they are generally more expensive and don’t come with brushes or models to paint

Please. Buy local and support our FLGS (Friendly Local Game Stores) They are the reason why so many people are into these hobby’s.

Take a little while and find a couple of Nolzurs or Reaper miniatures you like to paint. They are inexpensive and will be great pieces to start with.

However if your gonna look online Miniature Market currently is having their Black Friday sale


https://www.miniaturemarket.com/searchresults?q=black+friday+sale#/?_=1&sort.ga_unique_purchases=desc&page=1&filter.product_tag=Black%20Friday&filter.manufacturer=Army%20Painter

What ever route you’re choose let us know what you did and show us your completed work. There are a lot of super helpful people here

Thanks so much for the reply again!

I had no clue that Stynylrez is airbrush friendly and also acrylic based, that's pretty awesome to hear and great for my purposes. :) Have you ever used Tamiya? If you have, would you say Stynylrez is generally the same in quality as that? My main purpose for using Tamiya was how nicely and smoothly it would spray out of the can. I wasn't quite happy with the fumes, as you say the smell is...overpowering, to say the least, but I put up with it mainly to get that super soft, smooth surface finish on my kits.

Also, forgive the dumb newbie question, but are Tamiya acrylics "actual" acrylics? I know they're alcohol based so they've got a unique scent to them, but I was wondering if they're any more dangerous to be spraying than water based acrylics. The main things I'm thinking of would be these paints, which I tend to use for places that need glossy surface effects like eyeballs, blood, that sort of thing.

I would think that unless you're talking about a very small (like jewelry sized) piece, nail polish would be more expensive than something like this, since it would require more than one bottle.

Is it safe to sleep in the same room as a Gundam to which I've applied a panel line and let dry for 24 hours?

https://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-Panel-Accent-Color-87140/dp/B009ENMC8C

https://www.amazon.com/Vallejo-Game-Air-Paint-Case/dp/B00QD77SYA/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1487693685&sr=8-4&keywords=vallejo+air

https://www.amazon.com/Basic-Colors-Acrylic-Airbrush-Vallejo/dp/B00MZ9VERW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1487693685&sr=8-3&keywords=vallejo+air

Not Krylon.

amazon.com/Ultimate-Mirror-Chrome-Aerosol-Paint/dp/B0015H1FGA

$30+ of paint, primer, and sealer. For one mini. Plus it was inked and detailed (slightly) after the spray.

Not sure what your problem is.

A lot of people start learning to paint with the Reaper kit It also includes a few generic minis to learn on.

For me, I started with the three Zombicide paint sets. They've given me a lot of utility and variety of colors and shaders. To this day I still use them (along with other Army Painter and Citidel paints that I've added) even if I'm not painting zombies.

• Zombie Core
  
• Survivor
  
• Toxic/Prison

First of all, I’m sorry to hear how you were treated. Game stores are supposed to be open-armed to all who want to join our esoteric hobbies, hope you have better luck with them in the future.

As far as starting out goes, there are a couple things to do. First, ignore GW paints they are VERY expensive. I personally like them, but didn’t get them until almost a year after starting. I started with this kit: https://www.amazon.com/Reaper-Miniatures-Master-Starter-Figures/dp/B07664WJ3H/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=reaper+paint+set&qid=1564300027&s=gateway&sr=8-3 ($30 usd on amazon) which has just about everything you’ll need to start (except a good black white and gray/silver for metal, which you may have to buy separately) mini brushes at hobby stores (not game stores) work great and are usually sub-$10. After that, you’re obviously going to be looking at models. There are a couple ways you could approach this- as far as raw mini-to-dollar value the Start Collecting! boxes are best, but a $90 usd entry fee is a bit high. I’d say pick your favorite faction and grab one of their boxes of infantry- space marine tactical squad, ork boyz, termagaunts horde, etc. Should be at max $40, down to as low as $30. And if you want to paint either space marines or chaos, you’re in an even better place- the easy-to-build kits are ~$15 for three models, or at max $40 for a big dreadnought (heavily armed mech-suit). I don’t know what stuff you want to paint but hopefully this helps. It’s easy to save money on paints and brushes, but with the minis it’s harder. You could also consider getting miniatures from companies like Reaper to practice on as they’re much cheaper. Not 40k quality, but might help you decide if this hobby will help you with your needs. Sorry for the long response and I hope you get better and find everything you need in this awesome hobby! Good luck!

You're welcome! I appreciate that you're open to suggestions - it's easy to get attached to a plan. Since you seemed receptive I'm going to elaborate:

I ordered KD:M and then this Vallejo flesh tone set and this Vallejo basic colors set, which got me going. Like I said, i had to supplement with a lot of citadel paints from my LGS that ended up being frustrating, so I wish I had gotten some more saturated base colors in the beginning, maybe something like this, that comes with purples and oranges.

By mask I meant a protective mask to stop harmful fumes. Like this

Maybe you were refering to making fluid/tape? If so that is something you can put over areas which have already been painted so you can airbrush other areas of the miniature without covering up the areas which are finished. You can then peel off the mask and the paint underneath should be unharmed. I have no experience using this or seeing it be used but this is an example of the product.

im not sure these are the same. the blocks in talking about came from this tool/supply kit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KNK4T9E

https://www.amazon.com/Acrylicos-Vallejo-VAL-70103-Wargames-Basic/dp/B000PHCTR0/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1505335319&sr=8-12&keywords=vallejo+paints+basic+set

8 piece basic

Would something like this be good to start with?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01KNK4T9E?psc=1

Would you actually be able to paint my housing for me by chance? I just want to have to buy a compressor and all that for one part. I'd pay you to do it. I thought about using this, but whatever you'd prefer. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0099WPOS8/ref=ox_sc_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3JNN9PG4PA2U9

Thanks. I've come across Vallejo from having a quick browse around here. Would this be a good place to start? https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000PHCTR0/ref=s9_dcacsd_dcoop_bw_c_x_3_w

Any recommendations on brushes also?

I just slather this stuff all over the base then put some ink on it then drybrush a dark and light brown on. It works okay and keeps all my army the same.

I looking for a light weight headset that is the price range from 20-60 dollars. I also wear glasses so it has to be able to work with that.

​

Right now my current painting equipement:

• Miniature Paint Brushes Detail Set -12pc Minute Series XII Miniature Brushes for Fine Detailing & Rock Painting. Acrylic Watercolor Oil - Art, Scale Models, Paint by Numbers Supplies Kit
  
• Rustark 9Pcs Gundam Model Tools Kit Hobby Building Tools Craft Set for Basic Model Building, Repairing and Fixing
  
• Reaper Miniatures Master Series Paints #09970 Starter Set for Mini Figures
  
• The Army Painter Color Primer, Matt White, 400ml, 13.5oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Painting
  
• Reaper Miniatures 08906 Learn To Paint Bones Kit
  
• "Green Stuff" Blue/Yellow Epoxy Putty
  
• Tamiya America, Inc Plastic Cement 20ml, TAM87012
  
  ​
  
  Is there anything else I should buy?

Yeah I use both but definitely prefer the vallejo paints. I recommend using the air paints even if you're just brushing it on. It's a little thinner than the normal model paints which is great for retaining all the detail in the FFG models. They have lot of different sets with different combinations of greys and browns and all, so I would say just get a set of whatever you think you'll use most. maybe something like this... http://www.amazon.com/Basic-Colors-Acrylic-Airbrush-Vallejo/dp/B00MZ9VERW/ref=pd_sim_21_13?ie=UTF8&dpID=51gi%2B4-J3mL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1AFYBYKP5TKJQ9N0SVVV

or

http://www.amazon.com/Vallejo-WWII-Aircraft-Model-Paint/dp/B00AAGDQFU/ref=pd_sim_21_9?ie=UTF8&dpID=41SLrfk9d9L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1AFYBYKP5TKJQ9N0SVVV

The base! Sure, here's a quick guide;

So, the material that the rock is made of, is Plaster of Paris (you can find it just about anywhere, but here it is on Amazon). It can seem a little intimidating to start working with, but I promise it's very accessible. That material was shaped with rock molds from Woodland Scenics (this one and this one). Takes something like 30 minutes to do each batch, don't be afraid of failure and remember to spray the mold with Wet Water before putting the plaster in.

Once you have your rocks, you'll need to sand down the flat end, and super glue them to your bases. Next will be to use Vallejo Earth Texture to blend it all together.

Hit with some prime, then paint the rock grey, the dirt brown. Dry brush the whole thing with a light blue, then bring down the whole thing with one wash, I used Agrax Earthshade. Dry brush the dirt brown, then the whole thing light blue again, then the sun facing side of the rocks white. You're done painting!

You might want to put some grass on the dirt, your call, I happened to use these because they're tonally appropriate, though over-sized-- so I cut some up. Then you'll want to spot some Vallejo Snow, or whatever snow you want to use.

I pinned my guys to the rocks, but the the Vallejo Snow also works really well as a method for securing your boys, since it's pretty much just glue.

​

I hope this helps and I'm thrilled you like it!

sorry, this one then: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Humbrol-AD6035-150ml-Varnish-Acrylic/dp/B001JJT6I8

It was this
Acrylicos Vallejo "Rust, Stains & Streaking" Model Color Set https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00PGPY4B0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_xc7vDb99V2B12

Awesome. Just got an airbrsuh myself and am pretty nervous about the camo. Also, for the Sherman's I highly recommend US Olive Drab. Not USA Olive Drab, just US Olive Drab. Here's my Shermans painted with it. https://imgur.com/gallery/4aFq51X



Edit: these are the paints I recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XHBFX26/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tf1tDbSRJCP6T

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Y4PQ5Y?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This set on Amazon seems like a good deal... Any thoughts?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grinning-Gargoyle-GAR-FPS001-Miniatures-Warpaints/dp/B07HKC5Y3C/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=citadel+paint&qid=1564933039&s=gateway&sprefix=citadel&sr=8-3

Tamiya Chrome Silver X-11

Tamiya acrylic paint list p1

Forgot to mention I'm in US. Long day

​

https://www.amazon.com/Acrylicos-Vallejo-VAL-70103-Wargames-Basic/dp/B000PHCTR0/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=%22model+colour%22+basic+colors&qid=1568251940&s=toys-and-games&sr=1-6

This seems pretty basic

I know Vallejo sells paints/washes that give good rust, oil and worn-down effects. You can get them all in this kit or just get some separately

You're gonna love how the kit turns out, especially with basic gate removal and panel lining:

http://imgur.com/nC0zq0n

And looking over your cart, you'll definitely want to make panel lining a habit early on:

http://www.amazon.com/Tamiya-87131-tamiya/dp/B005CTJUVE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1458332914&sr=8-2&keywords=tamiya+panel+line

Good luck! Show us snaps when you're done!

My situation: I'm not a beginner, I had about 7 years experience in the Hobby back in the 00s when LOTR SBG was out so I've painted, based and converted before but I basically haven't touched anything since about 2007 or 2008. I've recently picked up First Strike and Know No Fear and built the models up, just to play as a board game with a few friends from work. However I'm quite an arty person so in the future I'd really like to get back into the painting side of things - 40K minis look so fun to paint and are very different from the smaller, less colourful minis I used to do in the LOTR SBG era of things.

1. Would this be a good starter paint set to get going painting all of the miniatures I've got so far? (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07HKC5Y3C/?coliid=I330XX4FTYIXC9&colid=ZJJN2DXU48HQ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it). I've never used Army Painter before, relying previously on a few Citadel colours but mainly mixing my own with craft shop paint from Hobbycraft. I paint on canvas and so I'm not someone who needs to stick to the normal Citadel colours, perfectly comfortable with mixing up stuff myself.
   
   
2. Airbrushing seems big right now with all the hobbyists in Youtube, it wasn't at all back when I was into this hobby so it looks like things have moved on a lot. How much does an airbrush cost, is it worth it or is it just for people who are mega into painting? Is it going to be tough to set up and clean and super messy?
   
   
3. Same with wet pallets? What's all this about?
   
   
4. I've got a lot of old metal LOTR SBG minis and some unassembled box sets for things like Armoured Wood Elves and Mordor Trolls. How's the market for these right now, are they worth listing and selling?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BNUXX4U/?coliid=IU5C24XT9W0C7&colid=1IJKKJSBCJCC6&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

This stuff could be a cool addition to the wheels!

So the contrast sprays will also come in paint pot format, like the imperial primer undercoat paint that GW discontinued a few years back?

Not the identical one, but the first one that popped up upon an amazon.com search.

Vallejo Corner Module Paint Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013WYJ4CA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_u.37CbDQZCMPB

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Humbrol-AD6035-150ml-Varnish-Acrylic/dp/B001JJT6I8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535818882&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=humbrol+acrylic+spray+clear+coat&dpPl=1&dpID=415MmzYFsiL&ref=plSrch

So is this what I'm looking for ?

Is this the set you're talking about?

http://www.amazon.com/Games-Workshop-Citadel-Technical-Imperial/dp/B007SBBUEO.

It's a black primer for model painting. It will do the trick. If you have a hobby/game store near you they will probably have it for about $4

Do you really think The Army Painter Mega Set I or II are necessary if I already have The Army Painter Zombicide BP paint set and the 3 brush set? Wouldn't something like Army Painter Zombicide Survivor Paint Set and/or Army Painter Zombicide Zombie Core Paint Set do for around half the price?

As far as tools go, starter kits are cheap on amazon. Idk what they go for a la carte, but you might be able to throw together a kit at a hardware store for even cheaper. You also need a good pair of nippers. BXQINLENX Professional 25 PCS Gundam Model Tools Kit Modeler Basic Tools Craft Set Hobby Building Tools Kit for Gundam Car Model Building Repairing and Fixing (E) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KNK4T9E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kxWZDb4RX5PTM