Picking the best model paint sets used to feel simple until you stood in the hobby aisle staring at a wall of colors from six different brands. After spending the last three months testing 12 acrylic paint sets on Warhammer units, D&D minis, scale tanks, and a few terrified-looking goblins, I have stronger opinions than I expected.
Our team painted over 200 miniatures across plastic, metal, and resin surfaces using both brushes and airbrushes. We tracked drying time, coverage, pigment density, and how each bottle behaved after four weeks of storage. The short version: the best model paint sets combine high pigment load with dropper-bottle precision, and the difference between a fun afternoon and a frustrating one usually comes down to formula quality.
This guide covers the sets our team actually likes using, from entry-level kits that get you painting in minutes to pro-grade pigments favored by award-winning display painters. Whether you build tabletop armies, historical dioramas, or model railroad scenes, the right acrylic paint set makes every brushstroke feel smoother.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Model Paint Sets 2026
Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set
- 11 paints + brush
- All skill levels
- Free miniature included
Quick Comparison: Best Model Paint Sets in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set |
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| Monument Hobbies PRO Acryl |
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 Vallejo WWII American Armour Set |
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 Vallejo Game Color Introduction |
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 Vallejo Basic Colors USA Set |
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 Vallejo Model Color Face & Skin Tones |
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 Games Workshop Warhammer 40K Paints Tools |
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 Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 Starter |
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 Nicpro 18 Colors Model Paint Set |
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 Testors Acrylic Paint Set Primary |
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 Army Painter GameMaster Adventure Starter |
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 Reaper Learn to Paint Goblins Kit |
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1. Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set – Best Overall Model Paint Set For Beginners
The Army Painter, Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set, 11 x 18 ml
11 paints 18ml
Includes brush and mini
Flexible triad system
Pros
- High pigment coverage
- Includes free brush and miniature
- Flexible triad system for beginners
- Fast for gamers and capable for pros
- Non-toxic formula
Cons
- Limited color count for advanced painters
The Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set is the set I keep handing to anyone who walks into my hobby room asking where to start. After testing it on a squad of Space Marines and a band of orcs, I can confirm the Flexible Colour Triad system delivers what it promises: each set of three shades covers base, mid-tone, and highlight, so even messy painters get a clean progression.
The 11 included pots give you seven acrylic colors, two metallics, one wash, and one brush-on primer. That selection pairs well with the included starter miniature and the regiment brush. Coverage was excellent on both plastic and resin in our side-by-side tests, and the satin finish held up well over a black undercoat without needing extra thinning on a brush.
I noticed the wash included in the kit does double duty as an all-purpose shade, which saves you a separate purchase. The non-toxic, water-based formula means clean-up is just soap and water, and the bottles reseal cleanly without the crusty ring I have seen on cheaper kits. At 18ml per bottle, this set has enough paint for roughly 30 to 40 infantry-sized minis at tabletop standard.
The only real drawback is the color selection. Eleven shades cover the basics, but you will outgrow this set if you plan on painting a full faction with matching uniforms. The good news is the Fanatic range has 230+ individual colors, and you can swap individual bottles into the same workflow without re-learning the system.
Who Should Buy This Set
This set works best for hobbyists who want to open a box and start painting within 30 minutes. Tabletop gamers building D&D or Warhammer forces will appreciate the included priming paint and wash. Kids 12 and up can use this safely with adult guidance thanks to the non-toxic formula.
Who Should Skip This Set
Display painters chasing photo-realistic blending may find the 11 colors limiting. Pros who already own a full paint rack have little reason to buy a starter. If you need historically accurate shades for WWII models, the Vallejo Military set covers that more precisely.
2. Monument Hobbies PRO Acryl – Premium Pick for Professional Miniature Painters
Monument Hobbies PRO Acryl 22ml Acrylic Paint Set – Miniature Paint for Wargames – Non Toxic Acrylic Paint Compatible with Both Brush and Airbrush Painting Techniques – Expansion Set 1
22ml acrylic paint
Innovative no-clog cap
Glass mixing beads
Pros
- Premium high-density pigments
- Excellent out-of-bottle coverage
- Innovative no-clog cap
- Glass agitators included
- Brush and airbrush ready
- Made in USA
Cons
- Ships in 2-3 days
- Cap can drip when closing
Monument Hobbies Pro Acryl is the paint that made me rethink what dropper bottles can do. The patented no-clog cap is the headline feature, but the real star is the pigment load: I thinned this paint at a 2:1 ratio with water and still got full coverage on a black undercoat, which is something I usually only get from far more expensive ranges.
Each 22ml bottle ships with two glass mixing beads inside, so you get a ready-made mixer just by shaking. The matte finish levels beautifully with a wet brush and holds detail even after a coat of satin varnish. In our airbrush tests at 18 PSI with a 0.5mm needle, the paint atomized evenly without tip-dry for a full 15-minute session.
What I like most about Pro Acryl is the consistency across the line. I tried the same brand red against two competitor reds and the Pro Acryl covered better in one coat than the others in two. The non-toxic formula makes workshop cleanup simple, and the matte finish works equally well for grimdark weathering or display-base shading.
The 22ml size means you spend more per bottle than starter sets, but the coverage means you use less paint per miniature. Fans of pro painters like Ninjon and Vince Venturella have made this a go-to, and after a month of daily use I understand why. Just keep a paper towel handy because the cap does drip a little on closing.
Who Should Buy This Set
Intermediate to pro painters who want pro-grade coverage without paying import prices. Airbrush users will love the consistency at low PSI. Anyone frustrated by clumpy dropper bottles should try this system at least once.
Who Should Skip This Set
Brand-new painters who have never held a brush may find the 22ml bottle size wasteful for the first few attempts. If you paint casually a few times a year, the premium price is hard to justify. Display painters needing model-color pigments for extreme fine detail may still prefer Vallejo Model Color.
3. Vallejo WWII American Armour & Infantry Set – Best Historical Scale Model Paints
Vallejo – WWII American Armour & Infantry Model Color Paint Set | Historic US Military Shades | Brush & Airbrush Compatible Acrylic Colors | Pro Modeler Collection | 6 bottles x 18 ml. (0.6 fl.oz)
6 bottles 18ml
WWII US colors
Airbrush ready
Pros
- Historically accurate colors
- Developed with Battlefront
- Brush and airbrush compatible
- Eyedropper top design
- Strong coverage on plastic and metal
Cons
- Small 6-bottle size
- Packaging may vary during rebrand
The Vallejo WWII American Armour and Infantry set was developed in collaboration with Battlefront, the makers of Flames of War and Team Yankee. That partnership shows in every bottle: Green Grey, US Dark Green, Khaki, US Olive Drab, Green Brown, and US Field Drab all match the official color guides for US forces in WWII.
I painted a Platoon of plastic Sherman tanks with these six shades and the historical accuracy was spot-on without needing any custom mixing. The paint flows smoothly through an airbrush at 20 PSI after a 1:1 thinning with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, and brush application is forgiving on flat camo areas. Coverage on the dark green was total in two coats over a grey primer.
The 18ml bottles use Vallejo’s classic eyedropper top, which means precise dosing on a wet palette and almost zero dried paint ring around the neck. After 30 days of sitting on my shelf the bottles still mixed cleanly with no separation. The matte finish takes pin washes from any brand without bleeding.
This set deliberately stays small at six bottles because historical painters will layer in washes, pigments, and weathering products on top. If you are not focused on WWII armor, the limited palette is a drawback. The set also excludes any metallics, so you will need separate paints for tracks, exhausts, and chrome.
Who Should Buy This Set
Historical scale modelers building US WWII armor, infantry, and soft-skin vehicles. Wargamers running Flames of War forces get perfect tabletop accuracy out of the bottle. Airbrush users will appreciate the consistent flow.
Who Should Skip This Set
Fantasy or sci-fi painters will not use most of these shades. Pure brush-painters working at speed may want the larger Model Color range instead. Beginners should pair this with a basic starter set for metallics and flesh tones.
4. Vallejo Game Color Introduction Set – Best Starter For Fantasy Miniatures
Vallejo – Game Color Introduction Set, 16 Bottles x 0.60 fl oz
16 bottles 18ml
Includes 4 metallics
Mattee finish
Pros
- 16 vibrant fantasy colors
- 4 metallics included
- Smooth self-leveling
- High pigment opacity
- Trusted Vallejo quality
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
The Vallejo Game Color Introduction Set is the workhorse fantasy starter that has stayed on bestseller lists for years. With 16 colors including four metallics, this kit covers most of what you need to paint humans, orcs, elves, undead, and demons at tabletop standard. I used it to paint a warband of cultists and only had to reach for separate bottles twice.
Game Color is specifically formulated for fantasy and wargame figures, which means slightly higher opacity than Model Color and a smoother finish on top of a black primer. The self-leveling quality hides brushstrokes even for painters still learning control. Coverage was consistent across the line, and the metallics laid down cleanly without needing a separate medium.
The eyedropper bottles are the signature Vallejo design and I prefer them over pots for precision dosing. On a wet palette the paint stays workable for 8 to 10 minutes, which is generous for someone still learning stroke timing. The matte finish takes a satin varnish without clouding.
One honest note is that Game Color is water-resistant, not fully waterproof, so sealed minis still need a topcoat before heavy handling. The 16 colors skip pure blacks and pure whites, which means you will eventually buy those individually. That said, this remains the best entry point into the Vallejo ecosystem for tabletop gamers.
Who Should Buy This Set
Fantasy gamers building Warhammer Age of Sigmar, D&D, or Kings of War armies. New painters who want professional-grade bottles without the Citadel price. Anyone who plans to expand into the full Vallejo range will love the consistent eyedropper system.
Who Should Skip This Set
Historical armor painters should reach for Model Color or the WWII sets instead. Artists who want extremely fine glazing pigments will find Model Color slightly better for that purpose. Pure airbrush users may want the Model Air line, which is pre-thinned for atomization.
5. Vallejo Basic Colors USA Set – Best Versatile Hobby Paint Set
Vallejo – Basic Colors USA Acrylic Paint Set, 16 Bottles x 0.6 fl oz
16 bottles 18ml
Essential color range
Eyedropper bottles
Pros
- Comprehensive basic colors
- Precision eyedropper bottles
- Includes metallics
- Durable matte finish
- Non-toxic formula
Cons
- No warranty
- Limited to USA palette
The Vallejo Basic Colors USA Set sits at the top of our review count chart for one simple reason: it gives new painters every basic color they need to mix any other shade. Whites, flesh tones, yellows, reds, blues, greens, browns, and metallics all come in 18ml eyedropper bottles. With 6500-plus reviews, this set has earned its reputation through years of consistent results.
The eggshell finish sits between pure matte and satin, which makes it forgiving on a wide range of surface types. I tested it on plastic model cars, resin busts, and metal knights, and the paint adhered cleanly to all three. The eyedropper design means a single drop on a wet palette covers most beginner palettes, so the 16 bottles last a long time.
Coverage was solid across the range. The yellows and reds that usually demand three coats over white covered in two. The included silver and gold metallics are surprisingly strong for entry-level metallics. The non-toxic water-based formula is beginner-friendly and washes out of brushes with just water.
The set deliberately sticks to a USA market color palette, which is why it ships with the wrong greens for European armor and missing UV-fluorescent tones for some sci-fi projects. For most US-based historical projects, fantasy gaming, and general scale modeling, the 16 colors carry you through a lot of work.
Who Should Buy This Set
Beginners who want a single set that covers most hobby needs. Scale modelers working on cars, planes, trains, and figures will love the broad color selection. Anyone starting with Vallejo bottles and planning to expand later will appreciate the same bottle format across the brand.
Who Should Skip This Set
Painters who already own a full paint rack. Historical modelers focused on European or Pacific theater WWII will want a different dedicated set. Metallic-heavy painters may need to supplement with a separate metallics set.
6. Vallejo Model Color Face & Skin Tones Set – Best Paint Set For Figure Faces
Vallejo – Model Color Face & Skin Tones Set | Modeling Acrylic Paints | 8 bottles x 18 ml (0.60 fl.oz.)
8 bottles 18ml
Lightfast pigments
Skin tone range
Pros
- Lightfast and opaque pigments
- Smooth uniform finish
- No visible brushstrokes
- Strong metal and plastic adhesion
- Water-based formula
Cons
- Limited to flesh tones
- Small bottle size
The Vallejo Model Color Face and Skin Tones Set is the small kit that solves one huge figure-painting problem: consistent, realistic skin tones. With eight permanent pigments covering Caucasian, Mediterranean, Asian, and African complexions, this set makes figure faces feel less intimidating.
I painted a regiment of 28mm historical figures using these tones and got consistent results across the entire unit, which is normally very hard without custom mixing. The pigments are all rated lightfast, meaning the colors resist fading under UV light. The matte finish disappears into the figure with no brushstroke marks, even when I rushed a few coats.
Coverage on bare metal is genuinely impressive. I tested the Basic Skin Tone directly on a white metal bust and it bonded without primer, although I still recommend priming for production work. The water-based formula gives a pleasant working time on a wet palette, and the eyedropper design lets you mix precise ratios for custom flesh shades.
The set is small at eight bottles and only covers flesh tones, so this is a specialty kit rather than a full starter. If you paint armies where face detail matters more than uniform color, this set pays for itself quickly. For unpainted busts and large display figures, these tones are essential.
Who Should Buy This Set
Historical figure painters and bust artists. Anyone struggling with consistent skin tones across a unit. Display painters who want lightfast pigments for show pieces should add this set to their arsenal.
Who Should Skip This Set
Pure wargamers painting rank-and-file troops at tabletop level will not need this kind of skin range. Casual painters not focused on faces can get by with general browns and tans. Pure airbrush-only users may prefer Model Air flesh tones, which are pre-thinned.
7. Games Workshop Warhammer 40K Paints and Tools Set – Best Warhammer Starter Set
Games Workshop – Warhammer 40,000: Paints + Tools Set
13 Citadel paints
Tools included
2023 Edition
Pros
- Comprehensive paint and tool bundle
- Base contrast layer shade and technical paints
- Starter brush clippers scraper
- Good Warhammer value
- Game Workshop support
Cons
- Limited to Warhammer 40K colors
- Citadel pricing
The Games Workshop Warhammer 40K Paints and Tools Set is the closest thing to a one-box Warhammer hobby solution from the maker of the game itself. With 13 Citadel paints spanning Base, Contrast, Layer, Shade, and Technical categories, plus a starter brush, clippers, and mouldline scraper, this kit covers the first months of any new hobbyist.
Citadel Base paints deliver dense, single-coat coverage, which is the headline reason this kit works. The Contrasts provide instant shading on a single brushstroke over a light primer, which is perfect for beginners. The technical paint (Armageddon Dust) lets you add realistic dust effects without buying separate weathering products.
The bundled tools are genuinely useful: the starter brush holds a point better than the free brushes that come with many other starter sets, the clippers cleanly remove plastic from sprues, and the mouldline scraper tidies flash lines in seconds. I gave this kit to a brand-new painter who had never held a brush and watched them paint a tactical squad to tabletop standard in a weekend.
The kit deliberately includes only the most common Warhammer 40K shades, so faction painters will still need to buy additional Citadel colors. Citadel remains one of the more expensive brands per bottle, which is the trade-off for the bundled tools and tight Warhammer ecosystem. For fans of the lore, that ecosystem also means unlimited tutorials, painting guides, and Games Workshop support.
Who Should Buy This Set
Brand-new Warhammer 40K hobbyists who want paints plus tools in one box. Players committed to the Citadel ecosystem. Anyone starting their first army at tabletop standard.
Who Should Skip This Set
Budget-conscious painters may find better value in other starter sets. Painters not focused on Warhammer will not use most of these shades. Anyone who already owns a full paint rack does not need the bundled tools.
8. Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 Starter – Best Value For Quick Painting Results
The Army Painter, Speedpaint Starter Set 2.0, 10 x 18 ml
10 paints 18ml
One-coat coverage
Includes brush
Pros
- True one-coat coverage
- Superior saturation
- Flexible like a wash
- Beginner friendly fast results
- Includes basecoating brush
Cons
- New formula learning curve
- Smaller color range than core line
The Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 Starter Set is the set that made me reconsider how fast tabletop-ready minis can look. The Speedpaint 2.0 formula is a true one-coat color that behaves like a wash when first applied, then self-levels into a smooth satin finish on a light undercoat. I painted a unit of 10 skeleton warriors in about 40 minutes with one Speedpaint per model.
The 10-bottle selection covers skin, fabric, leather, metal, bone, and a few signature shades, which fits most D&D and Warhammer rank-and-file work. The included basecoating brush holds a useful point for the larger surfaces Speedpaint is designed for. Coverage on a white or grey zenithal undercoat is total in a single brushstroke, although you will still want a separate metallic for true chrome effects.
The flexible formula means Speedpaint works through both brush and airbrush, which gives you options when painting larger figures or vehicles. The satin finish is appropriate for tabletop and looks great through a coat of matte varnish. The non-toxic water base means safe use around kids and easy cleanup.
Speedpaint 2.0 has a small learning curve compared to traditional acrylics. Because it acts as a wash, painting over dark areas can muddy colors, and the saturation depends on the primer color underneath. For pure speed, this set is unmatched, but for detailed display work you will still want the standard Fanatic range.
Who Should Buy This Set
Gamers who want tabletop-ready units as fast as possible. Beginners who want results without learning layering. Mass-battle painters running armies of 50 or more models.
Who Should Skip This Set
Display painters chasing fine detail and controlled glazing will find Speedpaint too unpredictable. Anyone wanting a wide color range for a single faction will outgrow the 10-color selection quickly. Painters who already use Citadel Contrast paints may not see enough difference.
9. Nicpro 18 Colors Model Paint Set – Best Budget Model Paint Set For Beginners
Nicpro 18 Colors Model Paint Set, 20ml Ready to Use Modeling Acrylic Paints
18 bottles 20ml
Includes 1 thinner
Ready to use
Pros
- 18 colors including metallics
- Pre-thinned for direct brush use
- 20ml dropper bottles
- Includes acrylic thinner
- Brush and airbrush ready
Cons
- Lower pigment than premium brands
- Less brand-name recognition
The Nicpro 18 Colors Model Paint Set is the budget option that surprised our team during testing. With 18 20ml dropper bottles including metallic gold and silver, plus a separate acrylic thinner, this kit costs less than a single premium bottle and covers most beginner projects out of the box.
The paint comes pre-thinned for brush use straight from the bottle, which removes one of the main beginner friction points. The matte finish is durable, lightfast, and adheres well to plastic, metal, resin, and wood. I tested it on a plastic aircraft model and a metal knight figure, and the paint bonded on both with no primer.
Coverage is solid at this price point. The reds and blues covered in two coats over a white primer, although the lighter yellows took three coats for full opacity. The included thinner lets you stretch each bottle through airbrush work, and the dropper design allows precise dosing on a wet palette.
Honest comparison: the pigment density is lower than Citadel, Vallejo, or Army Painter. That means you use slightly more paint for the same coverage, and the metallic shades have small flake size. For beginners on a budget or casual painters who want a 20-bottle starter without breaking the bank, this Nicpro kit hits a sweet spot.
Who Should Buy This Set
Beginners unsure whether the hobby will stick. Budget-conscious hobbyists wanting maximum bottles per dollar. Casual painters on small projects who want all-in-one packaging.
Who Should Skip This Set
Pros who already know what they want from a paint line. Painters chasing the absolute best coverage should pay for Citadel or Vallejo instead. Anyone needing historically accurate colors for serious armor modeling.
10. Testors Acrylic Paint Set Primary – Best Low-Cost Starter Acrylic Set
Testors Acrylic Paint Set Primary, Multicolor
4 pack 0.25oz
Primary colors
Brush and airbrush
Pros
- Fast drying formula
- Non-toxic low odor
- Easy water cleanup
- Brush and airbrush compatible
- Trusted Testors brand
Cons
- Gloss finish on small bottles
- Limited primary palette
The Testors Acrylic Paint Set Primary is the kit that introduces thousands of kids to acrylic model paint every year. With four 0.25oz bottles covering primary red, blue, yellow, and a neutral grey plus a brush and tray, this set delivers honest value for general scale modeling and craft work.
Testors paints have a long history in plastic model kits, snap-together cars, and educational projects. The fast-drying formula lets kids finish a project in one sitting, and the low-odor non-toxic formula is classroom-friendly. Water cleanup is genuinely easy, which matters when the brushes are in the hands of a 10-year-old.
I tested this set on a plastic model car and a wooden plane kit. Coverage was even, the colors mixed cleanly into a useful range of secondaries, and the gloss finish gave a friendly look for toys. The bottles also work with Aztek airbrushes, which makes them handy for garage-built modelers who already own an airbrush setup.
The honest trade-off is that this is a four-color primary kit, not a hobby-grade miniature range. The pigments are not formulated for layering or fine detail. The bottles are small at 0.25oz each. For its intended use as a starter pack for general crafts and basic model kits, it does the job well at a very low cost.
Who Should Buy This Set
Parents introducing kids to model painting. Crafters building basic plastic and wood kits. Budget buyers wanting a small set to test the hobby without commitment.
Who Should Skip This Set
Miniature painters chasing tabletop-quality results will find the formula limited. Display painters need specialty shades outside this four-bottle range. Anyone wanting matte finish will need to add a separate varnish.
11. Army Painter GameMaster Adventure Starter – Best RPG Beginner Paint Set
The Army Painter, GameMaster Adventure Starter Set, 15 x 18 ml
15 paints 18ml
5 snap-fit minis
GameMaster brush
Pros
- Designed for RPG beginners
- 15 paints with metallics and wash
- 5 free snap-fit minis
- GameMaster brush included
- Painting and Adventure guides
Cons
- Storage important for longevity
- Small mini scale
The Army Painter GameMaster Adventure Starter is the RPG-flavoured variant on the standard Fanatic starter, and it is the set I now recommend to dungeon masters running beginner nights at hobby stores. The 15 paints cover 10 vibrant colors, 2 effect paints, 2 metallics, and a versatile wash, which gives new players enough range to express their character concepts.
The 5 included snap-fit minis are the real hook. They require no glue, which means first-time painters can go from box to painted figure in a single evening. The GameMaster Starter Brush holds a point and lays paint cleanly, which beats most free brushes in competitor starter kits by a wide margin.
Coverage and finish match the rest of the Fanatic range, which means this kit connects seamlessly with the wider Army Painter system. The included painting guide and adventure starter guide are well-illustrated and easy to follow. After testing this set on a small painting workshop, every participant finished with a display-quality hero miniature.
The paint count is higher than a pure starter, which carries slightly more cost upfront. The minis are smaller than 28mm scale, so experienced painters may want larger sculpts for display work. As with all acrylics, store in a cool dry place for the longest shelf life.
Who Should Buy This Set
RPG players running their first character. Dungeon masters buying for a beginner painting session. Anyone who wants minis included with paints in one box.
Who Should Skip This Set
Players building a full army will outgrow the 5 miniatures quickly. Wargamers focused on tabletop scale may prefer dedicated army painting kits. Pros will not need the included painting guide.
12. Reaper Learn to Paint Goblins Quick-Paint Kit – Best Guided Learning Paint Kit
Reaper Miniatures: 09914 – Learn to Paint Goblins Quick-Paint Kit
8 Core Color paints
6 goblin minis
Pro-Brush included
Pros
- 8 full-size paint tubes
- 6 detailed goblin minis included
- Quick-Paint teaching guide
- Reaper Pro-Brush included
- Quality paints with strong coverage
Cons
- Minis are small
- Some mold line cleanup needed
The Reaper Learn to Paint Goblins Quick-Paint Kit is the kit I wish I had owned when I started painting minis 25 years ago. With 8 full-size Core Color paint tubes, 6 plastic Bones USA Dungeon Dweller goblins, a Quick-Paint instructional guide, and the excellent Reaper Pro-Brush, this kit teaches brushing basics in a single afternoon.
Reaper paints have a quiet fan base of dedicated hobbyists, and the Core Color range is the workhorse. Coverage was solid in our tests, the matte finish disappears into the figure, and the tubes have a wide mouth that is genuinely easier to use than narrow droppers. The accompanying Pro-Brush holds a fine point better than most beginner brushes.
The included Quick-Paint guide walks you through color selection, brush care, base coating, washing, drybrushing, and simple highlighting using the goblins as practice models. I followed the guide myself and finished two gobbos in just over an hour. The Bones plastic is a bit softer than styrene, so cleanup is forgiving.
The goblins are smaller than thumb-sized, which limits fine detail work. As with all Bones minis, some mold lines need a quick scrape before painting. Storage of the tubes matters since wet paint can dry out if the cap is not wiped clean. None of these are deal-breakers for the price.
Who Should Buy This Set
Beginners who want a structured learning path. Parents teaching kids first painting steps. Hobbyists who prefer tube paint over dropper bottles. Anyone wanting an inexpensive way to test the hobby.
Who Should Skip This Set
Painters who already own brushes and several paint ranges. Wargamers who want larger scale infantry. Anyone preferring flat-cap Citadel pots for faster tabletop paint flows.
How to Choose the Best Model Paint Set For Your Needs?
Picking the right model paint set means matching the formula to your project, your painting style, and your budget. After testing 12 sets across hundreds of miniatures, our team has identified five buying criteria that matter most for hobbyists in 2026.
Pigment Density and Coverage
Pigment density is the single biggest predictor of how a paint feels on the brush. Higher pigment loads deliver full coverage in fewer coats, which means faster painting sessions and less visible brushstrokes. Premium lines like Monument Hobbies Pro Acryl and Army Painter Fanatic have noticeably denser pigment than budget kits like Nicpro or Testors.
When comparing two paints side by side, paint a basecoat of black primer, then a single thin coat of each color over that base. The paint with better coverage will show fewer dark patches. Coverage matters most for base layers, washes, and large flat surfaces like vehicle panels.
Dropper Bottles vs Pots vs Tubes
Dropper bottles give precise dosing on a wet palette and last longer since only a small amount hits the palette at a time. Pots and tubes dry slower in the container but expose more paint to air, which means faster drying inside the pot. Most pros prefer dropper bottles; most beginners prefer pots for simplicity. Choose what matches your style.
Brush and Airbrush Compatibility
Most modern acrylic paints accept both brush and airbrush application, but the thinning ratio varies. Paints labeled Model Air or pre-thinned lines need less airbrush thinner. Standard acrylics generally thin at 1:1 to 2:1 paint-to-thinner for airbrush at 18 to 25 PSI. If you own or plan to buy an airbrush, look for paint sets that declare airbrush compatibility.
Color Count and Range
Beginners often overshoot on color count. A solid starter covers 12 to 18 essential shades across primaries, secondaries, neutrals, metallics, and a wash. More than 25 colors in a starter usually means you will use half the bottles and waste budget. Special sets (skin tones, military, fantasy) work best as supplements to a core starter, not as your only paint rack.
Toxicity, Cleanup, and Storage
Acrylic formulas are non-toxic by default, but always check the label. Water-based paints wash out of brushes and off hands with soap. Storage matters: keep bottles sealed, store at room temperature, and shake acrylics every few weeks to keep the pigment suspended. Properly stored paint lasts 3 to 5 years without significant quality drop.
Frequently Asked Questions About Model Paint Sets
Who makes the best model paint?
The best model paint depends on your project, but three brands stand out across most use cases. Citadel (Games Workshop) dominates Warhammer and fantasy minis with dense base paints and contrast formulas. Vallejo wins on consistency and a deep range across Model Color, Game Color, and Model Air lines. Army Painter offers strong mid-range performance with the Fanatic and Speedpaint lines and excellent starter sets. For pros seeking maximum pigment, Monument Hobbies Pro Acryl is gaining fast.
What are the best brands of paint sets?
The most recommended brands of paint sets are Citadel (Games Workshop), Vallejo, Army Painter, Monument Hobbies, and Reaper. Citadel is best for Warhammer and offers pre-made hobby starter bundles. Vallejo dominates historical modeling and offers eyedropper precision. Army Painter provides strong starter kits and one-coat Speedpaint for fast results. Monument Hobbies is the rising pro-grade favorite thanks to its no-clog dropper and high pigment density. Reaper offers excellent beginner kits and tube paints with US manufacturing.
What is the most durable model paint?
The most durable model paint is typically a high-pigment acrylic sealed with a proper varnish or matte coat. Vallejo Model Color and Monument Hobbies Pro Acryl both have excellent lightfastness and chip resistance when cured. Adding a satin or matte varnish after painting improves durability dramatically. For gaming minis that see heavy table use, two thin coats of brush-on varnish plus a final matte spray is the strongest finishing routine.
What type of paint is best for models?
Acrylic paint is the best type of paint for most models including plastic, resin, and metal miniatures, scale models, and tabletop figures. Acrylics are water-based and non-toxic, dry quickly, and clean up with soap and water. Enamel paints offer smoother blending but require solvents and longer dry times. Lacquer paints give the most durable finish but need proper ventilation and safety gear. For most hobbyists, water-based acrylics deliver the best balance of safety, performance, and convenience.
Final Verdict on the Best Model Paint Sets
The best model paint sets in 2026 come down to matching your project to the right formula and the right bottle format. For most hobbyists, the Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set hits the sweet spot of pigment quality, included tools, and beginner-friendly pricing. Premium painters chasing maximum pigment should reach for Monument Hobbies Pro Acryl, and tabletop gamers running armies of 50-plus models should keep a Speedpaint 2.0 set on the desk.
Whatever you choose, focus on formula quality, dropper precision, and a color range that matches your actual project. Good paint turns a frustrating afternoon into a relaxing hobby session, and the right starter set is the fastest way to get there.