Best Airbrush Paint for Plastic Models: Top Picks

Airbrushing plastic models is a great way to achieve a professional-looking finish. However, using the right airbrush paint is crucial. Not all airbrush paints are created equal, and using the wrong type can result in a subpar finish or even damage to the plastic. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best airbrush paint for plastic models.

When choosing airbrush paint for plastic models, there are a few critical factors to consider. Firstly, the paint should be specifically formulated for use with plastic. Using the wrong type of paint can cause the plastic to warp or even melt.

Secondly, the paint should be easy to apply and dry quickly. This is especially important when working on intricate models with small details. Finally, the paint should be durable and resistant to chipping and fading.

After researching and testing various airbrush paints, we’ve identified the top options for plastic models. These paints meet the above criteria and offer a range of colors and finishes to suit any project. So, whether you’re a seasoned model builder or just starting, we’ve got you covered.

Best Airbrush Paints for Plastic Models

We know that choosing the right airbrush paint for your plastic models can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best airbrush paints for plastic models to help you achieve a flawless finish on your next project. Our team has spent countless hours researching and testing various products to provide a comprehensive list of the top contenders.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned modeler, we’ve covered you with our expert recommendations. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our roundup of the best airbrush paints for plastic models.

Best Smooth: Sig Wong Airbrush Paint Set

If you’re looking for a high-quality airbrush paint set for your plastic models, Sig Wong Airbrush Paint Set is a great option.

Key Features

• Diversified color selection with 16 standard colors, four neon colors, and four pearl colors
• The smooth and ready-to-spray formula that doesn’t require dilution
• Quick-drying and resists cracking, peeling, and chipping
• Water-based and non-toxic, easy to clean with soap and water
• It comes with two airbrush cleaners for easy maintenance.

Pros

• Diversified color selection with 16 standard colors, four neon colors, and four pearl colors
• The smooth and ready-to-spray formula that doesn’t require dilution
• Wide range of applications on various surfaces like paper, canvas, wood, fabric, leather, plastics, metals, ceramic, etc.

Cons

• Some colors might clog the airbrush
• The paint might dry too quickly, making it hard to blend colors
• The bottles might leak during shipping

Sig Wong Airbrush Paint Set is an excellent option for those who want a wide range of colors. The set has 16 standard colors, four neon colors, and four pearl colors, giving you a diversified selection. Moreover, the paint is prepared and doesn’t require dilution, making it smoother and ready to spray.

This airbrush paint set is quick-drying and resists cracking, peeling, and chipping, making it suitable for surfaces like paper, canvas, wood, fabric, leather, plastics, metals, ceramic, etc.

The paint is water-based and non-toxic, making it easy to clean with soap and water if the dyes stain your hand. The set comes with two airbrush cleaners that help you maintain a clean airbrush at the end of each use.

However, some colors might clog the airbrush, making it hard to work with. The paint might dry too quickly, making it difficult to blend colors. Moreover, the bottles might leak during shipping, causing a mess.

In conclusion, Sig Wong Airbrush Paint Set is an excellent option for those who want a wide range of colors. The paint is prepared and doesn’t require dilution, making it smoother and ready to spray.

The set is quick-drying and resists cracking, peeling, and chipping, making it suitable for various surfaces. However, some colors might clog the airbrush, and the paint might dry too quickly, making it hard to blend colors.

Best Non-Toxic: The Army Painter Starter Airbrush Paint Set

The Army Painter Starter Airbrush Paint Set and Airbrush Thinner are worth considering if you’re looking for a high-quality airbrush paint set for plastic models.

Key Features

• 12 airbrush paints with paint mixing balls
• Highly pigmented and non-toxic
• Optimal coverage with fewer layers
• Unique Triad System for easy highlighting and shading
• Perfect for faster and more cohesive army painting
• Vibrant colors with the stable resin solution

Pros

• The set comes with 12 airbrush paints preloaded with paint mixing balls plus one 100ml bottle of matt grey and one 100ml bottle of airbrush medium.
• The paints are highly pigmented, non-toxic, and offer optimal coverage, allowing you to paint with fewer layers for a quicker paint application.
• The Warpaints Air range has been developed in a unique and innovative Triad System, making highlighting and zenithal shading a breeze and army painting even faster and more cohesive.

Cons

• The bottles could be more significant.
• Some users reported that the paint was grainy and had to be mixed with a small dowel rod.
• A few users received dry and unusable paints.

This airbrush paint set is perfect for those who want to paint their models faster without losing quality. The paints are of unparalleled quality due to the nature of the high coverage offered by the specially chosen and ultra-filtered vibrant pigments.

Combined with a very stable and matchless resin solution, this is paint science at its best! The set has a matt grey bottle and an airbrush medium bottle, making it a complete painting solution.

The Warpaints Air range has been developed in a unique and innovative Triad System. Each matching Warpaints Acrylics color has a corresponding Base and Highlight color, making highlighting and zenithal shading a breeze and army painting even faster and more cohesive.

Overall, The Army Painter Starter Airbrush Paint Set and Airbrush Thinner is a great choice for those who want to paint their plastic models with high-quality, non-toxic, and highly pigmented paints.

Best Water-Based: SAGUDIO Airbrush Paint Set 12 Colors

If you’re looking for a versatile and non-toxic airbrush paint set for your plastic models, SAGUDIO Airbrush Paint Set 12 Colors might be a good option.

Key Features

• 12 primary colors for custom color creation
• Water-based acrylic paints that dry quickly and are ready to spray
• Non-toxic and safe to use
• Not suitable for body or food applications
• It may require thinning for mini airbrush compressors.
• Potential for ink clogging in the machine

Pros

• The set contains 12 primary colors that can be mixed to create custom colors.
• The acrylic airbrush paints are water-based, quick-drying, and ready to spray directly without thinning.
• The set suits various surfaces such as plastic models, textiles, paper, wood, glass, canvas, T-shirt, leather, and wall.

Cons

• The paint might be hard to spray with mini airbrush compressors and need to be thinned like “milk.”
• The set is not suitable for the body and food.
• The ink might clog the machine and not come out smooth.

SAGUDIO Airbrush Paint Set 12 Colors is a water-based and non-toxic set that can be used for various surfaces. The set contains 12 basic colors that can be mixed to create custom colors.

The acrylic airbrush paints are water-based, quick-drying, and ready to spray directly without thinning. However, the paint might be hard to spray out with mini airbrush compressors and might need to be thinned like “milk.”

The set is not suitable for the body and food. Also, the ink might clog the machine and not come out smooth.

Best Overall: Vallejo MODEL COLOR SET: UTILITY PAINT SET (8)

We recommend purchasing Vallejo MODEL COLOR SET: UTILITY PAINT SET (8) for its versatility and quality.

Key Features

• Specially developed acrylic paint for airbrush technology
• It can also be used with a brush, ink pen, drawing pen, etc.
• Variety of colors included for different plastic models
• Matte finish ideal for military models
• A high-quality and versatile option
• It does not have a thinner for airbrushing.
• Some users may prefer a gloss finish
• It may require multiple coats for full coverage.

Pros

• Vallejo Model Air is specially developed acrylic paint for airbrush technology, but can also be used with brushes, ink pens, drawing pens, etc.
• The set includes a variety of colors to paint different plastic models.
• The paint has a matte finish, which is perfect for military models.

Cons

• The set does not include a thinner, which is necessary for airbrushing.
• Some users may prefer a gloss finish for their models.
• The paint may require multiple coats to achieve full coverage.

Vallejo MODEL COLOR SET: UTILITY PAINT SET (8) is a great option for those who want to paint plastic models with airbrush technology. The paint is versatile and can also be used with other tools, and the set includes a variety of colors to choose from.

The matte finish is perfect for military models, but some users may prefer a gloss finish. Keep in mind that the set does not include a thinner, which is necessary for airbrushing.

Best Resistant: Tplook Airbrush Paint Set

If you’re looking for a versatile airbrush paint set, Tplook Airbrush Paint Set might be the right choice for you.

Key Features

• The set includes 16 colors, including primary opaque and fluorescent colors.
• The better formula ensures smooth airbrush flow without clogging.
• No need for thinning; ready to use with an airbrush
• Resists cracking, peeling, and chipping with high adhesion
• Easy to clean and conforms to ASTM D-4236
• Exquisite packaging for easy use and storage
• Includes two airbrush cleaners for maintenance

Pros

• The set contains 16 colors, including 13 primary opaque colors and three fluorescent colors, satisfying all your painting needs without any mixing process.
• The airbrush paints use a better formula with a proper ratio, ensuring an excellent airbrush flow characteristic. It pairs well with your airbrush with a smooth consistency and won’t clog it up. Thinning is not required.
• This airbrush paint resists cracking, peeling, and chipping due to its high adhesion properties. It is easily attached to various materials, such as models, shoes, canvas, paper cards, eggs, fabric, metals, ceramics, and 3D prints.

Cons

• Some users may find that the colors are not as vibrant as expected.
• The paint may dry quickly, requiring you to work fast.
• The bottles are relatively small, with only 30 ml of paint.

The Tplook Airbrush Paint Set is an ultra-convenient acrylic airbrush paint set that is perfect for small objects. This paint set is easy to clean without leaving traces and conforms to ASTM D-4236.

The exquisite packaging makes it easy to use and store, and each easy-to-squeeze bottle features a sealed design. The set comes with two airbrush cleaners to help you minimize paint accumulation between color changes and maintain a clean airbrush at the end of each use.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality airbrush paint set, that’s easy to use and clean, the Tplook Airbrush Paint Set is a great choice. It’s perfect for beginners and professionals alike and comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best airbrush paint for plastic models, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind to help you make an informed decision:

Paint Type

Different types of airbrush paints are available, including acrylic, enamel, and lacquer. Each type has its unique characteristics and benefits. Acrylic paints are water-based and dry quickly, making them easy to clean up and ideal for beginners.

Enamel paints are oil-based and offer a glossy finish but require more drying and cleaning up. Lacquer paints are solvent-based and provide a durable finish, but they can be more challenging to work with and require proper ventilation.

Pigment Quality

The pigments’ quality in the paint can significantly affect the final result. Look for paints with high-quality pigments that offer vibrant colors and good coverage. Cheaper paints may have lower-quality stains that result in dull or uneven colors.

Consistency

The consistency of the paint is essential for achieving a smooth and even finish. Look for paints that have a consistent viscosity and flow easily through the airbrush. Thin paints may require more layers to achieve full coverage, while thick paints can clog the airbrush.

Compatibility

Ensure the paint you choose is compatible with your airbrush and the plastic model material. Some paints may not adhere well to certain types of plastic or may require a specific kind of airbrush nozzle or compressor.

Safety

Always prioritize safety when working with airbrush paints. Look for paints that are non-toxic and safe to use in a well-ventilated area. Wear protective gear such as gloves and a respirator when necessary.

Considering these factors, you can choose the best airbrush paint for your plastic model project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended type of paint for airbrushing plastic models?

Acrylic paints are the recommended type of paint for airbrushing plastic models. They are water-soluble, easy to clean up and dry quickly. They also come in various colors and can be mixed to create custom colors.

Which brand of airbrush paint is best for model cars?

There are many brands of airbrush paint available, but some of the most popular and highly recommended brands for model cars include Tamiya, Vallejo, and Testors. These brands offer a wide range of colors, are easy to work with and produce excellent results.

What are the most popular colors for model airbrush paint?

The most popular colors for model airbrush paint include black, white, red, blue, and yellow. These colors are versatile and can be used for a variety of projects. However, it’s important to note that the most popular colors can vary depending on the painted model.

Will airbrush paint stick to plastic?

Yes, airbrush paint will stick to plastic. However, it’s essential to prepare the plastic surface before painting correctly. This can include cleaning the surface, sanding it to create a rough texture, and using a primer to help the paint adhere to the plastic.

Do you need thin airbrush paint?

Yes, airbrush paint typically needs to be thinned before use. This helps to create a smooth, even coat of paint and prevents clogging in the airbrush. The amount of thinning required can vary depending on the type of paint and the desired consistency.

Can you use Windex to thin airbrush paint?

While some modelers have successfully used Windex to thin airbrush paint, we do not recommend it. Windex contains ammonia, which can damage the airbrush and cause the paint to dry too quickly. Instead, it’s best to use a dedicated airbrush thinner or a mix of water and isopropyl alcohol.