Test patches were both done with the same brush on a primered square of milk jug plastic.
top row: Craft Smart acrylic. The cheapest of the cheap: 69¢ for 2 oz. Thinned on the left, straight on the right.
bottom row: Vallejo Model Color. Thinned some on the left, more in the middle, straight on the right.
Yes that is quite the difference. Now I wouldn't disregard the cheap paint completely. It has its place when doing large scale scenery painting. However, as seen above, I would hesitate to use it on a miniature.
The cheap paint is only good for mixing with foam and flex putties, and your own homemade textures for making badass terrain.
The ships we see here that look like they fell in the mud have been gobbed to death because the cheap crap-paint was used.
You get what you pay for.
Joe, you're also forgetting the cheap crap paint was usually applied with a spatula.
If you want to repaint your minis, do them a favour and get good quality paint and good quality brushes. They are a little more expensive but the paint covers better and the brushes last longer. It's something you won't regret if you're serious about a good paintjob.
Joe, you're also forgetting the cheap crap paint was usually applied with a spatula.
If you want to repaint your minis, do them a favour and get good quality paint and good quality brushes. They are a little more expensive but the paint covers better and the brushes last longer. It's something you won't regret if you're serious about a good paintjob.
I agree. You want good stuff then use good stuff.
I paint everything with the cheap Delta Ceramcoat stuff from Michaels. I mix it with windex and a drop off airbrush medium, and it works beautifully. Don't write it off if you're on a budget!
mix....paint....with....WINDEX....a...cleaner? ..hmmm...does it make a....WASH?
LAUGH **** IT! IT WAS FUNNY!
I swear by Testors, both the standard and Model Masters lines. Been using them for a quarter of a century, and they've never done me wrong.
Another buyer of Model Master here. Their military colors are second to none, except perhaps Vallejo, and they cover extremely well right out of the bottle. They also are printed with Federal Standard color numbers, so if you want to reproduce a particular tone, you can look up the FS color charts and find it, then match it to the paint jar at the hobby store. The name on the jar may not be the same, but the color will be.
I swear by Testors, both the standard and Model Masters lines. Been using them for a quarter of a century, and they've never done me wrong.
Another buyer of Model Master here. Their military colors are second to none, except perhaps Vallejo, and they cover extremely well right out of the bottle. They also are printed with Federal Standard color numbers, so if you want to reproduce a particular tone, you can look up the FS color charts and find it, then match it to the paint jar at the hobby store. The name on the jar may not be the same, but the color will be.
Never tried them but I've certainly seen the paints. However I have a strong feeling that I would hate them due to the bottle design. Screw lids are the devil!
I swear by Testors, both the standard and Model Masters lines. Been using them for a quarter of a century, and they've never done me wrong.
Another buyer of Model Master here. Their military colors are second to none, except perhaps Vallejo, and they cover extremely well right out of the bottle. They also are printed with Federal Standard color numbers, so if you want to reproduce a particular tone, you can look up the FS color charts and find it, then match it to the paint jar at the hobby store. The name on the jar may not be the same, but the color will be.
Never tried them but I've certainly seen the paints. However I have a strong feeling that I would hate them due to the bottle design. Screw lids are the devil!
A handy set of pliers at your worktable keeps the devil at bay.
Testors is mostly what I use as well.
Yeah, you really don't have to worry about screw lids being a problem if you clean the bottle once in a while. Paint buildup is what makes them difficult to open. You also don't need to tighten them too awful tight, because the cardboard disk in the lid is what keeps the paint wet, and it only needs a little bit of pressure to accomplish this.
I would disagree. I love the quality of my paint jobs and have had several compliments on my minis (I play WH WHF as well as x wing and I use 50 cent paint from Walmart and a touch of water. There is no need to pay the prices on those top line paints. With enough practice anything is will work
I didn't get any of the higher-grade craft store acrylics to test. Some claim to work well even on plastic and glass. I may do that later, if I feel like throwing another $2.50 away.
A handy set of pliers at your worktable keeps the devil at bay.
Testors is mostly what I use as well.
Plier always keep the devil at bay. 
Yeah, you really don't have to worry about screw lids being a problem if you clean the bottle once in a while. Paint buildup is what makes them difficult to open. You also don't need to tighten them too awful tight, because the cardboard disk in the lid is what keeps the paint wet, and it only needs a little bit of pressure to accomplish this.
I suppose I'm biased since I've had to deal with GW's mark 3 pots.
I would disagree. I love the quality of my paint jobs and have had several compliments on my minis (I play WH WHF as well as x wing and I use 50 cent paint from Walmart and a touch of water. There is no need to pay the prices on those top line paints. With enough practice anything is will work
It is certainly possible to paint great looking models with cheap paints but I would argue that more expensive paints will at the very least make painting easier. Taking Quarrel's example at the start of the thread, Vallejo paints are more or less guaranteed to give a good coverage at all times, while the cheap paint he used didn't provide a very good coverage.
What about Apple Barrel Paint 21148 Black? (Its my current only bottle of paint lol, but i havent use it yet lol)
A handy set of pliers at your worktable keeps the devil at bay.
Testors is mostly what I use as well.
Plier always keep the devil at bay.
Yeah, you really don't have to worry about screw lids being a problem if you clean the bottle once in a while. Paint buildup is what makes them difficult to open. You also don't need to tighten them too awful tight, because the cardboard disk in the lid is what keeps the paint wet, and it only needs a little bit of pressure to accomplish this.
I suppose I'm biased since I've had to deal with GW's mark 3 pots.
I would disagree. I love the quality of my paint jobs and have had several compliments on my minis (I play WH WHF as well as x wing and I use 50 cent paint from Walmart and a touch of water. There is no need to pay the prices on those top line paints. With enough practice anything is will work
It is certainly possible to paint great looking models with cheap paints but I would argue that more expensive paints will at the very least make painting easier. Taking Quarrel's example at the start of the thread, Vallejo paints are more or less guaranteed to give a good coverage at all times, while the cheap paint he used didn't provide a very good coverage.
most definitely easier! all I was saying is that it is possible to paint quality models (people who play warhammer are snobs. If you have a poor posting job some players will refuse to play with you) without breaking the budget it just takes time and practice. If you can afford to fill your paint cabinet with GW paint then go for it. It will definitely make things easier
A handy set of pliers at your worktable keeps the devil at bay.
Testors is mostly what I use as well.
Plier always keep the devil at bay.
Yeah, you really don't have to worry about screw lids being a problem if you clean the bottle once in a while. Paint buildup is what makes them difficult to open. You also don't need to tighten them too awful tight, because the cardboard disk in the lid is what keeps the paint wet, and it only needs a little bit of pressure to accomplish this.
I suppose I'm biased since I've had to deal with GW's mark 3 pots.
I would disagree. I love the quality of my paint jobs and have had several compliments on my minis (I play WH WHF as well as x wing and I use 50 cent paint from Walmart and a touch of water. There is no need to pay the prices on those top line paints. With enough practice anything is will work
It is certainly possible to paint great looking models with cheap paints but I would argue that more expensive paints will at the very least make painting easier. Taking Quarrel's example at the start of the thread, Vallejo paints are more or less guaranteed to give a good coverage at all times, while the cheap paint he used didn't provide a very good coverage.
This is a great conversation...
I myself am a lopsided budget gamer; I depend on Flash Sales, Daily Deals and Dent & Ding to purchase, figures/minis, for my hobby. When it comes to paint(and brushes) though, I will buy whatever, whenever. When I need a color, Miniature Market is only a few minutes away. If I happen to walk through a department store's hobby area and see a color I like, I will buy it, it does not matter what brand it is. However; I have Thirty-Two years of painting experience, much of my ability to paint is natural, but I also practice. Time, practice, trial & error, consistency, willingness and patience. The effects you can get, with the brand name hobby paints, are MUCH easier to achieve and usually cost three times as much. But; you have to know what it is you are trying to achieve, as an artist, and what mix/formula of color is needed to attain your goal. - Understand though, just because you pay $2 U.S. versus .50¢ for paint, you are not going to instantly have the best looking piece on the table, it takes time.
You guys are the best!
most definitely easier! all I was saying is that it is possible to paint quality models (people who play warhammer are snobs. If you have a poor posting job some players will refuse to play with you) without breaking the budget it just takes time and practice. If you can afford to fill your paint cabinet with GW paint then go for it. It will definitely make things easier
No one can afford to stock up completely with GW's paints. Not unless you are prepared to sell a kidney and offer your firstborn to them.
This is a great conversation...
I myself am a lopsided budget gamer; I depend on Flash Sales, Daily Deals and Dent & Ding to purchase, figures/minis, for my hobby. When it comes to paint(and brushes) though, I will buy whatever, whenever. When I need a color, Miniature Market is only a few minutes away. If I happen to walk through a department store's hobby area and see a color I like, I will buy it, it does not matter what brand it is. However; I have Thirty-Two years of painting experience, much of my ability to paint is natural, but I also practice. Time, practice, trial & error, consistency, willingness and patience. The effects you can get, with the brand name hobby paints, are MUCH easier to achieve and usually cost three times as much. But; you have to know what it is you are trying to achieve, as an artist, and what mix/formula of color is needed to attain your goal. - Understand though, just because you pay $2 U.S. versus .50¢ for paint, you are not going to instantly have the best looking piece on the table, it takes time.
You guys are the best!
I'm at the other end of the spectrum, I will almost never use anything other than top quality paints (BTW GW isn't in the top five for me). However I paint a lot so I suppose I can't afford the time needed to overcome the possible problems that cheaper paint might bring. I have also spent considerable time learning just what each range brings to the table, their strengths and weaknesses so to speak, and I've tried to summarise at least part of that in another topic.
I've used just about every brand of paint that's been on the market, and from my experience (about 35 years worth plus) you can make cheaper paints work for you. However that being said I prefer a top-end paint (my current favorite is Vallejo both for coverage and for range of color), and I definitely do not skimp on brushes (Windsor & Newton Series 7). It really all depends on your budget, skill level and what techniques you favor while painting. For instance some paint lines are easier to drybrush with while some are not. The most important thing here is to find what works best for you.
I've used just about every brand of paint that's been on the market, and from my experience (about 35 years worth plus) you can make cheaper paints work for you. However that being said I prefer a top-end paint (my current favorite is Vallejo both for coverage and for range of color), and I definitely do not skimp on brushes (Windsor & Newton Series 7). It really all depends on your budget, skill level and what techniques you favor while painting. For instance some paint lines are easier to drybrush with while some are not. The most important thing here is to find what works best for you.
DAT...
The cheap-ass paint is good for dry-brushing because it is keen of clunking and so forth.