If you are a Warhammer fan, you know that painting miniatures is an integral part of the Warhammer experience. You know it, right?
Because knowing how to paint your miniatures is something that will not only give you the opportunity to develop your creativity and your skills as a painter, but it will also allow you to do something more important: bringing your army to life!
But there is a problem…
With so many painting options available on the market, which one to choose? Sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start (trust me, you’re not the only one who does).
That’s why in this article, I’d like to save you some time and tell you about three Warhammer paints that will take your miniatures to the next level.
These paints will help you achieve vibrant colors, stunning detail and a professional looking finish.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a beginner in miniature painting, pay attention. Because you’ll most likely learn new things you didn’t know before that will help you improve the finish of your miniatures and achieve a much more impressive result.
Shall we start?
Pedro
Project Manager
21/03/2023
Catch everyone’s eyes
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This guide is like a crash course in painting where you will discover how to judiciously choose and design the most stunning and impactful colour scheme to make your army a real eye-catcher both in the display case and on the gaming table.
Understanding Warhammer Paints
Before we dive right into the three paints that will take your miniatures to the next level… let’s first talk about the different types of paints that are available in the Warhammer universe.
First, there are the base paints, which are opaque paints designed to provide a solid base for your miniature’s color scheme. They work best when applied directly to a primed surface.
Next, there are layer paints, which are translucent and are used to enhance the color over the base coat. These paints are perfect for adding depth and dimension to your miniatures.
Then we have shadow paints, which are dark washes used to add contrast and depth to sunken areas of the miniature. They work by pooling in the crevices and recesses of the miniature, creating a shaded effect.
When choosing the right paint for your miniatures, it is important to consider the color scheme you want to achieve, the level of detail you want to add and the techniques you plan to use. In addition, you should consider the properties of each paint, such as opacity, drying time and viscosity.
To get the most out of your paints, it is important to experiment and find what works best for you.
May I give you some advice?
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different paints to achieve the desired effect.
Remember that practice makes perfect: the more you paint, the better you will know how to select the right paints and use them to bring your miniatures to life.
Our 3 recommended Warhammer paints
As we have mentioned, when it comes to Warhammer paints there are plenty of options. But it is true that some paints stand out from the rest for their quality and performance. Do you want to know what they are?
Here is a list of our top three picks for Warhammer paints:
- AK Interactive 3G Paint
- Liquitex Acrylic Paint
- AMMO MIG Streaking
Each of these paints offers unique properties and characteristics that make them ideal for different applications.
And below we will go into detail about each of them and their pros and cons.
AK Interactive 3G Paint
AK Interactive 3G Paint is a high-quality acrylic paint that offers excellent coverage and color saturation. It is known for its smooth and consistent finish, making it ideal for base coats and large areas. (Basing and Layering)
One of the standout properties of AK Interactive 3G Paint is its ability to self-level, which means it can cover up small imperfections and leave a smooth surface. It also dries quickly, allowing for efficient painting sessions.
Pros:
- Excellent coverage and color saturation.
- Smooth and consistent finish
- Self-leveling properties
- Dries quickly
Cons:
- Can be prone to clogging airbrushes
- Limited color range compared to other brands
Liquitex Acrylic Ink
Liquitex Acrylic Ink is a highly pigmented acrylic ink that offers intense and vibrant colors. It is known for its fluidity and transparency, which makes it ideal for glazes, washes and highlights. (Layering & Shadows)
One of the most outstanding properties of Liquitex Acrylic Ink is its ability to flow smoothly and evenly, making it easy to obtain precise, controlled lines. It also dries quickly and is water resistant once dry.
Pros:
- Intense and vibrant colors
- Smooth and even flow
- Fast drying and water resistant
- Suitable for glazes, filters and ambient shadows
Cons:
- Limited color range compared to other brands
- Can be difficult to remove if applied too heavily
AMMO MIG Streaking
Streaking is an enamel-based paint that offers unique weathering effects. It is known for its streaking and fading properties, making it ideal for adding depth and dimension to your miniatures. (Contrast and shadows)
One of the most outstanding properties of AMMO MIG Striations is its ability to create realistic weathering effects, such as rust, grime and dirt. It also dries slowly, allowing for easy manipulation and blending.
Pros:
- Unique weathering effects
- Slow drying for easy manipulation
- Versatile and suitable for a range of applications
- Creates realistic rust, grime, and dirt effects
Cons:
- Enamel-based, which can be difficult to clean and work with
- Can be easily removed if not protected with varnish
Overall, each of these Warhammer paints offers unique properties and characteristics that make them ideal for different applications. If you are a beginner, we recommend that you first read our guide “How to paint Warhammer miniatures“.
By choosing the right paint for each phase of your painting process, you will be able to achieve vibrant colors, impressive detail and a more professional-looking finish.
What hobbyist doesn’t want that?
Wrapping It Up
Before we finish, let me make a small summary of what we have talked about today:
Our three top paint recommendations for Warhammer are:
AK Interactive 3G
Liquitex Acrylic Ink
AMMO MIG Streaking
Each of these paints brings its own unique set of qualities that make them perfect for a number of applications.
AK Interactive 3G excels at providing a smooth, consistent base, Liquitex Acrylic Ink is your choice for rich colors and depth, and AMMO MIG Streaking adds realistic aging and streaking effects.
As you’ve seen, selecting the right paints can really take your miniatures to the next level and make them an eye-catcher on the battlefield.
Whether you are a novice or experienced painter, understanding the different types of paints available and their unique properties is crucial to achieving the desired effects on your miniatures.
Painting Warhammer miniatures is a hobby that requires patience, practice and a touch of imagination.
If you follow the tips and techniques we have shared in this article, and get hold of the right paints, you will be well on your way to perfecting your miniature painting skills and creating true works of art.
Cheer up with your painting sessions!
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