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Best Airbrush Paint For Plastic Models (2024 Update)

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If you’re looking for the perfect paint for plastic models, airbrush paint might be your solution. Airbrush paint is perfect for plastic models because it provides a smooth and even application, leaving no brush marks or streaks. But with so many brands and types of airbrush paint on the market, it can be hard to know which is the best one for you.

Before purchasing airbrush paint for plastic models, there are a few factors to consider. First, think about the type of plastic you will be painting on. Some plastics require special types of paint, so it’s important to make sure you’re purchasing a paint that is compatible with your model. Second, consider the finish you want. Matte, glossy, and semi-glossy finishes are all available, so choose the one that suits your project best. Lastly, think about the color you want. While some paints come pre-mixed, others can be blended to create custom colors.

Are you tired of struggling to get the perfect finish on your plastic models? Do you want to achieve a smooth, even finish without brush marks or streaks? If so, airbrush paint might be the solution you’ve been searching for. But with so many brands and types of airbrush paint on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. Consider the factors mentioned above before making a purchase, and make sure to choose a paint that is compatible with your plastic model. With the right tools and some expert advice, you’ll be painting your plastic models like a pro in no time.

10 Best Airbrush Paint For Plastic Models

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for airbrushing various items such as tattoos, makeup, shoes, cakes, crafts, nails, and toys.
2
The product is ideal for artists, beginners, and students who want to use opaque and water-based acrylic airbrush paints.
3
The product is ideal for holding and painting small parts in airbrushing and modeling hobbies.
4
This product is ideal for creating metallic designs on leather, shoes, and other surfaces using an airbrush.
5
Ideal for painting small models and details with metallic finishes.
6
Ideal for airbrushing on various surfaces such as plastic models, ceramics, canvas, paper, with quick-drying water-based acrylic colors.
7
It is ideal for painting World War II Allied model airplanes and vehicles.
8
This product is ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and artists who need a premium water-based acrylic paint set for airbrushing.
9
Ideal for painting small-scale models, weathering effects and metallic accents on plastic, resin or metal surfaces.
10
The product is ideal for painting on a variety of surfaces including models, miniatures, and other craft projects.
This product is ideal for airbrushing various items such as tattoos, makeup, shoes, cakes, crafts, nails, and toys.
The product is ideal for artists, beginners, and students who want to use opaque and water-based acrylic airbrush paints.
The product is ideal for holding and painting small parts in airbrushing and modeling hobbies.
This product is ideal for creating metallic designs on leather, shoes, and other surfaces using an airbrush.
Ideal for painting small models and details with metallic finishes.
Ideal for airbrushing on various surfaces such as plastic models, ceramics, canvas, paper, with quick-drying water-based acrylic colors.
It is ideal for painting World War II Allied model airplanes and vehicles.
This product is ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and artists who need a premium water-based acrylic paint set for airbrushing.
Ideal for painting small-scale models, weathering effects and metallic accents on plastic, resin or metal surfaces.
The product is ideal for painting on a variety of surfaces including models, miniatures, and other craft projects.

1. Vivohome Airbrushing Kit With Booth And Compressor

The Portable Foldable Airbrush Spray Booth is the perfect tool for artists, hobbyists, and professionals who need a compact and versatile airbrush system. Its foldable design allows for easy set up and collapse into a suitcase shape with a handle for convenient transportation and storage. It can fit comfortably under any seat or off to the side in a garage or trunk.

This Portable Wireless Airbrush System is extremely versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications such as art painting, wall painting, porcelain making, car spray painting, temporary tattoos, cake decoration, make-up, skin care, nail art, handicrafts, leather care, and model coloring. However, it should be noted that the airbrush cannot spray particularly thick liquids, such as paste and paint.

The airbrush system features a powerful 1/5HP high-performance, oil-free piston air compressor that delivers 23-25L/min air flow. It is equipped with an air tank to provide smooth air flow and ensure zero pulse while in operation. The compressor is designed for quiet operation, with only 47 dB of noise.

The Portable Foldable Airbrush Spray Booth is a unique, well-crafted equipment that provides top-notch painting performance. This airbrush system runs with continuous, powerful pressure and is designed to turn off automatically if the motor is close to overheating.

The package includes a 1/5HP air compressor with air filter water trap that delivers 23-25L/min airflow and 0.8cfm air volume. It also comes with 3 airbrushes with different sizes that deliver different degrees of spray and controls for various applications. Additionally, a portable airbrush paint spray booth with 3 LED lights is included to provide optimal lighting and proper ventilation.

2. Henyiewl Airbrush Paint Set: 28 Vibrant Colors

This airbrush starter set is perfect for those who are looking for a comprehensive set of colors without the need for mixing. It includes 22 classic opaque colors, 3 neon colors, and 3 metallic colors, totaling 28 colors that can satisfy all your painting needs.

The airbrush paint formula is smoother and ready to spray, so you don't need to thin it. Each color has excellent airbrush flow characteristics and can match well with your airbrush while maintaining a smooth consistency that won't clog it up.

This high-quality paint is designed to provide permanent results on most surfaces due to its high adhesion properties. It can easily attach to a variety of materials, such as paper, canvas, models, wood, fabric, leather, plastics, metals, ceramics, and more.

The manufacturers of this airbrush starter set have upgraded the formulation and adopted the optimal composition ratio to reduce blocks in an airbrush when spraying. You should shake the paint well before use, but a little precipitation does not affect its effectiveness. After use, cover the bottle well to avoid drying. It is easy to clean with water and soap.

This airbrush acrylic paints set is non-toxic and conforms to ASTM D-4236, ensuring that it is safe to use. The manufacturers also provide satisfactory after-sales service to every user, and if there are any questions about this airbrush paint set, you can contact them, and they will provide you with solutions within 24 hours. This ensures that every consumer can rest assured.

3. Airbrush Model Painting Stand & Clip Set

Introducing the Bendable Stick Model Painting Kit, an essential tool for airbrush hobby craft DIY painting enthusiasts. With its bendable stick feature, users can effortlessly adjust the model parts to any angle and height, allowing for complete customization and precision during the painting process.

The painting stand base has been upgraded to ensure a perfect fit without any shake, providing a stable foundation for your projects. The durable rubber tips on the alligator clip sticks ensure that the items being clamped are not damaged, making it a convenient and reliable tool for holding small parts during the painting or airbrushing process.

This kit includes a miniature holder for painting and 12 hobby alligator clip sticks with rubber tips, providing all the necessary tools for your painting needs. The clip base stand holder measures 5.9 x 3.94 x 0.83 inches (15 x 10 x 2.1 CM), making it compact and easy to store.

Crafted from high-quality plastic, the base of the kit remains stable to support the model parts while painting. This kit would be a great gift for mini model enthusiasts due to its convenience, reliability, and high-quality materials.

4. Metallic Airbrush Paint Set With Leather & Shoe Kit

Introducing the Metallic Airbrush Paint Kit by ARTME, perfect for artists looking for a starter kit that can cater to their painting needs without any hassle. This kit comes with 12 vivid colors that are ready to use, eliminating the need for any mixing process.

ARTME's acrylic airbrush paints are designed to provide permanent results on most mixed-media and textile surfaces. This kit is ideal for achieving beautiful results on various surfaces such as paper, canvas, models, wood, fabrics, leather, plastics, metals, ceramics, and more.

The ARTME airbrush paint uses a better formula with a proper ratio, ensuring that every airbrush color has wonderful airbrush flow characteristics. These colors can match well with your airbrush compressor that delivers 20-25L/min air flow, and they have a smooth consistency that won't clog it up. The best part is that thinning is not required.

ARTME's airbrush paints are of high quality, made with high-quality pigment that won't block your precious airbrush. Before use, shake the paint well, and a little precipitation won't affect its effectiveness. After use, cover the bottle well to avoid drying. Cleaning is easy as you can use water and soap.

Safety is a top priority, and that's why ARTME's airbrush paints are entirely safe and non-toxic, conforming to safety certificates such as U.S. ASTM D-4236 & EU EN71. In case you're not entirely satisfied, ARTME provides a 100% money-back guarantee, giving you peace of mind.

5. Vallejo Metallic Set Model Air Paint, 17ml, 16-Pack

The airbrush colors offered by this brand are made with pigments that are finely ground to the highest possible consistency. This ensures that the colors are vibrant, smooth, and easy to work with. The pigments are of the highest quality and are carefully selected to ensure that the colors are true to life and long-lasting.

The colors can be easily mixed with one another to create custom shades, and can also be diluted with water to achieve different levels of opacity. This makes them versatile and perfect for a range of projects, from fine art to model making.

Each bottle of Model Air comes in a convenient 17 ml size, with an eyedropper for easy application. This packaging is designed to prevent the paint from evaporating or drying out in the container, ensuring that the paint stays fresh and ready to use for longer.

Whether you're a professional artist or a hobbyist, these airbrush colors are a great choice. They are easy to use, high-quality, and offer a wide range of colors and shades to choose from. With their fine consistency and versatile nature, they are sure to become a go-to choice for all your airbrushing needs.

6. Vividair Acrylic Airbrush Paint Set

Introducing the Tplook Air Brush Paint Set – a new starter kit that contains 16 colors for all your painting needs. This set includes 13 primary opaque colors such as Red, Pink, Apricot, Lemon Yellow, Orange, Brown, White, Green, Cerulean Blue, Cobalt Blue, Purple, Gray, and Black. In addition, there are 3 fluorescent colors – Fluorescent Orange, Fluorescent Red, and Fluorescent Yellow. With this paint set, there is no need for mixing, saving you time and effort.

The Tplook Air Brush Paint Set uses a better formula with the proper ratio for each color. Each air brush color has excellent flow characteristics that pair well with your airbrush and have a smooth consistency that won't clog it up. Thinning is not required, making it ultra-convenient to use.

This airbrush paint has high adhesion and is not easy to agglomerate. It is perfect for small objects and resists cracking, peeling, and chipping. Due to its high adhesion properties, it can easily attach to a variety of materials such as models, shoes, canvas, paper cards, eggs, fabric, metals, ceramics, and even 3D prints.

Cleaning up after painting is made easy with the Tplook Air Brush Paint Set. It conforms to ASTM D-4236 standards, making it non-toxic and water-based. It can be easily cleaned up with soap and water without leaving any traces. The set also includes 2 airbrush cleaners to help minimize paint accumulation between color changes and to maintain a clean airbrush at the end of each use.

The Tplook Air Brush Paint Set comes in exquisite packaging that is easy to use. Simply press down on the lid and rotate it to open. Shake well, drop, and then spray. The easy-to-squeeze bottles feature a sealed design, and each bottle is fixed and separated by a partition, ensuring no mess during transportation.

At Tplook, we provide satisfactory after-sales service to every user. If there are any questions about this airbrush paint set, please feel free to contact us (your order-need help), and we will provide solutions within 24 hours. Rest assured that the Tplook Air Brush Paint Set is a high-quality product that will meet all your painting needs.

7. Vallejo Wwii Allied Model Air Paint, 17ml (Pack Of 16)

The airbrush colors available in the market are of varied quality and consistency. However, the pigments used for this particular brand of airbrush colors are ground to the finest possible consistency. This feature ensures that the colors are applied smoothly and evenly, providing an outstanding result.

Another great feature of this product is the ability to mix colors with each other or dilute them with water. This versatility allows for an endless range of color options, making it a favorite among artists and hobbyists alike.

The Model Air airbrush colors come in a convenient 17 ml. bottle with an easy-to-use eyedropper. This packaging has been specifically designed to prevent the paint from evaporating and drying in the container. This ensures that the product remains fresh and ready to use at all times.

In addition to its exceptional quality, this airbrush color brand is also known for its durability and longevity. Its resistance to fading and cracking makes it an ideal choice for those who want their artwork to stand the test of time.

8. Rainbow Airbrush: Beginner's Premium Paint Set

Introducing the XDOVET Paint Starter Kit – an all-in-one solution for your painting needs. With 19 classic matte colors, 5 pearlescent colors and 4 fluorescent colors, this paint kit offers a wide range of colors without the need for a mixing process.

The XDOVET Acrylic Airbrush Paint is safe and designed for permanent results on most mixed media and textile surfaces. Whether you're painting on paper, canvas, models, wood, fabric, leather, plastic, metal, ceramics and more, you can achieve beautiful results with this multipurpose paint.

The XDOVET Airbrush Paints are ready to spray, with high quality formulations and proper ratios that fit perfectly with your spray gun. It has a smooth consistency that won't clog, making it easy to use. Before use, simply shake the paint bottle well and cap it after use to avoid drying. Even if there is a little precipitation, it will not affect the effect of the paint.

Cleaning up after painting is a breeze with this paint kit. The acrylic airbrush paint is water-based and can be easily cleaned with water and soap, without the need for a cleaning agent.

At XDOVET, customer satisfaction is a top priority. If you encounter any issues with the quality of the product or have any problems using it, their customer service specialists are just an email away. They provide every user with worry-free after-sales protection, without the need for a return to the store.

9. Vallejo Metallic Colors Model Air Paint, 8 Bottles X 17ml

The airbrush color pigments are expertly ground to the most delicate consistency, ensuring that the colors produced are of the highest quality. These colors can be blended together to create new shades or diluted with water to achieve a variety of effects. Model Air comes packaged in a 17 ml bottle with an eyedropper, which not only makes application easy but also helps to prevent the paint from evaporating or drying out in the container. This ensures that the paint is always fresh and ready to use when needed. With its top-quality pigments and easy-to-use packaging, Model Air is a must-have for any artist or hobbyist looking for high-quality, long-lasting airbrush colors.

10. Vallejo Basic Usa Acrylic Colors Paint Set, 17ml, Assorted Colors

The Model Color is a top-quality fine arts paint that is formulated with permanent pigments to ensure that all colors are lightfast and opaque. This is a great feature because it guarantees that your artwork will last for a long time, without any fading or discoloration.

One of the unique qualities of Model Color is its consistency. This paint has a smooth and uniform texture that allows it to be easily applied to any surface. This feature is especially beneficial when you want to achieve a flawless finish, without any visible brushstrokes.

The water-based formula of Model Color is another excellent feature that sets it apart from other paints. This product has been specifically designed to adhere to difficult surfaces, such as metal and plastic. This is great news for artists who want to experiment with different mediums and substrates.

Best Airbrush Paint For Plastic Models FAQs

Are there any airbrush paints specifically designed for painting plastic model kits?

Yes, there are airbrush paints specifically designed for painting plastic model kits. These paints are formulated to adhere to the plastic surface of the model kit and provide a smooth, even finish. One of the most popular brands for airbrushing plastic model kits is Tamiya, which offers a wide range of colors and finishes. Other popular brands include Vallejo, Mr. Hobby, and AK Interactive. It's important to select paints that are compatible with the type of plastic used in the model kit, as some paints may not adhere well or may cause damage to the plastic. Additionally, it's important to properly prepare the plastic surface by cleaning it and applying a primer before painting, in order to ensure the best possible results.

Can acrylic airbrush paints be used on plastic models?

Yes, acrylic airbrush paints can be used on plastic models. In fact, they are a popular choice among model enthusiasts because they offer several advantages over other types of paints. Acrylic paints are water-based, which means they are easy to clean up and don't require solvents like oil-based paints do. They also dry quickly, which is ideal for airbrushing as it allows for multiple layers to be applied without waiting for long periods of time.

When using acrylic airbrush paints on plastic models, it is important to prepare the surface properly. This can be done by washing the model with soap and warm water to remove any dirt or grease. Once dry, the model can be primed with a plastic primer to help the paint adhere better and prevent chipping or peeling.

It is also important to use the correct type of airbrush for acrylic paints, as they are thicker than other types of airbrush paints. A gravity-feed airbrush with a large nozzle size is recommended for best results.

Overall, acrylic airbrush paints are a great choice for plastic models due to their versatility, ease of use, and quick drying time.

How do I choose the right airbrush paint for my plastic model project?

Choosing the right airbrush paint for your plastic model project can make a significant difference in the final outcome of your work. There are several factors to consider when selecting the right airbrush paint for your project.

Firstly, you need to consider the type of plastic model you are working on. Depending on the material, you may need a specific type of paint that adheres well to the surface. For instance, plastic models made of ABS plastic require a specific type of paint that can bond well with the surface.

Secondly, you should consider the color and finish you want to achieve. Some airbrush paints come in a wide range of colors and finishes, while others are limited in their options. You should choose a paint that matches your desired color and finish.

Thirdly, you need to consider the type of airbrush you will be using. Some airbrush paints are designed for specific airbrushes, while others can be used with any type of airbrush.

Lastly, you should choose a high-quality airbrush paint that is durable, easy to work with, and doesn't require multiple coats. You can research online reviews and ask for recommendations from experienced modelers to find the best airbrush paint for your plastic model project.

How do I prepare plastic models for airbrush painting with the best paints?

Preparing plastic models for airbrush painting requires several steps to ensure that the paint adheres evenly and flawlessly. The following are the steps to prepare plastic models for airbrush painting with the best paints.

1. Clean the model: Use warm water and a mild soap solution to clean the plastic model. This will remove any dirt, oil or grease that may hinder the paint from adhering properly.

2. Sand the model: Use sandpaper with a grit of 400 or higher to sand the surface of the plastic model. Sanding will create a rough surface for the paint to adhere to.

3. Prime the model: Apply a primer to the model to ensure that the paint adheres well. Use a primer specifically designed for plastic models and apply it evenly with an airbrush.

4. Paint the model: Use the best paints for airbrushing and apply them in thin layers. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next layer. This will ensure a smooth and even finish.

5. Seal the model: Once the paint has dried completely, apply a clear coat to seal the paint and protect it from scratches and fading.

In conclusion, preparing plastic models for airbrush painting requires patience, skill, and attention to detail. By following the steps above, you can achieve a flawless finish and create stunning models that will impress everyone who sees them.

What are the advantages of using enamel airbrush paints on plastic models?

Enamel airbrush paints offer several advantages when it comes to painting plastic models. Firstly, they provide a durable and long-lasting finish that can withstand wear and tear. This is particularly important for plastic models that may be handled frequently or subjected to outdoor conditions. Enamel paints also dry to a hard, glossy finish that is resistant to chipping and fading over time.

Another advantage of enamel airbrush paints is their ability to adhere well to plastic surfaces. This is due to the fact that enamel paints are oil-based and contain solvents that help them bond to the plastic. As a result, the paint is less likely to peel or flake off the model, providing a more professional-looking finish.

Enamel airbrush paints also offer a wide range of colors and shades, allowing modelers to achieve a variety of effects and finishes. They can be mixed with other enamel colors or thinned with solvents to create custom shades and hues.

Overall, enamel airbrush paints are a popular choice among modelers for their durability, adhesion, and versatility.

What are the best airbrush paints for achieving a smooth finish on plastic models?

When it comes to achieving a smooth finish on plastic models with airbrush paints, there are a few options that are highly recommended by experienced modelers. One of the top choices is Tamiya acrylic paints, which are known for their excellent flow and coverage. These paints are also highly pigmented, which means fewer coats are needed to achieve a smooth finish. Another popular brand is Vallejo Model Air, which is specifically designed for use with airbrushes and has a range of colors suitable for plastic models. These paints are also known for their ease of use and durability.

Other good options include Badger's Minitaire and Createx Colors' Wicked line, both of which are designed for airbrush use and have a wide range of colors available. It's important to keep in mind that achieving a smooth finish on plastic models with airbrush paints often requires proper preparation and technique, such as using a primer and thinning the paint to the right consistency. With the right tools and materials, however, it is possible to achieve a flawless finish on plastic models.

What are the best airbrush paints for painting small details on plastic models?

When it comes to painting small details on plastic models with an airbrush, it's important to choose the right type of paint. The best airbrush paints for this task are those that have a fine pigment size and a good level of opacity. Some of the top options for airbrushing small details on plastic models include acrylic paints such as Vallejo Model Air, Tamiya Acrylics, and Badger Minitaire. These paints offer excellent coverage, are easy to thin and mix, and dry quickly, making them ideal for working on small areas.

Another option to consider is enamel paint, which is known for its durability and ability to adhere well to plastic surfaces. Brands like Testors and Humbrol offer a range of enamel paints that can be airbrushed onto plastic models with great precision. However, enamel paints require more preparation and clean-up time than acrylic paints, so they may not be the best choice for beginners or those with limited time.

Ultimately, the best airbrush paints for painting small details on plastic models will depend on your personal preferences and the specific details you are looking to achieve. It's always a good idea to experiment with different paints and techniques to find the combination that works best for you.

What are the differences between water-based and solvent-based airbrush paints for plastic models?

Water-based and solvent-based airbrush paints are two different types of paint used for plastic models. Water-based paints are made primarily of water and are non-toxic, making them safe to use. They also dry quickly, which can be an advantage for those who need to work quickly or for those who want to apply multiple coats of paint. Solvent-based paints, on the other hand, are made of solvents such as alcohol or acetone. They are more durable and long-lasting than water-based paints, and they also provide a better finish.

When it comes to airbrushing plastic models, there are a few differences between the two types of paint. Water-based paints tend to be thinner and more transparent, which can make them more difficult to apply evenly. Solvent-based paints are thicker and more opaque, which can make it easier to achieve an even and consistent finish. However, solvent-based paints can be more difficult to clean up and can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.

Ultimately, the choice between water-based and solvent-based airbrush paints for plastic models will depend on the specific needs of the user. If quick drying time and safety are a concern, water-based paints may be the best option. However, if durability and finish are the top priorities, solvent-based paints may be the better choice.

What are the top airbrush paints for plastic models?

When it comes to painting plastic models with an airbrush, there are a few top airbrush paints that are highly recommended by experienced modelers. One of the most popular brands is Tamiya, which offers a wide range of acrylic paints that are specifically designed for use on plastic models. These paints are highly pigmented, easy to mix and apply, and dry quickly to a smooth, even finish.

Another top choice for airbrushing plastic models is Vallejo, which offers a range of acrylic paints that are also formulated for use on plastic. These paints are known for their excellent coverage, durability, and ability to adhere well to plastic surfaces.

Other highly recommended airbrush paints for plastic models include Mr. Color from Gunze Sangyo, AK Interactive, and Mission Models. Each of these brands offers a unique set of features and benefits, so it's important to do your research and choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Ultimately, the key to achieving a high-quality finish when airbrushing plastic models is to choose a paint that is specifically designed for use on plastic, and to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for best results.

Which airbrush paints are the most durable for plastic models?

When it comes to airbrushing plastic models, it's important to choose paints that are durable and long-lasting. There are several types of airbrush paints that are suitable for use on plastic models, but some are more durable than others.

One of the most durable types of airbrush paints for plastic models is enamel paint. Enamel paints are oil-based, which makes them very resistant to wear and tear. They also dry to a hard, durable finish that can withstand handling and even some light scratching.

Another durable option is acrylic paint. Acrylic paints are water-based, but they can still provide a durable finish on plastic models. They dry quickly and are resistant to chipping and fading, making them a good choice for models that will be handled frequently.

In addition to choosing durable paints, it's also important to properly prepare the plastic surface before painting. This includes cleaning the surface thoroughly, sanding it to create a rough texture for better adhesion, and applying a primer to help the paint adhere more effectively.

Ultimately, the most durable airbrush paints for plastic models will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It's always a good idea to do some research and experimentation to find the paints that work best for you.

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