Best (cheapest) starter paints.

[TheSnackist]

Kay, here is the deal. I've been painting minis on and off for about 2 years now, I guess. Haven't painted a great many. Don't have a local FLGS, aren't working on some big 40k army, don't want to spend a fortune, don't get out for supplies much. So, I've been using craft paints. Cheap, Wal-Mart craft paints. And I've managed to get *some* minis I'm fairly satisfied with. Even a few that I think are really nice, though not by anyone else's standards.

However, with stunning frequency, the paint is too thick, or too thin, or doesn't cover well, or gets gunked on, and the mini ends up looking like crap, sometimes recoverable through a good scrubbing or a few more layers of paints, sometimes not. I had thought it might just be my technique when painting. I can't paint a particularly 'good' mini. After this happened for the umpteenth time earlier this week (while snowed in with all this winter weather), I finally considered the fact that it might now be my lack of ability to paint well, but the paints which could be compounding the problem.

So, my question is this: What is a good 'gateway' set of modeling paints I can use for a wide variety of models (I'm not painting an army [not yet, anyway], I paint whatever catches my fancy at the time) which would also be relatively inexpensive? Does such a thing even exist? Something that would (hopefully) allow me to get some more consistently good paint jobs?

Thanks.
-TheSnackist

[Wirelizard]

Reaper has nice paints, and they have Learn to Paint Kits that have three or four full size dropper bottles and smaller "sampler" containers of their Master Series paints, a figure or two, and a paintbrush or two.

They're a good value for starting out or just trying their paints, IMO; a pair of Reaper miniatures alone would be $10+.

Reaper also sell their Master Series paints in Triads - three related colours together, which is probably the cheapest way to get their paints - and their paints are cheaper per bottle than most other hobby/gaming paints. The Triads are often shade/base/highlight sets, but sometimes just three metallics together or similar.

I discovered the Reaper paints because my FGLS stocks them (the only paints aside from GW's I can get in town), but they're also available direct from Reaper on their website.

[syr8766]

+1 for Reaper. Love their stuff. Vallejo also does some starter sets and the like.

While you may be swearing off craft paints, you may want to visit Hobby Lobby or Michaels and look at their selection; I know of a few painter/gamers who are happy using Apple Barrel and the like.

[redzed]

P3 without a doubt are a stunning set.Visit the Privateer Press Forum and have a look around

[Hammers]

Having painted for a long time I like most veterans use a variety of different brands. If I was to start from scratch I think I also would get a good set from Reaper. Master or Pro Paint series, either one.

[HerbyF]

Craft paints from Micheals or some other big craft store will have the best selection of paints. Avoid store brand paints, they are usually watered down versions. Walmart is infamous for selling the cheapest junk no matter what it is.

[Christian]

I've never used anything but GW paints (somethnig that may change after reading this thread) but I have had Vallejo Paints recommended to me heartily by many.

Foundry also do some paints, but I've never tried them.

Furt (one of the other members here) swears by house paint! See here: http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=24138.msg293630#msg293630

[tima113]

I use craft paints almost exclusively. I prefer thinner paints and usually require two coats to achieve the level of opacity I desire. I usually thin the thick paints with a matte medium (I have liquitex).

With craft paints opacity and coverage issues are more pronounce with browns, reds and purples in my experience. I find that on a black undercoat, the problem of thin paints and opacity is more pronounced (color is washed out). On a white undercoat, the thin paints and lack of opacity produce an automatic highlight effect that can be dulled with a second coat.

[Jules]

I use a variety of craft paints.  You are right that the consistency is variable but the huge cost difference is the decider for me
Reaper 1/2 fl oz £2.30 or Anita's 2 fl oz for 99p I can make a mistake every second bottle I buy and still be 1 1/2 fl oz and 32p better off.  I do, do some things to work on improving my paints I keep a selection of expensive acrylic inks to water down thick paint or to strengthen colour. But I only need a tiny drop as it is powerful stuff. Like you I am not a pro painter I would describe mine as good gamer standard but I think you have to spend just a little time making certain your colour is right before it goes on the miniature.. What about undercoating a 54mm figure and using this as test bed for your colours. I do have some expensive colours which i use for specific purposes, Horses being one. My family are all artists so I was encouraged to mix colours from an early age so maybe this is part of it.  

I think the bottom line is its what looks good on the model that counts. I would stick with the cheaper paints learn to control them and if you do spend the money on expensive paints you will reap the rewards far more.

[Silent Invader]

I commend to you the painting tutorial to be found towards the end of Captain Bloods 'step-by-step' build here:

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=25774.0

[Hammers]

I commend to you the painting tutorial to be found towards the end of Captain Bloods 'step-by-step' build here:

http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=25774.0

Mind you, Captain Blood is the kind of guy who can stick a twig in a mud puddle and paint prize winning miniatures with it. In fact, it is pretty much his method; ask him how he treats his paint brushes.

[Captain Blood]

This is all true 
I am no respecter of paintbrushes. They are just tools to be used, abused and discarded.

I too am a fan of 'craft' acrylics - although I must say I find Anitas just a bit too thin and gelatinous. I swear by a brand that used to be widely available here in the UK from Daler-Rowney, called Inscribe. Now it goes under the name of 'Palmer Prism', which I think may also be the U.S. brand name. Anyway, it's an excellent formulation - highly pigmented, highly smooth, highly opaque, and highly cheap! Look out for it, or buy it online.

Alongside Inscribe / Prism, I use a few Vallejo and GW colours I particularly like.
In total, I use only around 20 colours - mixing everything else as I go along.

[Jules]

good info. Capt. my best are Inscribe I agree Anita's are patchy but Inscribe were hard to find I bought a shed load when my local focus closed and they are running out.

[DeafNala]

I'm a "craft" paint user also. I've found Americana, FolkArt, & Ceramcoat to be about the best of the genre. They're available fro Michael's Craft Stores...ify you're in The States, you can order on-line: www.michaels.com  .

[Captain Blood]

good info. Capt. my best are Inscribe I agree Anita's are patchy but Inscribe were hard to find I bought a shed load when my local focus closed and they are running out.

Buy 'em online Jules. http://www.fredaldous.co.uk/shop-online/inscribe-59ml-acrylic-paint.htm

£1.40 a bottle for 59ml.

Not quite as cheap as when you could buy a bottle for 99p in your local craft shop - but still a lot cheaper than GW and Vallejo paints, which tend to be around £2.50 for a paltry 17 - 20 ml!