The Best Airbrush Paints
There aren't many quicker ways to add color to a surface than with an airbrush. But because of their thin nozzles and high-pressure application, airbrushes won't accept most standard paints. Instead, you'll need a specially crafted formula that's thin enough to work with. We've taken stock of some of the best airbrush paints available today, with a range of sets and individual colors that are suitable for use in all manner of craft projects.
What to Look For
Choosing the right airbrush paints is often a matter of taste, but if you keep an eye on color selection, base, and finish, you’re sure to end up with an option to suit your project. Our favorite set overall comes from Vallejo Basic. This affordable selection of common colors will provide plenty of scope for all but the most advanced projects. If you’re looking for a single-color top-up, check out the eight-ounce bottles from US Art Supply. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Vallejo Basic USA Colors Paint Set, 16-Pack
Tried and tested
Hobbyists and model makers alike will get a lot of use out of this assorted 16-pack set from Vallejo Basic. Each color comes in a 17-milliliter container, so there’s plenty of each to go around. You’ll have little trouble adding vibrancy to your next project with this range that spans the spectrum of basic hues.
Pros:
- Water-based formula is suitable for use on all surfaces
- Bottles are widely recycled
- Matte satin finish is resistant to scratches and impacts
Cons:
- Some colors are likely to be used up more quickly than others
Magicfly Airbrush Paint, 16-Pack
More than meets the eye
With sixteen vibrant water-based hues inside, this bold set from Magicfly contains all you need to cover the entire color spectrum. These pre-mixed paints are made with an improved formula, resulting in a uniform consistency that will be ready to spray right out of the bottle. And with 30 milliliters of paint in each bottle, you won’t find much better value for the price.
Pros:
- Non-toxic and environmentally friendly formula
- Two neon and one glow-in-the-dark paint included
- Water-based paint like this is easier to clean than other types
Cons:
- You might need to thin the paint if your airbrush is lower than 30psi
The Army Painter Warpaints Airbrush Mega Paint Set, 60-Pack
All the rainbow
If you’re looking for a set for painting miniatures this jumbo bundle from The Army Painter is our top pick. Filled to the brim with 60 different colors, you’ll be ready to transform those figures in no time. And thanks to the non-toxic and eco-friendly formula, you won’t have to wear safety gear while you work.
Pros:
- Includes airbrush medium, which can be mixed with paint to improve the flow in a variety of airbrushes
- Matte, metallic, and fluorescent colors included
- Color triads make it easy to choose pairings for highlighting details
Cons:
- Requires a larger investment than smaller sets
US Art Supply Acrylic Airbrush Paint, 8-Ounces
One size fits all
Sometimes the privilege of choice is a welcome luxury. If your airbrush project only needs a few select colors, though, you might end up wasting money and paint by investing in a larger set. These individual bottles from US Art Supply contain a generous eight ounces of paint each and come in a bold range of primary colors ready for mixing.
Pros:
- Quality acrylic resin and light-fast pigments for a bold and resilient finish
- Also great for paint-pouring projects
- Opaque, pearl, neon, and transparent colors are available
Cons:
- Purchasing multiple colors can quickly become expensive compared with smaller sets
Splat Planet Graffiti Pen With 12 Colors
Get started
Airbrushing is a great way to get near-instantaneous results with paint, whether you’re adding your touch to models, fabric, or any other surface. This all-in-one set from Splat Planet is a great way to offer a taste of the craft to kids or total novices. Twelve bold primary colors come bundled with a mini USB graffiti pen that will see young artists laying their mark in no time.
Pros:
- Washable ink formula makes clean-ups easy
- Stencils included for getting your project off the ground
- The graffiti pen is wireless and rechargeable for maximum portability
Cons:
- These colors won’t work in standard airbrushes
Frequently Asked Questions
What paints should I use in my airbrush?
Water-based acrylic paints are the most commonly used in an airbrush. These paints are designed to move easily through the airbrush and produce a smooth paint finish. Acrylic paints can result in a more resistant finish but are more laborious to thin and clean.
How do I thin my airbrush paint?
If you’re having trouble getting a consistent flow in your airbrush, the problem could be in the paint. Depending on the viscosity of your paint, it might need thinning before use. To thin it down, simply transfer the paint to a new container, add a few drops of airbrush medium, and mix to the desired consistency.
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