Mastering Vallejo Miniature Paint
Vallejo is a globally recognised brand in the world of miniature and model painting, cherished by hobbyists from beginners to professionals. Their extensive range of acrylic paints offers high pigment density, excellent coverage, and superior versatility. This guide is designed to help you navigate the Vallejo universe and choose the perfect line for your next project.
Vallejo's Core Product Lines
Vallejo separates its paints into distinct lines, each with unique properties tailored for different applications and finishes. Knowing these differences is key to mastering your painting technique.
Vallejo Model Color
The Model Color range is Vallejo’s flagship line, offering the broadest spectrum of historically accurate and realistic colours. These paints are known for:
- Consistency: Thick and highly pigmented, ideal for brush painting.
- Finish: Exceptionally matte, perfect for realistic model figures and military vehicles.
- Application: Designed primarily for brushwork, though they can be thinned for airbrushing.
Vallejo Game Color
Created with fantasy and wargaming miniatures in mind, the Game Color line is formulated to be more vibrant and durable:
- Vibrancy: Brighter, more saturated colours that stand out on the gaming table.
- Durability: Highly resistant to wear and tear from handling during gameplay.
- Compatibility: Perfectly suited for the base-shadow-highlight painting system popular in wargaming.
Vallejo Airbrush Lines (Model Air & Game Air)
The 'Air' versions of the two core lines are pre-thinned for direct use in an airbrush, removing the guesswork from paint consistency. These are a massive time-saver for priming, base coating, and subtle blending effects.
Vallejo Metal Color
Considered by many as the best metallic acrylic on the market, Metal Color uses advanced aluminium pigments to achieve a stunning, hyper-realistic metallic sheen. They are highly recommended for airbrush application but can be used with a brush for smaller details.
Essential Painting Tips for Vallejo Paints
1. Shaking is Key
Vallejo paints, especially those with heavy pigments or metallics, require a thorough shake. The small dropper bottles can sometimes make this tricky. Using a vortex paint mixer or adding a small stainless steel agitator ball can significantly improve pigment distribution, ensuring consistent colour and finish.
2. Priming for Success
Always prime your miniature first. A good primer, like Vallejo’s own range of Surface Primers, provides a rough surface that the acrylic paint can adhere to, preventing chipping and ensuring better coverage. Black or Grey primers are ideal for darker schemes, while White is perfect for bright, vibrant colours.
3. Thinning for Smooth Coats
Unless you're using the 'Air' lines, you'll need to thin your paint. The goal is the consistency of milk. Use Vallejo Thinner Medium or even water, but remember that thinning too much will break the paint's pigment binder, leading to poor coverage and chalkiness.
4. Layering Over a Wet Palette
Vallejo paints work beautifully with a wet palette. This simple tool keeps the paint moist for extended periods, making it easier to thin the paint to a layering consistency. Applying several thin layers is always better than one thick coat, as it preserves the fine detail of the miniature.
Beyond the Paint Pot: Vallejo Accessories
Vallejo offers a full ecosystem of products to enhance your painting process:
- Varnishes: Available in Matt, Satin, and Gloss, these protect your finished work.
- Auxiliary Products: Items like flow improver, retarder, and thinner mediums give you fine control over paint flow and drying time.
- Washes and Pigments: Essential for weathering effects, shading, and adding depth to your models.
Whether you're highlighting the armour of a space marine with Game Color or painting a realistic historical tank using Model Color, Vallejo offers the quality and variety to bring your creative vision to life. Dive in and start mastering your miniature painting journey today!