How to Brush Paint Model Kits – Vallejo, Tamiya, Humbrol & More | Scale Model Shop

How to Brush Paint Model Paints

Scale model finishing benefits from the rewarding brush painting technique, which works well for 1/35 tank detailing and adding highlights to 1/72 aircraft models. Airbrushing leads hobby activities in specific areas, yet brush painting delivers affordability and practicality for diverse model projects. This guide demonstrates how to apply model paints using a brush while detailing techniques and tools, and showcasing paint types from brands such as Vallejo, Tamiya, Mr Colour, AK Interactive, Ammo by Mig Jimenez, and Humbrol.

Painting a scale model kit involves using a brush to apply Vallejo paint directly to the model. A brush painting method with Vallejo acrylic paint works well for painting plastic model kits.

Why Choose Brush Painting?

Brush painting provides numerous benefits for beginners or people with little space. The practice demands little equipment and enables refined control within confined spaces, making it perfect for detailed hand painting. Airbrushing delivers perfect, smooth coverage across big surfaces, yet brush painting is superior when creating edge highlights and applying weathering effects on miniatures.

Popular Paint Brands

• Vallejo
• Tamiya
• Mr Colour
• AK Interactive
• Ammo by Mig Jimenez
• Humbrol

Essential Supplies for Brush Painting

• High-quality paintbrushes in multiple sizes (round, flat, detail)
• Palette or mixing tray
• Water for acrylics, thinner for enamels/lacquers
• Paper towels and cotton buds for cleanup
• Model paints from trusted brands

Understanding Paint Types by Brand

Vallejo: Water-based acrylics offering seamless application and strong pigmentation. Model Colour and Game Colour are brush-friendly; Model Air is designed for airbrush but can be adapted.

Tamiya: Alcohol-based acrylics that dry fast and are durable. Use with X-20A thinner or a retarder to reduce brush strokes during hand painting.

Mr Colour: Lacquer-based paints that offer excellent durability and finish. Require Mr Color Levelling Thinner. Not ideal for beginners due to quick drying and strong solvents.

AK Interactive: Third-generation acrylics are water-based and ideal for brush painting. They provide full coverage and minimise streaking.

Ammo by Mig Jimenez: Water-based acrylic paints with a satin finish. Easy to thin, blend, and clean. Longer drying times aid blending and layering.

Humbrol: Known for enamel paints requiring white spirit or enamel thinner. Their acrylic range is suitable for brush painting with smoother application.

Step-by-Step: How to Brush Paint Your Model

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

   Ensure a clean, well-lit area. Protect surfaces with a mat or newspaper and arrange tools for easy access.

2. Clean and Prime the Model:

   Wash parts in warm soapy water, dry, then apply a suitable primer (e.g. Tamiya, Vallejo, Ammo).

3. Choose the Right Brush:

   Use large flat brushes for basecoats and fine round brushes for detail. Quality brushes reduce streaks.

4. Thin Your Paint:
   • Vallejo, Ammo, AK 3rd Gen: water or acrylic thinner
   • Tamiya: X-20A acrylic thinner
   • Mr Colour: Mr Color Levelling Thinner
   • Humbrol enamel: Humbrol Enamel Thinners
5. Apply in Thin Layers:

   Use multiple thin coats. Let each layer dry before adding the next.

6. Minimise Brush Strokes:

   Use even strokes in one direction. Do not paint over drying areas. Use a retarder if needed.

7. Clean Up Immediately:

   Clean acrylic brushes with water; use appropriate thinners for enamel and lacquer brushes.

Common Brush Painting Mistakes

• Brush marks: Caused by thick paint or dry brushing. Use thinner paint and smoother strokes.
• Streaky coverage: Often due to poor brushes or low pigment levels.
• Peeling paint: Caused by improper surface prep or lack of primer.
• Poor adhesion: Always match paint, thinner, and primer correctly for best results.

Tips for Advanced Brush Painting

Explore dry brushing, edge highlighting, and paint layering techniques. Vallejo and AK Interactive offer brush-compatible sets for weathering. Ammo by Mig excels at figure detailing and panel lining work.

Best Paints for Beginners

• Vallejo Model Colour
• Ammo by Mig
• AK Interactive 3rd Gen
• Humbrol Acrylic

For modellers, brush painting remains an essential skill. With the right technique and paint types, you can achieve impressive, professional-quality finishes without using an airbrush. Vallejo, Tamiya, Mr Colour, AK Interactive, Ammo by Mig, and Humbrol all offer excellent products suitable for brush painting based on your preferences.

Brush painting delivers exceptional accuracy, especially for panel line touch-ups, cockpit interiors, and miniature figures. Enjoy each detailed stroke as you bring your model kits to life.