Don't Buy More Contrast Paint Until You Watch This | Speed Paint, Xpress Color, Instant Color review

[@LylaMev]

What is your favorite one coat paint?

[@mikegrant8031]

Vallejo is my preference, I have not tried army painter 2.0 in a sufficient amount to have a opinion on them. Citadale works well but I have the same inconsistency issue. also the pot and price, they have lost the plot.

[@kzin602]

Vallejo xpress color works really well over a zenithal to apply quick one coat color with minimal brush marks but I've found that a first coat diluted 3 or 4 parts medium to one part paint followed by a 50/50 dilution gives great results.

[@johnnydsnarkangel]

I make my own by mixing inks, flow improver, and heavy acrylic gel. Now that I have some practice with it, I can get my paints to the right consistency and opacity with ~2 minutes of work, and it gives me so much more control. Cheaper in the long run as well, though I don't actually go through my paint fast enough for that to really matter

[@loganbond8538]

I'm going to be honest, I'm not a huge speed/contrast paint lover. I want to get minis to table quick, but I also like the slow process of painting my minis. Just a preference to regular acrylics I guess.

[@fenreer01]

Homemade from FW inks, glaze medium, water, and flow aid. Thanks to Goobertown Hobbies..

[@McToast1337]

Xpress Colors are my top pick, you have to use them a bit differently than Contrast, though. Either thin them down like you suggested or just use thinner coats and do two passes. They aren't the one-and-done color, for that I'd pick Citadel Contrast, but they give me the smoothest results of them all. They are basically a mix of Contrast-like paint and glaze. Another option is to mix Contrast Paints yourself. A bottle of Winsor and Newton matt medium, a bottle of Vallejo Flow Improver, some water and Inks (Liquitex works great) let you create any contrast paint you'd ever want. They are a bit less saturated, so you'll often have to do two passes, but once you've gotten over the initial investment, they are cheap as hell and a great way to paint terrain and bases.

[@alternate3787]

A small bit of dishwash also works instead of flow improver since you only nees to break the waters surface tension. A small drop or the tip of a brush is enough, you dont want bubbles in your paint

[@kud5659]

Absolutely, after buying this set and leaving how to use them, they are my go to now.

[@SigurdDecroos]

indeed, they are 2 thin coat paint :). They go really well in an airbrush too.

[@johnsnowdon2939]

Couldn't agree more. Most of my brush and airbrush stuff is either Vallejo or MIG, and the Xpress Color range is an absolute revelation for brush painting miniatures. I wish these things had been available 30 years ago!

[@samuelbroad11]

great advice, make your own, using your fave medium and go to town, my medium od choice is Golden acrylics satin glaze formula, flow improver and a tad of self levelling medium. Mix with any of their fluid or high flow acrylics with single pigments and you're sorted.

[@lordnovas]

I really like Vallejo Express colors, I only tried a few of them. My fav was wasteland brown. I use instant color as glaze/wash they work well in that capacity.

[@_walruseater]

The other brown, Copper Brown, is top notch for leather

[@zyberbob]

Started with army painter speedpaint, they where ok, but for me the vallejo xpress color, is the best.

[@LylaMev]

Really!? Why?

[@zyberbob]

@@LylaMev I had problems with reactivation, but have not tried the new 2.0 paints, I like the vallejo better for slapchop, and prefer the matt finish they have, also think they are easier to blend with.

[@8bitenial313]

Amen that

[@alexandrefernandes6286]

Xpress Colors for me. They do need a bit of thinning here and there but the sheer vibrancy of the thing really caught my eye. Love them.

[@lehcyfer]

I have all new speedpaints, all old contrasts, all 'xpress vallejos, all scale 75 instants and to say the truth I don't have a favourite paint. I even don't remember most of the names on the pots. I have made a color guide on a patterned surface and choose the paint for the effect I want. I find the Vallejo 'Xpress line super saturated, but still well contrasting the dips and ups. Speedpaints are comparable (and have several times the amount of colors available). Contrasts are very uneven but my guide shows exactly which ones need medium added. Instants are much less saturated and more wash like - often needing several layers to get a saturated effect - they're good for blending and modifying colors already on the miniature but have a few colors not available on other palettes. Basically I use the color that I like the most on my color guide for what I envision for the part of the miniature I'm painting at the moment, not caring for what line it comes from (although I am favoring the speedpaints now as I am still trying them out)

[@123456789123456789re]

OMG, thanks for doing the cuttlefish review! I could not find a straight answer anywhere as to how those paints work.

[@funchick202]

Army painter all the way! I am not usually an army painter girl, but the consistency is so great and I LOVE all the colors that it comes in! Especially since they have so many varieties of pink and purple! Which. of course. are the best colors! I'll have to look at cuttlefish colors, but I'm not sure they will be very useful in how I paint!

[@thomasjones3221]

pink and purple are not the best colors.

[@LylaMev]

I agree, pink and purple are the best!

[@Leofilmperson]

I have had an unexpected breakthrough this week with XPress Orc Skin over a purple gradient undercoat for tyranid guns. It looks weird and alien, but definitely alive. My favourite of the handful of one coat paints I have tested so far.

[@bluenine85]

@@LylaMev I'm hoarding onto my bottle of AP speedpaint 1.0 hive dweller purple & purple alchemy, it's so amazing for flesh tones & bruising

[@phantomminer3293]

I actually have almost 2k points of space Marines painted in ap hive purple 1.0

[@vagabondprime1691]

I have to agree 100% on the Speed Paint 2.0! really great paints!

[@AdeptusTerra1990]

Army Painter Speedpaints range was my first contrast like paint range. I have all from the 1.0 range, and now I'm slowly building the 2.0 range. I have some single pigment Citadel contrast paints, and they are spectacular.

[@bloodyswordsvids4463]

I spilled 3 pots of GW contrast in the last 2 days, hence my visit to your channel. I enjoyed your content! Thanks for the information.

[@kristophermelin7160]

For years, I was a Games Workshop guy for all my mini paints, but they priced themselves off my radar. Vallejo is my 2nd choice. Army Painter has become my favorite overall line - Speed Paints, Color Match Base Colors, and Soft/Flesh/Strong and Dark tones have all moved to the top of my lists.

[@boricua6012]

Thanks ssoooooo much for the update! I am just now getting back into painting my WH40K pile of shame (hee hee), and I bought Army Painter and Pro Acryl (I know, the video was about speed paints, but I bought their speed paints pack as well). All I have to do now is START painting and experimenting with the different brands (yes, I have the good ol' Citadel paints and some Contrast paints too) and determine which will be my go to One Coat/Speed/Contrast paints! Regardless, I am so very happy that you provided us all this valuable update! Happy painting!!!!

[@FyreMagyk67]

Always a pleasure to hear your opinion on paint and painting! I personally have liked the Speed Paints, but I find the Cuttlefish paints to be interesting (I reallly shouldn't be getting more paint, I am too much of a hoarder as it is!).

[@LylaMev]

I love creature caster and support you buying anything from them!

[@lehcyfer]

I also got interested with the Cuttlefish paints after this video :)

[@grimbostink7607]

I really need to give Speedpaint 2.0 a try. I really struggled with a lot of reactivation with the 1.0 range but looking at the 2.0 color range has me salivating. It's good to hear the reactivation issue has been solved!

[@Bimpy96]

Army painter speedpaint is my favorite one cost paint since it goes in so smoothly and the dropper bottles make it really easy to get mixtures of paint and medium right and the mixing balls included is icing on the cake

[@tychoMX]

For the Scale 75 Instant Colors, my daughter calls them the "6 thin coats" paints. That said, they are great for recess painting; like a more focused wash with minimal staining on top. The black is great for shadows in things like chainmail or vents in Space Marine armour. Browns are good in skeleton and skull recesses. And they can work as a bit of a glaze or tint. But not my favourites by far.

[@nathanlovin]

Agree! I love Scale 75 Instant Colors not as a contrast-style paint but as glazes or tints. Also "6 thing coats" is a hilarious description!

[@redrooster7371]

Good to know. When I struggle with a color usually I don't blame the color but think I haven't found the right application yet. Most weaknesses can become strengths.

[@redrooster7371]

I haven't painted with 1 coat colors yet. But whenever I may feel the need I'd give Army Painter a try.

[@SebGruch]

Warpaints were a nightmare (until I'd bought a shaker), but Speed Paints is another, bright story. Love them.

[@philgarcia2097]

I AGREE! I just started with warhammer aos and researched army 2.0 and I'm LOVING IT!!🎉

[@visceralwhimsy]

Army Painter for me. Carmine Dragon is one of the most beautiful shades ❤ Super interested in the Cuttlefish line to experiment with so thanks for the recommendation!

[@isaacsearth5515]

I'm still new to painting minis (about a year and a half...), but I absolutely love Speedpaints. I find they get into areas quite well, and colours are bright.

[@pavelnadolski]

I have fallen in love with the speedpaint 2.0 range. Since I got the full set I've made a significant dent in my pile of shame and been really proud of how the figs look.

[@brunofant3562]

I'm in the exact same situation ! they completely reignited my love of painting, and the results are seriously impressive with very little effort on my part. Speedpaints for life. (I'm not a shill lol)

[@NightfallTH]

another bought video by AP SP 2.0

[@sethpeterson8261]

I found the 1.0 version of Speedpaints (reactivation and all) a big enough improvemenbt that I actually sold almost all my Contrast paints (about 30 bottles) only keeping 3 colors. I've since upgraded to the 2.0 Speedpaints complete set and even happier with them. Compared to Contrast they have better one coat coverage. Better consistency. They flow better but also stay where you put them better. Slightly less tide marks and better finish. They now dry super fast. They cost half as much. And you said not quite as saturated in color, but I found them more saturated than Contrast, although about 1/3rd of my Contrast paints were the older formula, so maybe that's true if some of the newer formula colors? Anyway I've been very happy with them. They are my new primary paints, whether I'm just using them for a 1 coat coverage base coat or a one coat paint job and done, or as a glaze etc...

[@richardboyd1790]

I really appreciate your videos like this. I often get analysis paralysis trying to decide between different brands of the same product. You cover so many questions that let me be more confident in my purchases, which let's me paint more. Thank you!

[@LylaMev]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dnegron8]

Great review, One comment I would make is the scale 75 colors use a different medium and need quite a bit of shaking. I have the whole range and wasn't able to make much out of them until I used a oscillating shaker. The difference was night and day... I had the same experience with the base colors and instant colors

[@johnlemon149]

I have tried all of these paints except the cuddle fish paints… I totally agree with you assessment. I love the whole line of army painter paints. I also use Citadel paints all the time as well. Keep up the great work and keep these amazing videos coming. 😊

[@cc_chapman]

Thank you for this. As someone starting out in this hobby, this video was extremely helpful.

[@artistpoet5253]

Contrast, of course. It mixes well with my fluid mediums and I have no problem manipulating intensity. I use them as washes too.

[@Willyamm]

I think the GSW Inks are perfect for use in an airbrush. I've had mixed results with brushwork but in an airbrush they actually perform quite well and their cost effective size makes them very appealing in that regard. They don't replace my Contrast/SpeedPaint but they augment it very nicely.

[@soulcatcher521]

They are my goto for terrain. I really don't want to use contrast or any of the others with terrain, but the cost effectiveness means using them for terrain where I can is pretty pragmatic.

[@slaaneshgod]

I will have to try that. I have really like GSW products in general and this one saddened me. that may reclaim them some.

[@demon1103]

Haven't tried through airbrush, but I do love the Acid Green for my Orks/Goblins, and if done well it works great via brush (basically doing it slowly to ensure it doesn't pool anywhere)

[@garnetrising630]

I think that's the biggest issue with any of the reviews of GSW Inks vs other speed paints that I've seen. Everyone is applying them in the same slather it on approach, where as I use two think, carefully applied layers over a zenithal prime. Zero brush strokes, fast dry time, great coverage and contrast.

[@gregharker1600]

I am thinking of adding the Cuttlefish paints to my speed painters as an extra highlight layer.

[@LylaMev]

Exactly!

[@kmykz]

My first Speedpaints 2.0 will arrive tomorrow and I cannot wait to test them. Contrast and Xpress colour are both fine, though I do not use them as a one-coat-fits-all paint.

[@LylaMev]

I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed mine!

[@kmykz]

@@LylaMev Well and if not ... 🤷‍♂ trying new tools and paints either expands my skills or gets me to more appreciate the stuff that I already have :)

[@antongunther3977]

@@kmykz They are great for basecoating or painting to a tabletop standard. You can always add to the mini at a later point by glazing and highlighting. You can also use the speed paints in interesting ways. For example: tinting metallics (try painting a speed paint over a sliver, it looks amazing), glazing (just water it down 2:1), or as a wash (water it down 3 or 4:1)

[@ericlee2537]

My favorite is Army Painter Speed Paints as well. And I'm still on the original formulation. Can't wait to try 2.0.

[@mikekelley2991]

Thank you for confirming my purchase of Army Painter Speed Paints. I love them too!

[@T04ST1E]

Nothing much to add other than I really enjoy your videos. Both in an entertainment and education sense. Thanks.

[@LylaMev]

Thank you!

[@roryhatfield6696]

I’ve only used Contrast. I will try Army Painter. Thanks

[@beneisen6982]

Army Painter is my go to for this. I currently have the 1.0 version and haven't had many issues with re-activation.

[@rocketmandan5524]

i like trying to mix my own, after i saw a video saying contrast medium is pretty much just airbrush flow improver and glaze medium. still trying to figure out the right ratio for medium to my preferred paint (i mostly like pro acryl, sometimes scale75 or vallejo)

[@Drerrawyn]

I don't like one-coat paints but I love using inks and contrast with my airbrush to give a boost of saturation and vibrance. I love watching video comparing them though !

[@cloraformsgood5340]

I recently picked up the army painter1.0 48 bottle set as it was reduced. Speed paints never really interested me but they do have a place alongside other paints. Also the reactivation of some of the paints is an added bonus . After watching this video im now going to buy the big 2.0 set 👍

[@danielcarlsson615]

I got the new ap most wanted,and it’s great. Haven’t used more than 10 yet but they are very good. Just complementing with ruddy fur,occultist cloak,maize yellow,rigor mortis and noble skin. So I think I’m good.

[@isotope2217]

There is some good In the Potions range that In my opinion Everyone needs. The deamon Brown is amazeing. Also toad green. But mostly the potions need 2 coats. But i do agree. Army painter is the vest

[@tysonclarke012]

Lyla - I have a huge building in a small town. I have put a little 'social' arcade in here - everything is 2 pl or more, and I am just getting into the board games stuff. I am clueless to it. But I bought a 3d printer and am just getting into this painting stuff - moreso for my daughter to host painting sessions for little kids. I'd love to have you here! We could host an event for you! Happy to do so.

[@demon1103]

Definitely love AP Speedpaint, use it all the time, especially the Orc Skin & Grim Black. I will say this for Dipping Ink though (despite all the controversies with GSW)...their Acid Green is my favorite green for my Orks & Goblins I've used so far and I've got enough of it to last a long while.

[@theoldgoat3000]

Speed paints have changed the game for me. I was using Pro Acryls based on your rec, which I still love, but it was taking forever to shrink my pile of gray hordes. Speed paints have allowed me to batch paint multiples for mobs so quickly. My rate of painting has tripled without a drop in quality. I still use pro acryls for some things, but for batch painting in a hurry and maintaining a respectable finish, speed paints all the way.

[@jpierce1336]

I bought a bunch of contrast paints before Speed-paint was available. I love AP products, so I quickly began converting. I didn’t mind the reactivation as much as I disliked the limited color range. I really want a good purple and a range of grays, and 2.0 seems to fill that void.

[@SitoPon]

Between my favourites there is a couple of Dipping Inks. First the Deep Black, I find it a perfect black for black firearms, and for painting on top of another colour and make a black with blue or green subtle highlights. Then the acid green is so beautiful, one coat both of them. Just shake it well.

[@LylaMev]

Thanks for your feedback! Like I said in the video, I didn't have every color to try, I just purchased a few to try a variety of them!

[@Tremadog102]

@@LylaMev I also got some mileage out of the Papyrus dipping ink for my Ulthwé Aeldari. The colour was less stable than my usual tactic of moving up from brown to white with either Citadel or Scale 75 paints but it was far quicker, and I can go back later to tidy up any blotches. It is also shaded further quite nicely by Citadel's Skeleton Horde paint. I have ordered a couple more dipping inks to test out. I was hesitant to because I already have absolutely loads of paints and many of them do not get used enough. With those dipping inks you have enough to last an extremely long time.

[@Mokachoo61]

Very interesting!!! I may just pick up a couple of bottles soon!!!

[@jasoncarpenter5974]

I prefer Instant Colors and Army painter for their finishes to Contract and haven’t used the Vallejo yet. We have the majority of Contrast though. I’ve found the Instant colors perform better as glazing paints similar to what you’re talking about with the Cuttlefish colors. They work well when you approach them as water color style paints with two coats and then shading down from a highlight pastel shade on a toothy primer.

[@PatrickSamphire]

I've only got a couple of Xpress colors, but the snake green is very nice and I haven't had problems using it. Other than that, I agree with your ranking.

[@Guzwar]

As someone who has trouble getting a good glaze consistency, those Cuttlefish paints look like lifesavers.

[@ElrohirGuitar]

I have used GW contrast paints since they came out. I really like them after I figure out how to get the results I want with an individual color. I don't use them for one coat usually. I use them in conjunction with other colors. I will use a yellow base and then use Iyanden yellow to give a golden shade for instance. However, Skeleton Horde does a wonderful job of painting bones and Snakebite leather is my favorite for painting leather. Talassar blue is my favorite color in the range. I use Blood Angels Red and Dark Angels Green, but they are very pigmented, even over white primer. Two colors I have been very disappointed in are Shyish Pyrple and Magos Purple. Overall, they are worth the effort in figuring out how to best use them, but not something that is obvious from pictures of the paints or descriptions.

[@chrisl4999]

Thank you for putting this together. I was really curious as to what the differences were. So far I’ve only used contrast but I may branch out a bit.

[@frawgenstein8522]

Thank you for your assessment. I just recently started experimenting with Army Painter Speed Paint 1.0 line. I painted a model in a brighter yellow, and then went over the top with their Dune Yellow, I believe it is called. I did a fantastic job of adding shading and everything like it would over white, but made the yellow a little more rich.

[@LifesDesign]

I like citadel contrast I have had less issues with them. The containers don’t bother me as I made a anti spill holder out of old sprues. Army painter paints I wanted to like but really didn’t get on with them the coverage wasn’t as good and they still have issues drying times etc. as for the others I haven’t tried but looking forward to doing so. But I like citadel I like the range of colours and enjoy working with them. Each to there own

[@666Castor666]

Thank you for the great review! Do you think the gsw dipping inks could be used as shades to speak in gws lingo? So more as actual inks and filters?

[@Thoadin]

cuttlefish was a nice discovery! thx !

[@fedexyz79]

I used a bit the Army Painters ones and I encountered quite annoying issues with colours reactivating. I got this behaviour with the latest "2.0" version of Army Painters (I know it was a recognised problem with the first version of those colours, supposed to be fixed with the latest, but I've still experienced that). It's a shame because their tone is truly very nice, probably the best, and would have loved to use them. Am I the only one? Goven that, Contrast Paint remains to me the best and most versatile.

[@stevejones9967]

I'm glad someone reviewed Cuttlefish paint. It's super hard to find anyone on KZbin to talk about it. There is one guy but don't really get much useful painting information from his channel. Would love to see a dedicated review of the paint as I have started using it and would like to know more about it.

[@SvartElric9]

I wholeheartedly agree on Speedpaints 2.0, they work great! I have only seen Cuttlefish in Don Suratos' videos, but I'm really curious about them, thanks for including them in the video

[@LylaMev]

I've only ever seen him talk about them as well! I'll be taking about them more later this month!

[@helderlimaletsgo]

No surprise for the final result, speedpaints are awesome since the first instalment

[@alphaleigpyne]

I wasn't sure how Vallejo Xpress Color were going to turn out after I've heard of them? I really like their acrylic paints and textures, am a bit disappointed of their result. I'll give Army Painters Speed Paints a go sometine this year. Happy New Year Lyla! 🎉 Hope there'll be some new paints that'll work out in 2024?

[@psychorc8498]

Sponges work great for picking up spilt contrasts and shades

[@vegaskatus]

Would love to see your review of the Reaper one coat paints whenever you get a chance. Thanks for the great content!

[@LylaMev]

This is the first I've heard of them!!

[@InFerrumVeritas]

I really like the transparent paints from Monument Hobbies. They don't behave like "constrast" paint, but are very consistent between colors. And they interact with other paints really well.

[@maxdammit]

get a potholder and never open a pot when its not in one, same goes for wasches

[@joachim4889]

I recently started painting Minis again and army painter Speed paints are great. Either as a one coat for Models where i don't want to spend much time or as a base coat or glaze for models where I want to spend more time.

[@Badbunz84]

I just got my 2.0 paints and love them. I do find that there are a few contrast paints that apply better but the army painters are amazing.

[@MichaelTobin-qk4tx]

Hey! My preferred one coat depends on what I'm painting. Over slap chop, Army Painter speed paint works well. I do prefer contrast paints for more solid colors, although some of the colors (most notorious are the purples) can be too thick or thin for the application I'm using them for.

[@GoufinAround_]

I just stick with contrast and I like xpress colors because they thin to a glaze really nicely which is awesome and thinning them down with their medium lets them work like washes great too

[@alexmerost2054]

I literally just finished painting the Hand of the Archon killteam with Vallejo Xpress paints and I tend to agree with you, they are quite blotchy and prone to paint strokes, even on smaller areas like dark eldar armor. I like those paints, they are super vibrant and very consistent (more than any other speedpaint I think ) but they really need thinning like regular paints. Which is too bad really, because the best paintjobs I've seen from any speedpaint are not fast slapchop, but people that are using speedpaint as just another type of paint (Jay from Eons of Battle for example, who uses Speedpaint 1.0 for blending because it reactivates)

[@antongunther3977]

Speed paint kind of get the same treatment that washes used to. "Skill in a bottle". But in reality they are just a tool. I think the best application of them is to slapchop to build a foundation for the mini that you later build on with glazes, washes, highlights, ect. They are also amazing for creating glazes and washes

[@Alric66]

Huge fan of Army Painter's Speedpaints.

[@toddanderson5967]

Lyla, Great video!!!!! Can you list the colors that are what you considered good? For example you mentioned the red was good for the contrast paint line. Which other ones are good one coat? Are all the army speed. Paint2.0 just as good? I think someone else asked for this in one of the posts as well. Cheers, Todd.

[@Kitsune_.-]

Cuttlefish looks interesting

[@LylaMev]

I'm glad you think so!

[@WildWilly292]

Glad to see you love the speedpaints. I've loved the 1.0 but not so much the reactivation, so really glad to see these are similar sans this issue. There's lots of hate for army painter out there and I've had people simply tell me to buy xpress colors when I asked when individual bottle of SP 2.0 would come out. "Army painter is garbage don't even consider them" which I think is pretty unfounded. I grabbed a couple bottles of xpress to try, and I've had a similar experience as you. They're really great for my application where I thin them massively, but I'm excited to grab a bunch of SP 2.0 as my go-to 'quick' paint.

[@antongunther3977]

Don't listen to the haters. AP has really improved their quality lately. Their air paints and speed paints are amazing and are just as good as the competition. The normal acrylic paints are what most people hate (goopy and thick) but they are still not too bad if you know how to use acrylic medium and flow improver. Funnily enough the very reason most people hate on AP paints is what makes them the best dry brush paints IMO.

[@WildWilly292]

@@antongunther3977 ya, nice to see I'm not crazy and the speedpaints are actually sweet in most peoples' opinion.

[@howardcoates6985]

havent tried the cuttlefish yet, my favorite is the Speedpaing 2.0, tho i do like contrast and vallejo express a lot as well. now.. to go find some cuttlefish....

[@portland-182]

You might like to try Pro Acryl paints, a good range of colors, and will airbrush nicely if thinned a bit, good twist top dropper bottles too...

[@ew1258]

I Stayed away from Army Painter due to the reactivation issue it looks like I need to try them again. I got a great deal on Dipping Inks so I have them all. They don’t work like I was expecting so I’m disappointed. However I have found they work great when you use them as a glaze. Also they work better when using the slap chop method but don’t expect to get the results you want in a single coat. Another up side is with the larger bottle they will last awhile.

[@PaulWalker-sy1sj]

Do you have any paint brand recommendations for painting military vehicle miniatures?

[@matthilton8959]

I started with contrast paints but have now moved onto Army Painter. Still using V1 not yet tried V2. But prefer how speed paints work compared to contrast paints. Tried 2 xpress colours but wasn't that blown away to want to buy more.

[@Smitty19966]

Heads up for AP 2.0 Metallics, use Nuln oil or a black wash after applying it for steel and cooler colours and Agax for gold and warmer colours. After that, highlight with lighter metallic acrylics and blend into from light to dark. Thank me later.

[@chezratte1357]

for me the most important factor is availability. I can get Armypainter and Citadel paints pretty easy, everything else is hard to get. When I'm runing out of a certain paint, or need to expand my paint range, it is usually a matter of a few hours. Sure you can order online, but, since you don't place an order just for one or two paints, you usually spend more money than you wanted to. Also you have to wat a lot longer until the paints arrive. I buy other brands when i get the chance to, but haven't really gotten to use them.

[@SadWizardVibes]

Fully agree with the Speed Paints pick. I'm relatively new to miniature painting, and the consistency across the range relative to others I've tried has been a fantastic foundation to experiment and refine from.

[@CosmicDuskWolf]

I haven't tried any yet, but I've been wanting to for years.

[@kristoff7049]

I use army painter speed for “one coat” type stuff… and Vallejo model or model air for the more normal painting… plus citadel shades and a real mix of “technical” paints for effects… I have dipped my toe into AK for normal paints but that’s just an experiment for me right now

[@BlizzAz]

Army Painter is my favorite as well.

[@aaronguerrette]

I think the issue ypu ran into with the contrast line when the 2.0 came out last year is all models required a white primer. Maybe grey at most and colors like Magmadrof Flame. BAAL red. Celestrium Blue. Black Legion. Are more like a opaque acrylic vs a transparent color. It seemed like GW wanted to introduce more colors but also in the color wheel offered a really opaque option for each section of that wheel. I also adore ApSpeed paints as i bought the complete set at 100$ and crusader skin, blood/slaughter red, plasmatic bolt, and magic blue are my go to

[@spilledpaintpot]

I feel you on the pot issue

[@benytreeide568]

The only one-coat paint that I have experience with is Citadel Contrast. I would like to try Vallejo Xpress, Pro Acryl Transparent and Golden High Flow.

[@Monstein]

Contrast for me because only use a smaller amount at a time. So the bottle works great for me as I can get a smaller amount out then the dripper bottles onto my pallet or mixing dish.

[@j.taylor7361]

I absolutely love the Xpress Colors. I guess they will be releasing more colors fairly soon too. I love how matte they are but I don’t think they give as much contrast as Speedpaint or Contrast do. Speedpaint version 1 was nice for wet blending even if the reactivation was not intended.

[@sub39h]

Regarding the opening question, I don’t have a favourite range. I’ve used a few of the Contrast and the SpeedPaint range and they’re different tools with slightly different pros and cons. If you have a very textured surface then GW probably wins out because it’s contrast is more… “contrasty”. If one is painting a bigger flatter surface SpeedPaint is better. It’s easier to work with and has a longer working time so you can make sure you don’t have tide marks. They both have a place in my paint range. I’ve not tried Xpress Color yet.

[@wargamingsorceress]

You have certainly got me interested in the cuttlefish glaze paints. I'm not one for speed painting or contrast style painting but they seem like a nice tool to add to my tool kit

[@jerricacw8876]

I just found this video after watching various others that just used whatever paint they had.. and I already settled on the army painter ones.. have a 50 paint set coming in tmrw.. but seeing this video makes me happier I went that route :p Well.. I also went that way cause I literally could not find the citadel ones anywhere in a pack, and being fairly new to "miniture" painting coming from large scale models.. I need a variety to work with and try vs just a select couple.. Still.. makes me feel I made the right choice right out :p now to learn more tricks to their use.. I still cannot for the life of me get this dry brushing down :/

[@AlansWay3DPrinting]

I can get Contrast paint in my local stores (4 of them within walking distance of my work at lunch break and the local GW store) and none of the other one coat paints locally. I would love to try more but I don't want to order an expensive multipak from large internet retailer and want to get one bottle at a time when I need a specific colour.

[@mattdeeley4302]

Another great video, thank you! Only thing I would ask is if you added acrylic inks to the selection. So many of the 'single pigment' contrast paints from gw range I've found to be indistinguishable from acrylic inks (bar a more matte finish) and yet no one seems to be using these old school tools as a comparison. I'd love for these to be thrown into the mix too! I think they're great, and really easy to mix your own colours with too, but don't have the resources to do a true comparison to the single coat paints marketed for mini painters Much loves to the cats! 😁

[@Skhmt]

Can you list which contrast paints you'd consider good and which aren't (so we know which to use across the range), and same with speed paint 2?

[@asdfjoe123]

Well, we know who isn't a GW shill, now don't we? Breath of fresh air.

[@LylaMev]

My opinion cant be bought

[@DanielEbeck]

You missed Warcolours’ Antithesis range. My personal favourite is Citadel, in particular the single pigment ones, which are *insanely* intensely vibrant. I usually thin them at least 4:1 with Contrast medium.

[@LylaMev]

Darn, I thought I got them all! This is the first time I have heard that warcolours had one!

[@soulcatcher521]

I was looking to see if someone else mentioned them. I have Antithesis as well. They feel most similar to instant colors, and I more or less never use them.

[@nikolaosalexandroskaloumen1693]

Agree with you that the inconsistency of contrast paint is a big minus. Also agree that speed paints 2.0 are fantastics. I am a bit surprised you didn’t like xpress colours! They are the best for slapchop/zenithal priming due to their thinner pigmentation and their longer drying time make them even easier to work. Also they tend to work amazing together when you apply one on top of the other, as they act as glazes, making them the best “blending” one-coat product so far for me 🤔

[@lolpwndk]

Totally agree with xpress colors, only downside i see, is that the range is limited atm

[@nikolaosalexandroskaloumen1693]

@@lolpwndk couldn’t agree more! They have mentioned though that they will be releasing a new batch to make the range more complete as well as working on a couple of things no other brand has done 🤷‍♂️

[@j.taylor7361]

Juan Hidalgo mentioned recently that there will be new Xpress Colors released soon which will be nice. I really dislike the Lotus Black or whatever; the other colors are great though.

[@aberodriguez4149]

Lol..... did Kitty apologize @ 1:25 when Citadel contrast yellow was spilled ? XD Thank you for sharing your findings.

[@kirbyrawstorne]

Great video! I know what you mean about contrast paints being inconsistent so if you're looking for each contrast to work the same then you'll be disappointed but I do find that once you know how a specific paint works then it can be really useful for specific things (Pylar Glacier for ice effects for example). There are a few Army Painter speed paints that I use (bone, leather etc) for boring or common bits but I find most of their stuff blotches too much for my needs, so I just end up using normal paint instead