Scale Model Paint Guide | Best Paints for Beginners

In this video, I'll give you my recommendations for the best paints to tackle whatever scale military model project you've got on the bench! Whether you're just getting into the hobby or you're a veteran builder looking for some new paints, this video will hopefully help set you off in the right direction!
Product Links Below!
*Note - be sure to check out your local hobby shop or visit a online scale model retailer where you can; it's important to support the hobby!
Basics
Vallejo Thinner: amzn.to/3G4YOmX
Tamiya Thinner: amzn.to/3ACS9zy
Black Primer: amzn.to/3som3p6
Gloss Varnish: amzn.to/3sCLW4H
Matte Varnish: tinyurl.com/5n84ejem
Luftwaffe Paints
RLM 02: tinyurl.com/489pk996
RLM 71: tinyurl.com/mr2rhfdb
RLM 74: tinyurl.com/2p85wfre
RLM 75: tinyurl.com/57v3drpx
RLM 76: tinyurl.com/555p9abz
RLM 78: tinyurl.com/2p8hhzfj
RLM 79: tinyurl.com/sv2w8mwm
RLM 81: tinyurl.com/k9f76wty
RLM 82: tinyurl.com/bdhuhvzk
RLM 83: tinyurl.com/bdz8jej6
RLM 84: tinyurl.com/2p9e5t9t
US Aircraft Paints
Olive Drab Base: tinyurl.com/5h3b3h8a
Olive Drab Light Base: tinyurl.com/276ntfv5
Olive Drab Dark Base: tinyurl.com/2p8bpswy
USAAF Olive Drab: tinyurl.com/2p8nur7y
Grey Light Base: tinyurl.com/3mfkfa95
Medium Grey: tinyurl.com/yckntbyh
White Aluminum: amzn.to/3yLD6ST
Aluminum: amzn.to/35tJaoH
Navy/USMC Color Pack: amzn.to/3r3P3Bn
Intermediate Blue: tinyurl.com/5f36ycp4
Sea Blue: tinyurl.com/2um5ufsc
Flat Black for Figures: tinyurl.com/44a7pbap
Medium Blue for figures: tinyurl.com/2hdhuh4p
Pure Red: tinyurl.com/2r4mac39
Zinc Chromate Yellow: tinyurl.com/csa6mb3y
Satin White: tinyurl.com/yc7knpuc
German Armor Paints
Early War German Color Set: tinyurl.com/cpjy9s4x
Olivgrun: tinyurl.com/2p86j5sr
Dunkelgrau: tinyurl.com/ycks784e
Dunkelgelb (mid war): tinyurl.com/2p8fdfzj
Schokobraun: tinyurl.com/5t2b23p5
Cremeweiss: tinyurl.com/muthejrw
Polizei grun: tinyurl.com/2p8fdmfe
Allied Armor Paints
US Armor Color Pack: amzn.to/34bgnET
Olive Drab Base: tinyurl.com/5h3b3h8a
Olive Drab Light Base: tinyurl.com/276ntfv5
Olive Drab Dark Base: tinyurl.com/2p8bpswy
Russian Green: tinyurl.com/ph9faama
Flesh Tones for Figures
Skin Tones (set of 8): amzn.to/3pdXcSL
German Figures
German WWII Infantry Colors (set of 6): amzn.to/3ecG75i
German Camo Beige: amzn.to/3paWcyO
German Camo Black Brown: amzn.to/3H02zef
German Camo Dark Green: tinyurl.com/2p89uekp
German Field Grey: tinyurl.com/2p95a787
Luftwaffe Camo Green: tinyurl.com/598sr9b6
Green Grey: tinyurl.com/ycknp2wk
US/Commonwealth Figures
US Olive Drab: amzn.to/3Fse51y
Green Grey: amzn.to/3yJUzLD
Brown Violet: tinyurl.com/4pua36jz
Tan Earth: amzn.to/3FvyUtn
Red Leather: amzn.to/33LLkzc
Khaki: amzn.to/3pdM2gG
Beige Brown: tinyurl.com/5az5dnpe
**As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you)!
Other videos to check out:
Best Kits for Beginners: • Best Model Kits for Be...
Best Tools for Beginners: • Best Scale Modeling Su...
German Figure Tutorial: • 1/35 German Infantry |...
US GI Tutorial: • How to Paint US WWII W...
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:50 Important Notes!
01:56 Thinners, Primers & Varnishes
06:34 German/Luftwaffe Aircraft
13:01 USAAF / US Navy / USMC Aircraft
22:32 German Tanks & AFVs
26:12 Allied Tanks & AFVs
29:13 Skin Tones for Figures
32:23 German Figures
35:44 US/Commonwealth Figures
38:39 Closing Remarks

[@ravensfootball52]

Just want to say thank you for all these videos. I’m finishing up my second attempted model and your videos help me add little details (it’s my first aircraft build). It’s coming out better then I expected thanks to all your tips. The airbrush is great and the respirator you recommended is fantastic. I definitely need to do better with my airbrush technique since my paint came out a bit splattered on some parts. I really appreciate the quality of your videos and how friendly they are to newcomers. Keep up the great work!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh thank you so much for sharing! I'm so glad to hear that... and glad the kits are coming out well! Funny you mention the airbrush technique - I'm hoping to do a video on the basics there soon! 👍

[@timmaher1989]

Jumping in after a long hiatus, these videos are awesome. Thanks for all the great tips and I'm definitely glad I found your channel!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks Tim! Welcome back to the hobby & glad you've found the channel, too! 👍

[@gddyuprap]

Great video and some fantastic information. Thank you for taking the time to produce and share your knowledge! I'm just getting back into the hobby after 35 years and I'm just finishing up a Tamiya Block 25/32 F-16 for my first project. I'll be going through all your videos and grabbing some pointers as I'm now older and able to afford the "niceties" that my 10 year old self could never imagine having! (Loving that airbrush!) :) Keep up the good work!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I'm glad you got something out of it - and sounds like a good project you've got going! Happy building 👍

[@Mariner311]

Excellent video, THANKS. I remember when I started in the mid 1970s - there was ONLY Testors Enamels to paint with, and an airbrush was out of most teen/young adults price range. When I got back into the hobby in the early 2000s - I fell in love with Tamiya acrylics - I pray to get BACK to the hobby again someday and try some of these new products. OH, I do want to give a nod to Testors Model Masters paints - guess they came out in the mid 80s - enamel, but in larger bottles, proper DoD tints, and excellent for the day.

[@TiberiusMaximus]

love the brickwork in ur house, looks like a hundred year old townhouse recently renovated...nice. I was an electrical contractor, i loved working in these types of buildings

[@saratoga1956]

Thanks very much mate .. I’m just getting back into things modelling and have watched a lot of KZbin stuff but you explain things simply and well .. and I love the way you stress to “crawl .. walk .. then run” esp when considering airbrushing. So many bite off more than they can chew .. get frustrated and leave a great pass hobby. Thanks again … I’ll be following with interest .. cheers Steve (down under)

[@justinoberg6766]

Thank you a ton for all the good info on your channel. Ive gotten all the tools to start just saving up for an airbrush. My son and i are working on a Stug IV right now and are able to spend some really good time together that hopefully he will always remember. Its been a blast and much more fun with good info to work off of. Thank you so much.

[@SpruesNBrews]

That's fantastic! I'm so glad to hear it - hope you two enjoy 👍

[@kylekallies3381]

I watched the two other videos on beginner models to build and tools you need and now this one thanks for the info I’m definitely thinking about getting some modeling kits

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ah great! I'm glad to hear it - enjoy!

[@bfberna]

Awesome channel. Getting back to my childhood hobby. Things have certainly changed and love your efforts to being out your love and appreciation of history and the hobby. I found your paint info video was very informative. I am new to your channel and hope to find one on air brush equipment as I ramp up. Thanks for all you do.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much - I really appreciate the support!

[@shoga7229]

Thank you for this video. Very timely as I just started looking at paints for WW2 1/48 as I’m new to scale modeling.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Glad to hear! Thank you 👍

[@paulthomson6573]

useful information, especially with the RLM colours - thank you

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed! 👍

[@gerardogonzalez8085]

great videos, I'm restarting model building after a 35 year pause , thanks for the great info a lot has changed in that 35 year pause.

[@adamjackson7629]

Hey man, thank you SO much for all your help. I just got started in the hobby and can't believe how much fun I'm having. I learned what tools to start off with from you, and am nearing completion of the easy eight Sherman thanks to your recommendation. Thank you!!!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

That's fantastic news! Thanks so much for sharing - I'm really glad to hear that the videos are helping out. Good luck on the Sherman & happy building! 👍

[@davidshelby8610]

You have given a lotta people a lotta info. Even experienced modelers. Love organization. You did great.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you - I appreciate it!

[@tonygamson2911]

I realise this video has been around for awhile but I only stumbled over it today. Really helpful to me as someone getting back into the hobby after decades of distractions. Thank you so much for posting this and I am really looking forward to putting your advice into practice.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Fantastic! I'm glad you found it! Thanks for watching & happy building 👍🖌️

[@stuartosborne6263]

Wow! Excellent video, just the sort of information I have been looking for. It’s always great to watch the highly skilled modellers on KZbin but it has always been a little daunting when you see the massed ranks of colours on their benches. This a great resource to enable you to build your collection depending on what type of model you intend to concentrate on. It’s a pity, and slightly ironic the R.A.F. haven’t come to the party yet but I’m sure you’ll do them justice when they do. I would love to see you build a Mosquito, so many variants to choose from. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. 🇬🇧

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks very much! I'm wanted to make something as accessible as possible to all levels of modelers, so glad to hear you enjoyed 👍 And I hear ya about the RAF birds... I really need to get on that!

[@sophiegielis3745]

Thank you Hank for this wonderful instructive video's, it helps me very well to find my way. Please keep on making video's

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm glad to hear it - thanks for watching! 👍

[@jdcportfolio]

This is a great video. I just got my first airbrush so I'm excited to try it out. I was previously using those ammo colors with brushes which was also great

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh awesome! Enjoy - you'll love it. Airbrushes are a lot of fun 👍

[@liamgray9805]

Hey Hank - what a fantastic video and so informative. As a starter back into the hobby I’m using a mixture of Mig/Tamiya from the kits /Vallejo multi packs to find the best for me, im just hand brushing at the moment but hope to get into air brushing, brilliant keep up the great work.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Great! Thanks so much - I'm glad to hear it was helpful! 👍

[@chuckcapage6238]

I can't stop watching your videos, UNBELIEVABLE how helpful they are. Im 53 and just starting to get into the hobby

[@bshilkitus]

56 and just starting as well. About to order some stuff. Gonna start with the Tamiya 1/48 BF109. Thank you Hank!!!!

[@ada42klm]

My Friend, thank you so much for a great tutorial. I cannot begin to tell you how helpful this is for me. I have most of the colors by Mig and Vallejo you introduced, however, I'm not sure what to do with them, where to use them, go figure. You come along with this video and BAM! now I have a good idea where to use these colors. Another thing are the links below, they are so so helpful you have no idea. As far as KZbin, Hey KZbin, this guy has his stuff together. Kudos to you brother.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks so much for sharing! I'm so glad to hear it was helpful 😁

[@madcat1007]

I cannot understand why you have so few subscribers. Your videos are the most helpful that I have seen so far. Thankyou so much.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Oh thank you! Too kind - I'm working on building up that sub count 😁 thanks for your support!

[@RobPearlman]

Hi there. I really like the format of your videos. I work on modern and sci fi subjects but I always enjoy watching your videos. Ammo water based acrylics are great. They get a lot of hate in some circles on the internet but they work like a dream for me.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks very much! And I like my AMMO paints too... as you could probably tell 😅

[@Smokeyr67]

Having recently returned to the hobby, I’m using lacquers exclusively for airbrushing, and I’m loving them!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Glad to hear you're liking them! 👍

[@Greywolf1066]

Good video. I have to say I love the Ammo Mig paints,the key is to not thin them when airbrushing,through my H&S .2mm they go like a dream!

[@SpruesNBrews]

They're great!

[@ryanandtech3164]

Thanks for this mate, keep the good work up.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! 👍

[@mikedavis7597]

Thank you for your videos. Informative and entertaining!

[@TheCheshireWanderer]

This is quickly becoming my favourite channel. Great stuff 🇬🇧🍻🇺🇲

[@manuelkooijman5757]

I am so glad you mentioned Light Grey as a substitute for white. I never use white anymore for anything as it really is too stark. Even modern aircraft where the instructions state to use white, Ilse light grey. I can then use white for highlights.

[@andybrown7935]

Just got back into the hobby and found your videos really helpful….you say you haven’t built many RAF models and I know it isn’t in your era of interest but I can highly recommend Airfixes Vulcan bomber,I did it as my third build and found it perfect for my skill level (relative newcomer after twenty year break ).and as well as having Parkinson’s disease I find the hobby very therapeutic although it can get a bit stressful when the tremors start .

[@louislopez55]

I’ve been looking for this information because I’m getting conflicting advice from certain popular KZbin how-to model builders. Some say base coat, paint, clear flat, decals and weathering, a buff coat and done. Others say clear gloss, then decals and weathering, then a flat clear coat to finish. I guess the best way is to try all the different techniques but with models costing $50, plus paint and accessories I would like to get it right early on. I found this video very helpful, in fact it’s the best one I’ve seen. I loved the idea of putting water through the airbrush to help clean it! Great tip!

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm glad to hear this was useful! Thanks so much for watching. I'm currently working on a "painting aircraft for beginners" video that should be up soon if you're interested 👍

[@andyzehr9839]

Thank you for all the videos! Just found your channel and am binging like crazy 😂

[@SpruesNBrews]

Awesome! Welcome aboard, glad you're enjoying 👍

[@miltonsangrouber2125]

Thanks Hank, very helpful. Just the thing I was looking for.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Very glad to hear it!

[@davegiles2344]

Great video. Lots of useful information. Thanks 👌

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@aeroflanker]

What a wonderful video! I wish I had had a video like yours when I started, all the essentials in one place. Looking forward for the RAF color scheme video and, if you allow me a recommendation, that a look at the camo of Italian Regia Aeronautica with aircrafts like the SM79 Sparviero, MC202 Folgore and C205 Veltro, just to mention some. Excelent work. Thanks for your contribution and keep them coming ✌🏻

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks so much! And I agree, I totally wish that I had something like this when I got started - that's why I wanted to make it 😁 Good call on the Regia Aeronautica colors, too - I've definitely got some things to add to a part two 👍

[@DavidMarzola]

Great information. Made choosing products easy.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joeokabayashi8669]

Very informative, helpful and engaging vid! Thank you!

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm so glad to hear! Thanks for watching 👍

[@thesmanbrowne4561]

Just got back into modelling after 38 years, your vids help me so much , thanks mate from 🇬🇧

[@SpruesNBrews]

So glad to hear! I really appreciate it 👍

[@thesmanbrowne4561]

@@SpruesNBrews right , I’m off for another beer chap 👍👍👍

[@SpruesNBrews]

Cheers to that! 🍻

[@DansModelBench]

A very thorough run through. Everyone will have their favourite choice of paint brand, but Ammo Mig is a fairly middle of the road acrylic range, so not a bad all rounder at all. Would be worth a follow up video explaining Tamiya paints vs Ammo Mig and Vallejo. Tamiya is a pretty common paint brand in most hobby and toy shops, so a new modeler might wonder if they can use them instead or mix them with Ammo etc.

[@SpruesNBrews]

A good suggestion for sure - thank you! 👍

[@Pyzah1575]

Another great video keep it up man im waiting for my t34 tank to arrive and im getting to work👍

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! Sounds like a great project - happy building! 👍

[@stuartrawlins2404]

I got a bottle of Intermediate Gauzy on your recommendation and WOW is it good. I also got the Vallejo black primer and am finishing off a NMF Trojan which is looking pretty good . Thanks for the tips 👏🏻

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm glad to hear it! I was blown away by the Gauzy, too... awesome stuff 👍

[@benarispe6113]

Thank you for this! great info!

[@SpruesNBrews]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching 👍

[@bigroryhollar5023]

Solid info ... you can’t go wrong with mig. I just kept using the smart sets, build selection built fast 😁🍻great information......!!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! And that's the truth - love me some AMMO 👍

[@MikeyRumi180]

i really love your channel dude.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks very much! Glad to hear you're enjoying 👍

[@Flashpg]

Great video, I'm new to modelling and wanting to make a model village. I bought some acrylic paints, but they won't paint on the plastic footpaths I bought. So, I have just ordered some of that surface primer you showed and hope that works. I really hope the paints I bought will work with this as I bought a big box of 36 and it wasn't cheap.

[@DarksouIjah]

Thanks for this. I learned something new and I need to go buy myself the two different varnishes.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Great! Glad it was helpful - I really like the AMMO Lucky & AK Gauzy varnishes... I had so much trouble finding one that worked well for me, and these have been awesome in my experience 👍

[@DarksouIjah]

@@SpruesNBrews It was definitely helpful and I cannot imagine how long this video took. So thank you.

[@SpruesNBrews]

It was a doozie 😅

[@BlackAndBluez]

I recently found your channel, great content! Keep it coming. I would add one item to your list of thinners: mr levelling thinner. It would be a great option for an inexperienced airbrush user because it is so forgiving.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks very much! I'm glad you're enjoying. Good call on the Mr. Levelling - I haven't personally used it, but I've heard good things! 👍

[@gordon8753]

Awesome tutorial!!! Thanks brother!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you!!

[@legionarpublius6342]

Thanks for your advice, especially for WWII colors. On one point I would recommend something different: Airbrush Thinner. I just use a cheap window cleaner. It is just as good (if not better) for thinning colors (usually Vallejo or Citadel), is easy to proportion, cleans your airbrush excellently and costs a fraction but contains much more and you can get it just around the corner in a store.

[@sickfarce6275]

Another great video. Wish something like this was around when I figured all this out. Cost me a lot of time and nerves tbh.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks very much! That's the idea - hope it can be helpful to folks 👍

[@Mawyman2316]

Man really said "Screw the RAF" I guess.

[@LemurKrazy]

The algorithm brought me here. Great video - RLM colours for noobs. Thanks.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Glad you enjoyed! Thank you 👍

[@alainvandenbosch2685]

Very cool video... I'm BLASTED !!! 😂😂😂... Couldn't help myself. So useful for beginners. I bought Mission Models Colors the day I started airbrushing. I LOVE them but certainly not as durable as Tamiya thinned with lacquer thinner. So I protect my paint work with Tamiya clear coat heavely thinned with IPA .. works for me. Thank you for sharing my experience

[@SpruesNBrews]

Haha thank you! 👍

[@jekinneys]

I use mig mainly now, but I recommend Tamiya paint for new people. It's not fully water based, but significantly easier to use. Thinning is easy, just top the bottle off and done.

[@marcosalvarez646]

Hello. Fantastic tutorial and information you puthere. I wish I had this when I started a few years ago and I got into a world of varieties, choices, flavours... Really super helpful. Can I suggest a washes, oils, and pigments totorial as well? Cheeres!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you - so glad you enjoyed! And that's a great suggestion on the washes & weathering products... I'll add it to the list! 👍

[@davidsumpter7117]

Thanks for your channel. I’m just getting back into scale modeling after a long break, and have forgotten a bunch of stuff. My plan is to build a collection of US Pacific Theater aircraft, with a B-25B Mitchell done up as the Ruptured Duck from 30 Seconds Over Tokyo.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Sounds like a great plan! Thank you for watching 👍

[@AFV85]

Used and got all these thinners but my favourite ill always swerve to is AKs new 3rd Gen acrylic thinners it's the best! I was only able to get ammos the other day so was pretty bummed at that as doesn't go far and aks bottle slightly bigger and just seems to go further! There something about vallejo and ammos thinners it doesn't work properly with every acrylic I have likes scale 75 or life colours but the AK 3rd Gen stuff that's perfect 👌 got that mix absolutely spot on!

[@davidharrington1133]

Super helpful, thanks so much

[@SpruesNBrews]

Glad to hear it - thanks for watching!

[@philiphough6372]

Thanks for the video. I would like if you could make a video about glues for canopies om aircraft. Your video's are a great help. Love it !

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'll add it to the list - thanks for the recommendation! 👍

[@ModelMinutes]

Interesting stuff. Never tried Mig paints, but have given vallejo and hataka a go which i was impressed with

[@SpruesNBrews]

I've got to do a little more work with Hakata myself - I've heard good things!

[@ModelMinutes]

@@SpruesNBrews yeah, the raf colours were good :P

[@keithshafer6710]

Just getting back into modeling in my mid-life crisis years (could be worse things, right?). Anyway, I am really learning a lot from Hank already, like in his mistakes to avoid video. I enjoy his teaching. I just hope its okay that my brew is coffee. Lots of it. Cheers!

[@paulwilson2895]

Great section on skin tones. Looking forward to your hints on black/brown and even Asian skin tones.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I have a new video on painting black & brown skin tones if you're interested in checking it out 👍

[@uriance88]

Things have come a long way since the days of Testors enamel and Tamiya's arrival in N. Am and it becoming a game changer (which kind of led to the model masters enamels) depending on the manufacturer, the newer acrylics have a much 'shallower' learning curve for new hobbyists. If your local store might not have the ones recommended (or you only need a bit and won't need a whole bottle), there are a few good apps which will recommend a reasonably close equivalent (I'm partial to BrushRage). One thing to remember about colour matching is that it doesn't need to be perfect - paint weathers pretty much from the day the vehicle leaves the factory, and there was typically some variation between batches from different factories (even if it was the same supplier - but often there were multiple suppliers). This is even more evident with uniforms - anyone who has worn a uniform knows that it never again looks like it did when you were issued it new from clothing stores, especially after a couple of days in the field.

[@SpruesNBrews]

For sure - I think things have become a lot more accessible even since I was making models as a kid. And that's a very good point about the color matching... it's all just an estimation! I hadn't heard about the apps, so thank you for that! Going to have to check them out 👍

[@BazzyPredPop]

Fantastic video thank you so much

[@SpruesNBrews]

I'm glad you enjoyed! Thanks 👍

[@MrJmreal6688]

This is awesome. I watched your best kits for beginners, got the Churchill, and was wondering how I would figure out what paints to get.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Fantastic! That's why I made it - hope it's helpful! Happy building 👍

[@froilanreyes7393]

Hello, just subscribed to your channel. Thank you for your thorough explanation. I'm an old modeller (1964?) and new technologies are always very welcome in my world. BTW, I hope you'll cover the Imperial Japan later, looking forward for your next post. God bless.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you very much! And I'll definitely be sure to cover some IJN subjects soon 👍

[@RichardMo73]

Great video! Can I use the Ammo Mig paint with Vallejo thinner? Is it good to use thinner or not necessary?

[@Looney2ing]

For the real starters and in Europe (don't know availability worldwide). When you still are on the hairy stick for applying color Revell aqua is great bang for buck. Vallejo is great also, and an easier conversion to an airbrush. Good video again. Hope some starters see this and start getting into the hobby. Good basics great explanation

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks very much - I appreciate it! 👍

[@Looney2ing]

@@SpruesNBrews as far as I can see only RLM colors missing are 23 and 04 red and yellow. Especially the RLM is a funny color best used for a 190D papagai plane

[@SpruesNBrews]

Yeah I had to cut a few proper RLM colors out, wanted to lean on the essentials & figure you can probably use some other basic colors to achieve a similar effect.

[@elvisbjones]

My favorite paints are Vallejo model air. Particularly idly by them in the packets that they sell so example US Navy 39 to 45 US Army pacific theater, U.S. Army, European theater, Mediterranean theater German early war German late war really helps me know that I got all the colors that I will need in there a good price to buy all in one instead of individual bottles. I also like them because they’re pre-send I struggle a little bit with thinner to paint ratios. They still do require a little bit of thinner though.

[@servaaslabs]

really enjoying your videos, on my goal list to make a start at this in 2024! in any case your videos are great. One slight correction- "dunkel" as in "dunkel grau" and "dunkel gelb" is properly pronounced "doonkel" like the double o in "moon".. anyway no worries keep the great videos coming!

[@brzeczyszczykiewicz4476]

Thank you for all the tips! Just one recommendation as for buying the relevant chemicals. Amazon, at least in the UK, is no the cheapest place to buy all the kit. I've noticed that here the Tank Museum is the go-to place for all things modelling, especially Tamiya. The paints are usually half the price compared to Amazon. The things I couldn't find there I was able to acquire from ScaleModelShop, also cheaper than Amazon. All in all, from the initial basket worth over £60 I was able to go with alternatives for just over £40. Not sure if the US you can find cheaper stores than Amazon but in the UK I would shop around. Thanks again!

[@stephenbridges2791]

I have been building models for a few years. Built my first one with my dad's help in 1959. Back in those days all that was available was Testor's enamel or some enamel from a company called Pactra. In my view, it is much easier for a beginner to airbrush a solvent based acrylic paint such as Tamiya or Gunze Sanyo than it is to airbrush an aqueous based acrylic such as AMMO/Mig, Vallejo, etc. There is less surface tension in a solvent based paint and that makes it easier to do detailed camouflage, complex paint schemes, and so on. With aqueous paints there is much more of an issue with "tip dry", I have found. The issue is less pronounced with solvent based. My method is airbrush Tamiya or Gunze, hand paint with AMMO/Mig. Every modeler can find something that works for him and falls in line with his ability. Also, a good portion of all the fun is hunting down reference photos, articles on any given subject, etc. Models today are many times better than they were in the 60's and 70's. Some of those back then were laughably bad. WWI airplanes in particular. Your series for beginners is pretty good. If I can be of help, just ask.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks! That's a good point on the tip dry issue - I started with Tamiya paints as well & switched over to AMMO for airbrushing mostly for the simplicity of not having to mix & dilute each time I need to spray. Just personal preference, but that is a very good call. I'll have to pick up some Tamiya paints next time I have a chance and familiarize myself with them again 👍

[@garyemc2]

Excellent video on paints! Im really looking forward to your RAF paints video. Would you also recommend Vallejo’s Airbrush Flow Improver? Or is using the Thinner enough? Thanks much Hank!

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks! I use a little Vallejo thinner sometimes, but I've never used the flow improver. In my experience I haven't needed it 👍

[@lobilly]

Can you also talk about different types of paint like enamel vs acrylic, water vs oil, pros & cons on application etc?

[@misterp1694]

Very entertaining and sound advice and recommendations for beginners like me who have just got back into modelling after a forty year layoff! (:>)

[@SpruesNBrews]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed - and welcome back to the hobby! Happy building 👍

[@thepiratepenguin4465]

31:30 The Army painter has a great set for all kinds of skin tones & included washes which complement the paint. I'm a Valljelo fan, but Army Painter takes first prize regarding the Skin tones set. Both Amry painter Valljelo produce rattle can primers which help a lot if you don't have an airbrush.

[@thadrepairsitall1278]

I learned a lot.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Glad to hear it!!

[@bshilkitus]

Hi Hank. I am just getting started in this hobby. I have watched many of your videos and love them. I find them informative and well produced. At your recommendation, I have ordered the Tamiya 1/48 BF109 Trop as my first build. I downloaded the instructions from scalemate like you recommended. The instructions list 27 different colors! Do I really need that many to make the model look authentic? I thought about getting just the small group of colors from the early war period that you outlined. Would that do? I do like the yellow on the box art though. Thank you in advance.

[@dreadster0]

Greetings from Ireland!!! Excellent videos, love your content. Getting back into after a long time. Quick question, do you first build your models and then paint, or do you paint on the sprues first?

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thank you! I'm glad to hear it - and I'd say about 90% of my building is done before painting, depending on the subject. Sláinte! 🍻

[@SunDevil31]

Very helpful. Thx. Note: colors like Tamiya interior green or AM AM Chromate zinc green for US cockpits Citadel Leadbelcher for all guns

[@SpruesNBrews]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@joshuariddensdale2126]

Most all of my model paints are either Model Master or Tamiya. I do have a few Mr Hobby/Mr Color too. I get the exact shades as the paint guides outline.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Nice! Glad to hear they're working for you 👍

[@brianblanchette8054]

Hey great video. Just got back into modeling after a looooong time off. Painted a model with acrylics and I am now looking to put on some decals and weather. I've read a bunch about applying clear coats on the base paint before weathering and decals. Some say use enamel on an acrylic base and others say to use acrylic clear on acrylics. Is there a difference? I used Vallejo hobby spray.

[@statoilbensin2190]

Yes these vinyl and water based paints are great for beginners but also expirienced modelers too. I like Vallejo, Italeri and Ammo by Mig paints but I prefer to stick to acrylic laqcuers for spraying and enamels for detail painting with a brush for its durability.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Sounds like a good system you've got! 👍

[@statoilbensin2190]

@@SpruesNBrews Yes I like to use enamel for detail painting over lacquer. If I then accidently apply to much paint I can easily remove it with enamel thinners and it will not destroy the paint film of the lacquer paint. I like to use Humbrol and I got some Tamiya enamel on the way they dry much faster, but you can make the Humbrol metallics dry fast if its thinned with lacquer thinner witch I use.

[@rudyglx7227]

What ever happened to Testors ModelMaster enamels, they were great, I prefered them over Tamiya, Humbrol, Revell, Airfix, Gunze acryl, they wre truly great!, Greetings from Aguascalientes Mexico, great channel!

[@crabtreyanimations7148]

Also this helps a lot

[@frankrhemrev3572]

Love the way you say Dunkelgrau ;) German language is tricky for non Germans (i’m Dutch btw, but speak German also) …hehehe but awesome explanation man, love the videos, keep it up…i cant wait to get back into the hobby i did when i was 12 year old…all by hand back then

[@SpruesNBrews]

Haha thank you - I try my best! 😅

[@ph11p3540]

I am slowly re-entering back into the model building hobby after a 30 year hiatus now that I have retired and settled into a high rise condominium suite. My issue is, I have to stop using organic solvent based paints like Humbrol as my daily use go to paint system and switch to acrylic. I was never a big fan of Tamiya acrylic paints but would be willing to try Villaggio Acrylic paints. . Thank goodness I never sold off all my airbrushing gear and have already started using it again. I still will be occasionally be using lacquer based metallizing paints so a large lighted fume extractor box with charcoal filtration in my new home is mandatory otherwise I may have problems with my nearby neighbors.

[@normansmith8184]

From England, shame on you Hank, no RAF?!!! Ah, the majestic Spitfire, the warhorse Hurricane. Enough of that you won't go wrong with the Tamiya 1/48 Spitfire Mk.I for the Battle of Britain. There are more than enough experts saying this might be the best kit ever produced. Really enjoy all your videos mate please keep 'em coming. PS I'm a big Vallejo fan, don't mind Humbrol either.

[@SpruesNBrews]

Ahhh I know - it's tragic! I'll be sure to tackle some RAF subjects this year! 😁

[@blakesby]

Great! Though as someone with very little interest in WWII, this is basically a 10-15 minute guide. ''Thinners, Primers, & Varnishes' chapter was very helpful. The 'figures' part was helpful too. I will say, as someone just starting out, it feels a bit alienating when the guide is so geared towards painting with airbrushes (I get that's what you use, and investing in an airbrush is probably ideal, but it's not the most accessible for folks just starting off). Are these paint recommendations still suitable if one doesn't have an airbrush?

[@uriance88]

Kept watching and got to the section on skin tones - since you are brush painting anyway, miniature wargamers are where to get tips on various skin tones (Vince Venturella has a couple of really good videos) - Army painter has an actual set of paints designed for various skin tones (unfortunately not yet sold as singles bottles)

[@SpruesNBrews]

Good to know! Thanks for the recommendation! 👍

[@bruces1g]

There are some of us that like to do ships - sail, steam, WWI & II, and modern. Surface, carrier and subs. Can you do something on the various naval colors? Thank you for your time and knowledge.

[@johngimmellie7576]

Thanks

[@felippejonsson6078]

Hi, thanks for great tutorials 🍻 Maybe i missed it... what size on the airbrush needle works good with those ammo paints? Im about to order a harder and steenbeck ultra airbrush with .2 and .4mm. Just curious what needle works best with that brand of paint. Thanks again 🍻

[@samirdjukic8666]

Thanks for help. Two or more beers and started...🤘🍻🍻🍻🤟...

[@SpruesNBrews]

Haha cheers to that! 🍻

[@zowiedepowie2664]

Hi, awesome guide! Got a question, I’m building a Tamiya Panther D and ofc all paint instructions are shown with Tamiya paints. I will probarly build more Tamiya tanks and I wonder how I can ‘convert’ the Tamiya paint to AMMO. There are many conversion charts but they alle seem to be different. How do you do that?

[@LemurKrazy]

Hope you can get to test the new Ammo Atom paints. Our shipment has been delayed for months but may arrive in the coming weeks.

[@harel_bracha]

hey love the video. are these paints are good for paint brush too?

[@gasgassteve]

Great video again ! However I wouldn't mind seeing you do the same thing for North Africa . Both for the DAK and the Allied AFV and Aircraft . North Africa is its own animal in the paint world . Thanks for making these helpful videos

[@RichardMo73]

Great video! Can I use the Ammo Mig paint with Vallejo thinner? Is it good to use thinner or not necessary?

[@Siencyns1989]

What kind of PSI & paint:thinner ratio do you use for your AMMO paints? I'm working on a 109 at the moment and I'm experiencing some difficulty in getting them to lay super evenly compared to the Vallejo and MMP stuff I've used prior to this.

[@superp1ckle]

I didn't see a reply to a question one asked but can these paints be used for brushing as well otherwise what do you recommend to compliment these for when you need to brush? Just getting back into modeling and new to airbrushing. Thanks for your videos that have been watching so far.