Trying out Vallejo Xpress Colors! Are they better than Contrast? Paint Review

#wargaming #3dprinting #tabletopgaming
It's been a while since I posted a paint review on the channel but after Eirehobbies sent me some Vallejo Xpress Colors as part of a care package, I decided to finally test them out! Thanks to @dragontrapperslodge5730 I had access to these crazy looking dinosaurs to print off to paint, which gave me a perfect mix of textured skin and smooth crystals to paint! These dinosaurs should give you a pretty cool idea of what the rest of the month's offerings from Dragon Trappers Lodge are like, details to sign up below! Although it wasn't the plan, it did end up as a sort of comparison to GW's contrast paints, but as I only have a few of the Xpress Colors, I would love to hear your favourites! What other colours would you recommend me to get?
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[@greywulfslair]

I really like Xpress Colors and use them alongside both Contrast and Speedpaints. The range as a whole is much more consistent when it comes to their behaviour, how they flow and drying time, especially compared to Contrast where you have to "learn" how each paint behaves. Once you've used one Xpress Color paint, that's how they all behave. Don't know how they have nailed the consistency but they have. Standouts for me are the Lotus Black, Plasma Red and Nuclear Yellow. Lotus Black is as black as Black Legion but has a gorgeous dark blue in the highlights that really helps define edges. If you want a "contrast" deep black rather than solid coverage, it's my go to paint. Try it on a boltgun and you'll see what I mean. Plasma Red is both deeper and more vibrant than any red in the Contrast or Speedpaint range. If you really want red to pop, use this. Try it over gold. And Nuclear Yellow.... well, it's Fallout in a bottle. It's a dirty yellow, compared to the "clean" yellows of other ranges. It's perfect for cultist's robes, Ork armour and anywhere you want something that's not pristine. Imperial Fists contrast is a terrific paint, but there are time you want something grimier. This is it. One last advantage to Xpress Color is they mix really well - far better than Contrast or Speedpaint. While the range is small, being able to mix your own shades and get excellent results is a huge win. Every range has their strengths and weaknesses, but for the price these are well worth giving a try.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Great points. Very interested in that yellow. I shall have to find a pot. Thanks pal.

[@vallejocolors]

Thanks for your review and feedback, Andy! ✨❤

[@MediocreHobbies]

You’re very welcome 😊

[@eugenioconti4688]

I use them and they are my favorite. Pros: 1. consistent behavior across the range, 2. exquisite matte finish, 3. keep their properties when diluted with water, 4. drop bottle means infinite life, 5. cheaper than contrast paints, 6. does not dry as fast as others, which help with blending, 7. no weird AP aftereffects such as reactivation. 8. less opaque, which help with slap chop & zenithal. Cons: only one really, very limited range - most notably no cream/bone colors

[@MediocreHobbies]

Can’t argue with anything you said there.

[@pbkobold]

Two things to add: 1) they have a long dry time vs contrast paints. Really nice for wet blending and also carefully adjusting the amount of paint in recesses. 2) the medium is really nice to have. Great really consistent glazing. It’s also a great medium for “home brew contrast” using inks.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Interesting. I will need to get my hands on that medium. Thanks.

[@richardhutchinson4740]

Used them properly for the first time other day and fell in love with them. Black lotusnis an amazing blue black and with a drop of medium in it it works wonders. Love this range.

[@MrRobEyes]

Hey there! When I first started painting, I was really excited about using Contrast paints,. Unfortunately, I struggled to achieve the results I wanted due to my skill level and brush control. So, I decided to switch gears and try out Pro Acryl paints for a more traditional opaque look. Lately, I've been having a great time experimenting with both Xpress Colours and Pro Acryl transparent paints. What's awesome for someone new to painting is that Xpress Colours have a longer drying time, which gives me the chance to make adjustments and clean up any excess pooling before it drys. Of course, the trade-off is waiting a bit longer before I can add shading or layering. I also love the matte finish that Xpress Colours give, which feels more consistent to me compared to the finish I got with Contrast paints. Additionally, I've been using Pro Acryl transparent paints. While they might not provide strong contrast effects like natural highlights, they work really well over a light-to-dark dry brush technique. I still follow your tutorials, but I adapt them using Xpress Colours or Pro Acryl equivalents. A tip for fellow beginners: don't stress about having the exact same paints - just look for similar colors. To sum it up, I think Xpress Paints are pretty awesome for new painters like me. I'm eagerly looking forward to Vallejo releasing more colors in the future!

[@MediocreHobbies]

Thank you so much for taking the time to message. You make some awesome points. I didn’t even know pro acryl did any paint like that. I will need to check them out. Thanks again.

[@cfeduke]

I got these Xpress Colours recently - they were a bit difficult to find as a set in the US so I ordered a set from a retailer in Canada. I've only used the turquoise so far for a Tomb Kings project and I'm very happy with it.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Nice. And yes a few people have mentioned them being hard to get.

[@Quaralane]

Thanks for showing these. I've picked up a couple, and am looking forward to trying them

[@MediocreHobbies]

Glad you liked the video!

[@richardwales9674]

They look interesting. Colour theory did the green red/pink dino. it's all tools to your armoury. You might want to play with that a bit? I like what you did, print something put the colours on and look at them. They're interesting.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Glad you liked it pal.

[@hansgron9679]

If you dry bruch the mini from dark brown and go lighter. And last you use pale sand from abov. And then do a slap shop with orc skin. Its perfekt fore orcs.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Ah ok cool! Might try that! I’m just more used to the main colour being the tone I’m expecting rather than having to paint it over another colour but I do really like the paint, I just don’t agree with all the names 😄

[@Kaddith]

the copper brown is my go to for leather and horse flesh. it's such a great color. I also use cardinal purple for purity seals. it works great there.

[@_walruseater]

same. i use it for all leather.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Ah ok definitely need to try the copper again on a proper model! Interested in it for horses for sure!

[@dalet7609]

I’ve been using the lizard green for my salamanders and very happy with the finish.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Oh yes it would be perfect for them!

[@kapitanbeuteltier5889]

Im not sure if this'll still help you, but lizard Green over a leadbelcher-like metallic with a light drybrush of "Death World Forest" (GW paint) is bascially a finished Salamander Armor in just three steps!

[@Grognard-Solo-Gaming]

Reviews like this one are great, thanks! 👍😁

[@MediocreHobbies]

Glad to hear pal.

[@OctopusPrime3]

I love these paints but I wish Vallejo would provide a xpress color update. It's been 8-9 months since they were released and there has been no news on the 2nd wave to fill in large color gaps - more grays, bone and biege, darker black, and a few more browns.

[@MediocreHobbies]

I can see what you mean. Hopefully soon

[@pazuzu_666]

I want them too, but I'd rather Vallejo get it right than get them on the shelves.

[@Jonkronn]

Your wish has been granted :)

[@FreelancerND]

Well, I was out of painting for more than 10 years. Decided to return to painting once I saw all those videos on contrast paint, speedpaints and slap chop. Got meself Army Painter speed paints 2.0 set for starters, not full range, "most wanted" it was called, I guess. It felt great and painting was fun. But then I saw Vallejo's Xpress range, and since I was using Vallejo paints since mid 90s - that was an instant buy for me. And I REALLY like Xpress paints and when I need a new color - I buy Vallejo. But Speed Paints 2.0 are awesome too, so I basically use both in different combinations. And for regular acrylics for me it's a mix of Vallejo's new Game Color range + AK 3rd gen

[@MediocreHobbies]

Glad to hear your back and trying all the awesome pints available these days.

[@ovan2190]

While it doesn't match up to the god that is Imperial fist yellow that yellow looked pretty good. I'm a fan of the xpress line I'm lucky one of my flgs stocks vallejo paints so I got to try them out pretty quickly I definitely agree they're not better but they're not worse they have some pros over contrast but also some cons Great video as always Andy

[@MediocreHobbies]

Yeah we’re spoiled for choice now with speed type paints, it’s just a matter of who has the colours we want now!

[@Thedagda801]

Great review! Turquoise paint looks like perfect for Alpha Legion.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Yes it would be! Cheers man

[@mirage809]

The Xpress Color range is super cool. They have a couple advantages over Contrast, mostly that they apparently can be diluted with water without the paints falling apart as quick as Contrast. The droppers are also a plus in my book. I've seen others use Black Lotus to push a grey or blue to black. apply your highlights and shades on the original colour and then Black Lotus will knock it all down for an easy, detailed black. I wish I could get my hands on them easily. No store near me is stocking it and none are looking to stock it in the future, so my only avenue is ordering them online. Personally I prefer to get a look at the paint in the bottle before buying it, so online is not ideal.

[@MediocreHobbies]

The water point is interesting. And yes they seam to not be stocked in many places. Strange for such a big brand.

[@mirage809]

@@MediocreHobbies I guess they're selling like hot cakes and they just can't make them fast enough.

[@_walruseater]

Haven’t finished the video yet, but I’ll drop my opinion here. Xpress are great, and the drying time is much longer than GWcontrast, which is a huge plus. They both have a place in my workflow though. The lack of a true Xpress Black is a bummer though.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Yeah the black was the only disappointment but I don’t think I gave it a fair shot. It’s definitely just about what colours you need when both ranges work equally well depending on your usage!

[@_walruseater]

I find myself having to use 2 coats of Black Lotus to get a real nice coverage. One coat has it's uses though, for sure. Especially since it has that hint of blue.@@MediocreHobbies

[@MrAndyPuppy]

I'd be interested in what you think of the xpress colors once dry. They are super matte compared to contrast and speedpaints. I like it a lot but it is quite different in finish.

[@MediocreHobbies]

I liked the finish but wouldn’t probably be happy to leave it at that stage. It would need some highlights.

[@markchristy9704]

Thanks for this. You compare them with Contrast paints, but I'm also wondering how they compare with Speedpaints. Any thoughts on that?

[@MediocreHobbies]

I enjoy speed paints there all kind of the same. All good at have there place.

[@kmccallig]

Nice Video, I might give a few of the Colours a shot.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Nice pal.

[@mikael7084]

great review!

[@MediocreHobbies]

Thanks!

[@kaibe5241]

They're way better. The working time is considerably longer than contrast, and they have a better "contrast effect". With the updated range landing this month also, they now have a proper range of colours that are just amazing.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Yeah looking forward to more for sure!

[@HivisoftheScale]

Hang about, hang about! Where did you get the Amklypachycephalosaurus?? Those are Severely Cool! Is there a story behind them?

[@MediocreHobbies]

They’re 3D printed from the sponsor of the video, links in description!

[@HivisoftheScale]

@@MediocreHobbies ah dang, I dont got one of them 3D printers, oh well

[@eltronjohn]

I had been very excited to see them come out, as I really like the model color range from vallejo. however, I have mixed feelings about the x-press - some have become a staple for me, while others actually come out high-gloss, and can only be used with great consideration.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Hmmm the high gloss can sometimes be a bad batch of failure to mix resulting in the medium separating.

[@OctopusPrime3]

The times it came out glossy for me was when I didn't shake well enough. The pigments looked mixed but not the ingredients that make it matte. Now I always shake another 30 seconds longer than I think I need to and that has worked.

[@eltronjohn]

Thanks guys - I will check the shaking tip. Might be that these were the ones I’ve used less. I haven’t had the issue with my favorite colors.

[@Glennsights]

have you tried all the contrast style orange paints? What has been your favorite of the ones you have tried? I have the Nuclear Sunrise speedpaint 2.0 and I don't think its a great orange. I probably just havent shaken it enough lol

[@MediocreHobbies]

I really do need to do a video on comparing all the colours from different ranges and making a list of what’s best.

[@sussy_6998]

Genuinely curious to see how these alternative speed paints would work on power armoured minis especially the red tones for something like a World Eater/Flesh Tearer. Great coverage on large surfaces mostly but something about the orange just feels a bit off or something idk.

[@MediocreHobbies]

I shall have to experiment more to find out. Fun times ahead.

[@scroggie_mini_painting3983]

Cheers Andy

[@MediocreHobbies]

Thanks for watching!

[@Alf_Hairy-arse]

In other videos I've watched these paints seemed "thinner" than contrast. Less coverage. How did you find them in regards to coverage?

[@MediocreHobbies]

I didn’t notice them being to thin. But when I talk about need a larger area to test some of the paints like the yellow. That’s why.

[@Alf_Hairy-arse]

@@MediocreHobbies in that case, will you do a short follow-up at some point when you've experimented with them more?

[@MediocreHobbies]

@@Alf_Hairy-arse I shall indeed.

[@davefarrell222]

Dont care what paints my son uses i think tthey all lòok great

[@MediocreHobbies]

Thanks dad. X

[@Walker44800]

those models look great

[@MediocreHobbies]

Yeah the whole theme this month is crazy spins on dinosaurs, really cool stuff

[@magnusmillerwilson]

IMO, the Xpress paints don’t provide as much actual contrast as either Citadel Contrast paints or AP Speed Paints. They are just inks to me. There are a couple of gems like people have mentioned, but overall my buddies and I were quite disappointed.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Interesting I shall check this out myself. Cheers pal.

[@TheDenimDemonica]

Not sure what it is im.doing wrong but my Express paints don't seem to be anywhere near that contrast texture as in this or other videos. Gave them more of a shake and even watered down. Tried dry and wet palette but there's no change. Anyone have any idea what it could be?

[@MediocreHobbies]

Hmmm that is strange. I honestly have no idea what’s happening with yours.

[@TheDenimDemonica]

​@MediocreHobbies the problem is im an idiot. I got the new game colour ones instead of the xpress ones by accident 🤣

[@peppermintshore]

The thing that puts me off speed paint and xpress is they arent in pots. However i seen a top tip form tabletop minons, he uses silicon poppers for pallets for speed paint. When he finishes with the paint he lets dry it just pops out as paint doesn't stick to it.

[@MediocreHobbies]

That’s really cool. Need to check them out.

[@qmoor]

How did you prime the miniature?

[@MediocreHobbies]

Solid coat of Chaos black and a lighter spray of grey seer from above!

[@warlok363]

Does this reactivate like speedpaint? That's a big pita to work around when I'm doing my Battletech minis.

[@mirage809]

According to others who've reviewed it: they do not. Xpress Color does have a longer drying time, but you can turn that into an advantage if you like wet blending.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Not that I’ve seen no. But other people mite have different results.

[@mikehawkins346]

Lizard Green for Alpha Legion is fantastic over a metallic

[@MediocreHobbies]

Ohhh that does sound good!

[@mikehawkins346]

@@MediocreHobbies it's my go to now, and I'm starting my entire Alpha Legion army for Horus Heresy like this.

[@bearnecessities9568]

Cheaper, they are also far cheaper!

[@MediocreHobbies]

Good to know. Cheers pal.

[@ghostofalltime4934]

Good review man, how are they for the price? Maybe I am a bit of a madman but I kind of want to use that turquoise for Sons of Horus.

[@MediocreHobbies]

About the same price as a regular gw paint so not to bad.

[@mattcooper1664]

I bought the set but I can't say I'm a fan. Possibly cos I paint 15mm armies; I find it difficult to use over a batch. I also find it reacts badly to a little water. It seems to clump up a bit. Gooey. Sure. One thick coat over individual figs, which is what most review videos focus on, is sweet but sometimes I need to paint 30 tiny saddles. Contrast can work. Proacryl Medium is magic. Xpress seems a bit thick and not very forgiving. Thinning with their medium just washes them out Each to their own. Thanks for your insight

[@MediocreHobbies]

That’s fair enough, contrast definitely evolved from what it was launched to be used for, so maybe it will just take some more time to figure out the best way of using these paints as well. Painting on such a tiny scale is very different alright! Thanks for sharing your opinion as well, always interesting to hear from others using it in different ways

[@VoodooTabletopCrafts]

Great video, I have all the xpress colours and loving them but struggling to make a nice rock/stone grey any help guys?

[@MediocreHobbies]

Your the second person who has talked about the gaps in the range for more natural colours.

[@VoodooTabletopCrafts]

@@MediocreHobbies just ordered some speed paints so will be interesting to see how they compare.

[@RotGolem]

I'm disappointed in the greenish black paint, and the lack of a proper grey and bone. Otherwise, they're really good, I painted a few Genestaler Cults models with excellent results.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Hmm maybe wave two of they decide to do it will fill those gaps.

[@christopherpeery7436]

They look pretty good! Also, that orc skin one is NOT orc skin lol. Ill probably just stick with speedpaint though

[@MediocreHobbies]

Haha right? Nothing wrong with the colours, just the names 😂

[@SenseiLlama]

I love my army painter speed paints. I have been wondering how the vallejo works out.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Pretty good I feel.

[@Garciaa__]

It´s amazing how with a cheapest firm as Vallejo is, you can get an awesome result on your miniature. As a Spaniard i´m proud of Vallejo haha

[@MediocreHobbies]

Hahah you should be there a great brand.

[@smolsen91]

For the algorithm

[@MediocreHobbies]

Hahahah cheers as always.

[@dantejrl]

conclusion : it's not better, it's not worst, it's different ^^

[@MediocreHobbies]

Haha exactly! It’s really just about colours at this stage!

[@christophebarbera6909]

where can i find you rack of paint?

[@MediocreHobbies]

I have a whole video on them. With links and all.

[@SgtMaj22]

All Hail the You Tube algorithm gods!

[@MediocreHobbies]

They are appeased once more!

[@faust5894]

My biggest issue with this range is how hard it is to get ahold of them in the Usa

[@MediocreHobbies]

Lots of companies are European based!

[@youtubevanced4900]

Strangely, everything I've seen on the paints so far shows a matte finish. Whilst your models look quite glossy in places.

[@MediocreHobbies]

Yeah they look glossier on the crystals maybe because they’re so smooth. The finish is definitely something to think about though for projects.

[@jmc7034]

Good review. I’ll stick with GW though

[@MediocreHobbies]

Totally fair!

[@Smilomaniac]

Ah, youtube is censoring innocuous comments again.

[@MediocreHobbies]

?

[@kscott2655]

Do you smoke?

[@MediocreHobbies]

Nope!

[@Jason-man-in-black]

For the algorithm

[@MediocreHobbies]

Cheers man