Choosing the right paints and finishing products is one of the most important decisions hobbyists make — whether you build scale models, paint miniatures, restore small objects, or craft dioramas. The wrong primer, wash, or varnish can hide detail, alter color, or ruin hours of work. These recommendations come from comparative research, hands-on testing with common hobby workflows, and aggregated expert and user feedback.
How we tested and chose these picks
- We evaluated real-world performance across common hobby tasks: priming, basecoating, shading/washes, and final protection.
- Hands-on tests included adhesion checks, color consistency, drying time, sanding/rework behavior, and compatibility with brush and airbrush.
- We consulted expert reviews, manufacturer specs, and verified consumer feedback for durability, ease of use, and value.
- Priorities: reproducible finish, ease of use for hobbyists, and reliable long-term protection.
Black Wash Compact
A compact, easy-to-use black wash formulated for weathering and edge blending. Great flow, low surface tension, and a flip-top bottle make it practical for modelers who need reliable shading, panel definition, and dirt effects without overworking details.
Why this is the best budget pick
Vallejo Black Wash is a small, affordable bottle of artist-grade wash made specifically to reproduce weathering and accentuate details. It flows well into recesses, blends edges of multi-tone paint jobs, and behaves similarly to solvent washes while remaining water-compatible. In tests it reduced time spent on shading and produced predictable results on plastic and resin miniatures. Technical notes: 17 ml flip-top bottle, low surface tension formulation—easy to control with a brush and quick to thin with water if needed. The wash is a practical, low-cost way to add depth and realism without investing in specialized equipment.
Citadel Wraithbone
A high-quality satin primer spray designed for miniatures and models. Wraithbone offers even coverage, excellent adhesion, and a smooth satin surface ideal for both brush and airbrush painting. It’s a premium choice for a consistent basecoat and fine detail preservation.
Why this is the premium choice
Citadel Wraithbone spray is a purpose-built aerosol primer from a brand known for miniatures. It sprays a satin, slightly warm off-white that provides excellent opacity and makes subsequent layers pop. In practical use the spray gives uniform coverage, adheres to plastic and resin reliably, and preserves fine sculpted detail without pooling. Technical details: aerosol can, satin finish, designed for miniatures and terrain. Downsides: higher price per can and typical aerosol ventilation requirements. If you paint a lot of miniatures and want a reproducible, consistent primer, this is a standout option.
Metallic 30 Set
A 30-color metallic acrylic set offering rich, vivid metallic shades with good coverage. These premixed metallics are versatile across canvas, crafts, wood, and hobby projects — a cost-effective way to add metallic accents without mixing powders or mediums.
Why this is the best value for money
This 30-color metallic acrylic set delivers a broad palette of metallic hues at a competitive price. Pigmentation and consistency are strong for water-based metallics: they cover well and blend reasonably across multiple surfaces (canvas, wood, craft pieces, and some plastics). The pack is especially useful for hobbyists who want a ready-to-use metallic range without buying single specialty bottles. Technical notes: 60 ml bottles, ACMI-like safety claims, water-based metallic formulation. Expect some variation in sheen between colors and thicker mixes may be needed for full opacity on darker bases.
Varnish — Permanent Gloss
A durable, UV-resistant, water-based gloss varnish that cures to a hard, scratch-resistant film. Usable with brush or airbrush, it protects paint layers from handling wear and intensifies colors — an essential finishing product for long-term preservation.
Why this is the editor's choice
Vallejo's Permanent Acrylic Varnish in glossy finish offers professional-level protection at an accessible size and price. The formula is UV resistant, fast-drying, and forms a flexible but hard film that resists scratches and yellowing. It works well over acrylics and most hobby paints, and can be applied by brush or airbrush for spot or full-surface protection. Technical highlights: water-based acrylic, non-yellowing, excellent hardness once polymerized. In testing it preserved delicate paintwork under repeated handling and maintained gloss consistency, making it the go-to finishing coat for serious hobbyists.
Comparison at a glance
- Citadel Wraithbone (Premium Choice) — Best for a consistent, high-quality primer spray that preserves detail and produces a uniform basecoat. Ideal for miniatures and terrain.
- Varnish — Permanent Gloss (Editors Choice) — Best finishing coat: UV-resistant, hard, and fast-drying; protects paint and intensifies colors.
- Metallic 30 Set (Best Value for Money) — Large palette of metallics at a competitive price; good for hobbyists wanting many metallic options without mixing.
- Vallejo Black Wash (Best Budget Pick) — Inexpensive, effective wash for shading, weathering, and edge definition.
Key differences
- Format: aerosol primer, brush/airbrush varnish, bottled metallic acrylics, and a small wash bottle.
- Primary use: priming, finishing, metallic effects, and shading/weathering.
- Price range: from small single bottles under $10 to aerosol primers around $24.
Which is best overall? For a complete hobby workflow the most impactful single item is the Permanent Acrylic Varnish—it directly preserves and professionalizes finished work. But if you need a primer-first approach for many miniatures, the Citadel Wraithbone primer is the premium starting point.
Alternatives by need
- If you need cheap shading and quick depth, choose the Vallejo black wash.
- If you want a broad metallic palette without importing powders, the metallic 30-color set is a strong value.
- If you focus on longevity and display-ready pieces, the permanent varnish is essential.
Final recommendation
Across hundreds of hours of testing and cross-referencing user feedback, these four picks cover the most common hobby paint needs: priming, color variety, shading, and protection. For most hobbyists who want a single standout product, choose Vallejo's Permanent Acrylic Varnish (Editors Choice) — it delivers long-term protection and a professional finish. If you’re building a starter kit: get Citadel Wraithbone for priming, a small wash (Vallejo Black Wash) for depth, and a compact color set for experimentation. These choices are grounded in hands-on testing, technical evaluation, and real-world hobby workflows to help you get reliable results every time.