Paint for figures

[czw4life]

What brand is everyone using for paint these days for figures? I am a guy that likes my figures durable/playable/posable. I don't want a statue I can't move because paint will fall/easily chip off.

Any suggestions?

[IceDragon]

Hey czw4life. Not really an answer, more like insight. Most paint will flake, peel or rub off during play. Even with pre-sanding, priming, and top coat, it will still come off. I'm trying to figure out what they use in the factories of China, India and Vietnam because apparently, that stuff melts the plastic a bit and bonds with it pretty permanently. The main thing about it is the fumes which are extremely toxic but I think if we can figure out what it is and practice safe handling, it might be OK but it would be a game changer.

[czw4life]

I really like the testors acrylic paint. It is actually very durable. The flat black is almost indestructible. Apple barrel is okay but not as strong. My only other thought was taping off and then spray painting.

[IceDragon]

Yeah, I've used Testors spray acrylic and it's probably the most durable I've used. Still scratches off but for display and light handling, it ain't bad!

[czw4life]

For testors I meant the brush on stuff. Michael's and hobby lobby sell paint packs of them with a few different colors. I avoid the testors enamel though. That stuff is way too tacky once dried

[tenryufan]

I use Citadel, which I’m pretty sure is designed for those little Warhammer figures (so they have a pretty good range of skintone colours too), specifically their Air range. It’s good value and good quality paint, you don’t need to thin it out or anything, it’s ready straight out of the pot. Don’t know anything about its durability in regards to chipping from play on its own but I seal all of my paintwork on figures anyway, just to be safe. I get mine from the Warhammer shop near me but I’m sure you can get it online.

[Turnbuckle Zealot(Phil)]

Use a paint varnish to seal the paint, and use thin coats of paint to get a more factory looking finish and less likely to peel.

[shanieomaniac]

I use Citadel almost exclusively, simply because it's the only good paint I can get. If I need a specialty paint, I will venture into the craft store, like I did with for my Sami custom and the metallic grape, and Citadel White Scar is trash, I avoid it whenever possible, but about 95% of the time, it's citadel.

[HandsomeHollywood]

I use almost any acrylic and do fine. No brand loyalty.

[charabro]

Best to sand joints first to make the paint stick a bit better, I tend to seal a couple times after too, always swore by Tamiya Acrylic and Revell Aqua colour myself