Plastic Model Guides
Vallejo Paint Guide: Model Color, Model Air, Primers and Thinners
Vallejo paint is a family of water-based hobby products, not one universal bottle formula. Model Color, Model Air, Game Color, Game Air, primers, varnishes, textures, cleaners, reducers, and specialized metallic lines are designed for different jobs. Choosing by color name alone can lead to the wrong viscosity, finish, bottle size, or application method.
This guide explains how to identify the range, prepare the surface, choose brush or airbrush application, thin cautiously, and clean equipment. Explore exact products in Model Paints and Model Paints & Finishing Supplies.
Read the range name and product number
Vallejo bottles often display a range name and numeric code. Record both. A color with a similar name in Model Color and Model Air may differ in formulation, viscosity, finish, or intended application. Product numbers also protect against packaging changes and translated color names.
For example, Model Color 70.939 Smoke and Model Air 71.289 US Dark Green belong to different ranges. They should be inventoried and used as their exact products rather than treated as interchangeable “Vallejo acrylic.”
Model Color for controlled brush work
Model Color is widely used for brush painting models and miniatures. Its consistency supports controlled coverage and detail work, but application still depends on color, surface, brush, and dilution. Rather than trying to cover in one heavy coat, apply thin, even layers and let each layer set.
A damp palette or wet palette can help maintain workable consistency for brush painting, but over-thinning may weaken coverage or cause pigment to separate. Use clean water or a compatible Vallejo medium as appropriate, and test the mix. Some colors—especially bright, transparent, fluorescent, or metallic tones—behave differently from opaque earth colors.
Model Air and Game Air for airbrush use
Model Air and Game Air are formulated for airbrushing, but “airbrush-ready” does not mean every color, nozzle, pressure, climate, and effect uses the same settings. Vallejo’s official Model Air guidance states that the range can be used directly or adjusted with compatible Airbrush Thinner or Flow Improver. Thin coats over a prepared surface are preferred.
The Game Air 76.048 Sombre Grey is an airbrush-oriented example. Start with the manufacturer guidance for the exact product, then adjust a small test mix for nozzle size, desired line width, temperature, humidity, and distance. Do not copy one pressure number into every painting situation.
Game Color and specialty ranges
Game Color is designed around miniature and fantasy-model use, with colors, saturation, and finish choices suited to that work. Specialty products can include fluorescent colors, transparent effects, metallic systems, washes, inks, textures, weathering materials, and diorama products.
A product such as True Metallic Metal 77.101 Sterling Silver should be used from its own instructions, not from assumptions based on standard Model Color. Likewise, a diorama texture is not paint simply because it shares the Vallejo brand.
Primer is part of the paint system
Clean, stable primer improves adhesion and reveals surface flaws. Wash plastic parts when mold release, skin oils, dust, or sanding residue may be present, then let them dry completely. Use a primer compatible with the material and paint system. Apply light coats so panel lines and textures remain visible.
Primer color affects the result. White can support bright and fluorescent colors, black can deepen shadows and metallic effects, and gray provides a neutral inspection surface. Test on spare material when the final color is sensitive to the undercoat.
Thin with a purpose
Thinning changes viscosity and flow; it does not fix every paint problem. First shake or mix the bottle thoroughly. Then decide whether the goal is smoother brush layers, a finer airbrush line, reduced tip dry, more transparency, or a filter effect. Use a compatible thinner or medium in controlled additions.
The Vallejo Premium Color Reducer 63.066 is designed for its stated product context. It should not be assumed to be the universal thinner for every Vallejo range. Read the label and product guidance. Excess water or incompatible additives can reduce adhesion, durability, and finish consistency.
Airbrush technique with Vallejo
- Prepare and prime the test surface.
- Mix the paint fully before judging thickness.
- Add paint to a clean cup and test on a card or spoon.
- Adjust with the compatible thinner or flow product in small steps.
- Apply several light passes rather than one wet coat.
- Keep the airbrush moving and allow flash time between layers.
- Clean color residue before it dries in the nozzle and cup.
Vallejo’s official Model Air product information commonly suggests working in thin layers and cleaning with Airbrush Cleaner. The exact product page and equipment maker should guide settings. The Premium Color Airbrush Cleaner 63.067 is one dedicated cleaning product; use cleaners in accordance with their range and safety information.
Brush technique with Vallejo
Use a brush appropriate to the area and paint. Load enough paint to keep the stroke wet without flooding details. Pull the paint into a thin film, then stop brushing before it begins to skin. Reworking a half-dry layer can tear or texture it.
Opaque coverage often comes from multiple thin coats. For highlights and shadows, preserve control by mixing small amounts and recording ratios. A dropper-bottle count is not perfectly precise, but it makes a recipe more repeatable than “a little blue.”
Masking and clear coats
Allow the base color to cure before masking. Use low-tack hobby tape, reduce tack when appropriate, seal edges carefully, and remove tape back over itself. Masking too soon or using aggressive tape can lift acrylic layers, especially on an unprimed or contaminated surface.
Choose gloss, satin, or matte varnish for the final effect and decal plan. Test clear coats over metallics and specialty colors because sheen and particle appearance can change. Build clear coats gradually and respect cure times.
Cleanup and safety
Water-based does not mean harmless to inhale. Avoid spraying airborne paint without suitable ventilation and respiratory practices. Follow the product safety information, equipment guidance, and local disposal rules. Keep paint away from food areas, children, pets, and open flame.
Clean brushes promptly with the recommended method, reshape the point, and store them without crushing the bristles. For airbrushes, perform color-change cleaning and end-of-session cleaning without damaging seals or forcing tools through the nozzle. The airbrush paint guide compares broader paint chemistry and cleanup.
Frequently asked questions
Can Model Color be airbrushed?
It can sometimes be airbrushed after appropriate thinning and testing, but Model Air is formulated specifically for airbrush use. Follow product guidance and expect adjustments.
Does Model Air always need thinner?
Not always. The exact color, nozzle, pressure, weather, and effect determine whether adjustment helps. Test first and use compatible products.
Can Vallejo paint go directly on bare plastic?
Some applications may adhere, but cleaning and suitable primer generally improve reliability and reveal surface flaws. Check the exact material and product.
Muncle Mikes tip: Write the product code, thinner, pressure or brush mix, primer, and clear coat on a test card. A successful finish becomes repeatable only when the recipe is saved.
