OK, just received my few bottles as a test order and had to try them out imediately.
Looked iffy first, but when dry it has a really nice finish and good shading effect. Painted over cheap white primer from the DIY store.
Very soft, squeezy bottles, watch out.
I also had to try out if it taints the colors painted over it, like AP. Painted Vallejo white over "Omega blue", "Velvet red" and "Martian orange" - no bleed through, no tainting. Still pure white.
Very nice so far, I will always stay an old school paint-ink-drybrush painter mostly, but whenever I use Contrast-like paints, I will buy the Vallejo ones from now on.
Another review of the Xpress Color paints, this time from Tabletop Workshop and includes a PDF showing the results over white and 'slapchop' (i.e., black with a heavy white drybrush).
Would be very interested to see what these are like in the public’s hands.
How they compare to AP speed paints.
I was planning to buy some kind of paints for a slap chop or speed paint type method for several projects I’ve got in the planning stages.
I should be getting £70 firestorm games vouchers for Christmas.
The Army Painter full range is £68 I think.
I wonder what these will come in at.
Then of course which ends up being better, by ml to price, and for results and coverage etc..
The updated AP range that doesn't reactivate may well be good, but there's no ETA on them at this stage.
The GSW Dipping Inks are a bit thinner than other "contrasts" I've used so far, but I have only used a few of them.
Obviously, GW's Contrast is pretty solid, but expensive.
I'm expecting Vallejo's Xpress to finally hit early next year, so it might depend on when you plan to start these projects...
The projects are probably years out I have all the models but that means nothing..
As long as they come out within the year then my vouchers would be valid.
I hear so many mixed reviews regarding Army Painter. It’s been the only thing holding me back.
Some people say no problems, some people say it’s a useful tool/feature, and some don’t like them.
I have seen full xpress sets of the 23 paints and the medium advertised for €80, so your voucher should cover most of it.
It’s the new game colour set that will be a lot above that. The only gripe I have just now is understanding easily in online stores which colours form each colour triad. I know the bottles themselves say, but I haven’t seen a handy chart yet.
Automatically Appended Next Post: The German stores list the per litre price, it’s great, so Fantasywelt lists xpress at €193 per litre. Seems pretty expensive when later like that
Any idea if these could be used as a sort of acrylic version of an oil wash?
I've seen Richard Gray use Contrast in a similar technique when painting Imperial Fists, but he noted that the rapid drying time and the need to use the thick Contrast medium to clean up made it necessary to work fast and get it right in one, which seems like a fairly stressful trade off for just not wanting to use oils. I figure the extended drying time of Xpress lends itself to the technique a bit better, but would the fact these are supposedly water thinnable also work well, or would it still need to use the medium (which I assume has more in common with Contrast in terms of viscosity than water)?
@Stahly - great review! One of the best info is that you can paint over them without priming the particular spot again and thus easily correct any mistakes.
Tim the Biovore wrote: Any idea if these could be used as a sort of acrylic version of an oil wash?
I've seen Richard Gray use Contrast in a similar technique when painting Imperial Fists, but he noted that the rapid drying time and the need to use the thick Contrast medium to clean up made it necessary to work fast and get it right in one, which seems like a fairly stressful trade off for just not wanting to use oils. I figure the extended drying time of Xpress lends itself to the technique a bit better, but would the fact these are supposedly water thinnable also work well, or would it still need to use the medium (which I assume has more in common with Contrast in terms of viscosity than water)?
I'd always prefer a medium (Contrast or Xpress Medium), yes, you can thin them with water, but it gives them more of a glaze like quality. And their "water thinnability" isn't thaaat much better than Contrast.
Thanks for the review, they look solid and I'm particuarly impressed with Space Grey, absolutely superior to Space Wolves Grey contrast from the looks of it.
scarletsquig wrote: Thanks for the review, they look solid and I'm particuarly impressed with Space Grey, absolutely superior to Space Wolves Grey contrast from the looks of it.
Honestly, it's one of my least favourite paints. It's more similar to Briar Queen Chill than Space Wolves Grey, as you can see on the Primaris Marine I painted (used both on the bolt rifle there). It's also a rather opaque paint. But hey, might be up your alley
I also made a hand-painted & professionally photographed paint swatch of all 23 colours, and compare them to their Citadel counterparts.
Overall, I'm quite fond of them, though most colours are not as richly pigmented as Contrast.
I know this is the Vallejo thread but seeing you here I have to ask: GSW recently updated / enhanced their Dipping Inks line with Deep Black Ink and others. I haven't seen you or others do a review of these additional paints (at least they aren't mentioned in your review from August that’s why I'm assuming they're a later addition). Will there be one? I ordered Deep Black Ink last week and just hope it's what I need .
Looks like 23 colours will come in at around the £70 mark too then.
AP you’re getting a lot more colour choice (around 40 is it?) for that same cost.
Having choice is useful.
I’m torn between the options really.
Though not sure on bottle sizes maybe that’s why.
Flinty, yeah I like the idea of the game colour set but I’m so invested in paints from GW over the years that replacing all would be a waste.
Again for new projects going forward, I can start anything.
But mid way through armies, it’s hard to change up on paints..
After your review, and the initial showing from Juan, I bought yesterday the whole range
I think this line of painst fits my style of pinting more than the old Contrast. I prefer the Instant Colors over Contrast because of the matt finish, the less intense colors and the longer dry time to work with the paint more carefully. And the need of two or three coats of Scale never bored me, I even preffer it in some cases to create a better degradation myshelf.
The only real issue I see, that you, and every reviewer that I have seen so far is talking, is the limit of their range, but I'm so glad that Juan in helping improve the color selection right now.
Do we have an estimation of how much time could it take for the second batch to arrive?? Some months?? Half a year?? Various years??
After your review, and the initial showing from Juan, I bought yesterday the whole range
I think this line of painst fits my style of pinting more than the old Contrast. I prefer the Instant Colors over Contrast because of the matt finish, the less intense colors and the longer dry time to work with the paint more carefully. And the need of two or three coats of Scale never bored me, I even preffer it in some cases to create a better degradation myshelf.
The only real issue I see, that you, and every reviewer that I have seen so far is talking, is the limit of their range, but I'm so glad that Juan in helping improve the color selection right now.
Do we have an estimation of how much time could it take for the second batch to arrive?? Some months?? Half a year?? Various years??
At least months, that's all I can say. But if they listen to me, the line would not only be complete in terms of hues but also include somethings no other brand has done yet
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Danny76 wrote: Looks like 23 colours will come in at around the £70 mark too then.
AP you’re getting a lot more colour choice (around 40 is it?) for that same cost.
Having choice is useful.
I’m torn between the options really.
Though not sure on bottle sizes maybe that’s why.
Flinty, yeah I like the idea of the game colour set but I’m so invested in paints from GW over the years that replacing all would be a waste.
Again for new projects going forward, I can start anything.
But mid way through armies, it’s hard to change up on paints..
After your review, and the initial showing from Juan, I bought yesterday the whole range
I think this line of painst fits my style of pinting more than the old Contrast. I prefer the Instant Colors over Contrast because of the matt finish, the less intense colors and the longer dry time to work with the paint more carefully. And the need of two or three coats of Scale never bored me, I even preffer it in some cases to create a better degradation myshelf.
The only real issue I see, that you, and every reviewer that I have seen so far is talking, is the limit of their range, but I'm so glad that Juan in helping improve the color selection right now.
Do we have an estimation of how much time could it take for the second batch to arrive?? Some months?? Half a year?? Various years??
At least months, that's all I can say. But if they listen to me, the line would not only be complete in terms of hues but also include somethings no other brand has done yet
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Danny76 wrote: Looks like 23 colours will come in at around the £70 mark too then.
AP you’re getting a lot more colour choice (around 40 is it?) for that same cost.
Having choice is useful.
I’m torn between the options really.
Though not sure on bottle sizes maybe that’s why.
Flinty, yeah I like the idea of the game colour set but I’m so invested in paints from GW over the years that replacing all would be a waste.
Again for new projects going forward, I can start anything.
But mid way through armies, it’s hard to change up on paints..
Speedpaints are also 24 colours
Thanks for the answers!! Glad to see that you came here to interact with the community!!
Months is not all that bad, I was worried that the development process could take years. Now I'm honestly curious about how a new brand of paints (specially the chemist part, as my wife is a chemist) is reformulated, hehehe
And I'm intrigued about the "something special that no-one has ever done". I'm sure it would be cool if you are involved, for sure.
The bundles seem to be taking longer. The cynic in me suggests this might be deliberate, but then I get all confused as I would have though the best sales strategy would be to splash a new product all over the Christmas sales period with some clear bundles, even If they don’t deliver much saving.
I’ve had to email Vallejo to ask how the triads are ordered. The pdf colour listing doesn’t appear to set the paints out in that way, and the online pictures never show the rear of the bottle so I canwork out what goes with what.
It might not just be GW that can’t market their way out of a wet paper bag.
Danny76 wrote: Looks like 23 colours will come in at around the £70 mark too then.
AP you’re getting a lot more colour choice (around 40 is it?) for that same cost.
Having choice is useful.
I’m torn between the options really.
Though not sure on bottle sizes maybe that’s why.
Flinty, yeah I like the idea of the game colour set but I’m so invested in paints from GW over the years that replacing all would be a waste.
Again for new projects going forward, I can start anything.
But mid way through armies, it’s hard to change up on paints..
Speedpaints are also 24 colours
Yeah I saw after, not sure where I got so many from
I’ll look at the two ranges and see who has the best colours of choice maybe.
Go for that one.
Can always buy the odd extra colour down the line from whatever range as I see and want them (I’ve already got a few Contrast for instance. Skin, a purple ish for my GSC, and the Gharagak Sewer or whatever that awesome colour is).
Posted 8 weeks ago on the Acrylicos Vallejo Facebook page:
Acrylicos Vallejo wrote:
Jason Otto wrote:Will there be a bundle available? I got your original GC bundle and absolutely love it, but I would most definitely pick up an express colour bundle if one were available.
New Game color paint sets, and cases, will be released in Q1 2023 🙂 Sorry for not arriving before.
Cases may be a hold up on paint sets as I imagine they come from an outside supplier.
Flinty wrote: I’ve had to email Vallejo to ask how the triads are ordered. The pdf colour listing doesn’t appear to set the paints out in that way, and the online pictures never show the rear of the bottle so I canwork out what goes with what.
It looks like they're in order on the color chart. Note that the colors being carried over have kept their original number whereas new colors have a 1xx number. It also appears that some paints appear in more than one triad (e.g., Sun Yellow, Moon Yellow and Toxic Yellow are one triad while Gold Yellow, Sun Yellow and Moon Yellow woulld also be a triad).
Flinty wrote: The bundles seem to be taking longer. The cynic in me suggests this might be deliberate, but then I get all confused as I would have though the best sales strategy would be to splash a new product all over the Christmas sales period with some clear bundles, even If they don’t deliver much saving.
I’ve had to email Vallejo to ask how the triads are ordered. The pdf colour listing doesn’t appear to set the paints out in that way, and the online pictures never show the rear of the bottle so I canwork out what goes with what.
It might not just be GW that can’t market their way out of a wet paper bag.
Christmas would have been ideal for them, but they may have experienced delays internally. Development of any product can take time for any number of reasons. You can have the entire thing mapped out to the Nth degree but unforeseen circumstances are... y'know, unforeseen. So that was probably their aim, but things slipped in development.
Those slippages will have been compounded by delays in getting the paint ranges out into foreign markets, too.
They aren't deliberately delaying the release or anything. It just is what it is. I'm sure Vallejo want these paints in our hands as quickly as humanly possible.
Flinty wrote: The bundles seem to be taking longer. The cynic in me suggests this might be deliberate, but then I get all confused as I would have though the best sales strategy would be to splash a new product all over the Christmas sales period with some clear bundles, even If they don’t deliver much saving.
I’ve had to email Vallejo to ask how the triads are ordered. The pdf colour listing doesn’t appear to set the paints out in that way, and the online pictures never show the rear of the bottle so I canwork out what goes with what.
It might not just be GW that can’t market their way out of a wet paper bag.
I have all the new Game Colors here, and I there isn't really a triad system despite what they say on their website. There isn't anything printed on the back of the bottles except for small print. Sometimes there are four colours that go really well together, sometimes three, plus the odd colour or two thrown in that stands on its own.
Ghaz wrote: Posted 8 weeks ago on the Acrylicos Vallejo Facebook page:
Acrylicos Vallejo wrote:
Jason Otto wrote:Will there be a bundle available? I got your original GC bundle and absolutely love it, but I would most definitely pick up an express colour bundle if one were available.
New Game color paint sets, and cases, will be released in Q1 2023 🙂 Sorry for not arriving before.
Cases may be a hold up on paint sets as I imagine they come from an outside supplier.
Flinty wrote: I’ve had to email Vallejo to ask how the triads are ordered. The pdf colour listing doesn’t appear to set the paints out in that way, and the online pictures never show the rear of the bottle so I canwork out what goes with what.
It looks like they're in order on the color chart. Note that the colors being carried over have kept their original number whereas new colors have a 1xx number. It also appears that some paints appear in more than one triad (e.g., Sun Yellow, Moon Yellow and Toxic Yellow are one triad while Gold Yellow, Sun Yellow and Moon Yellow woulld also be a triad).
Thanks for the information Sir!
Keeping an eye for when the new VGC land. The bundles are always sweet.
Shame on the bundle.
If it comes before end of Jan I will order, but if not I think the voucher would run out.
Or wait, maybe you get a year for a gift card/voucher. I’ll be fine.
Flinty wrote: The bundles seem to be taking longer. The cynic in me suggests this might be deliberate, but then I get all confused as I would have though the best sales strategy would be to splash a new product all over the Christmas sales period with some clear bundles, even If they don’t deliver much saving.
I’ve had to email Vallejo to ask how the triads are ordered. The pdf colour listing doesn’t appear to set the paints out in that way, and the online pictures never show the rear of the bottle so I canwork out what goes with what.
It might not just be GW that can’t market their way out of a wet paper bag.
I have all the new Game Colors here, and I there isn't really a triad system despite what they say on their website. There isn't anything printed on the back of the bottles except for small print. Sometimes there are four colours that go really well together, sometimes three, plus the odd colour or two thrown in that stands on its own.
Weird. I rather liked the triad idea to help me deal with certain colours. Does some other manufacturer have the triad matches on the bottles, or did I just dream it?
Weird. I rather liked the triad idea to help me deal with certain colours. Does some other manufacturer have the triad matches on the bottles, or did I just dream it?
I took a look at the PDF for the new game color range and seems there are quite a few colors disapearing. These are all the ones I could find. Some might get a new similar color but didn't really look at that.
002 arctic white
017 dark blue
018 stormy blue
033 livery green
037 filthy brown
041 dwarf skin
046 ghost grey
064 yellow olive
065 terracotta
068 smokey ink
092 brown ink
097 pale yellow
105 mutation green
130-136 All of the "game effects", some get replacements
140-155 All of the "extra opaque" heavy colors. Except 145 heavy grey, 148 heavy warm grey and 155 heavy charcoal
202 grey wash
205 green wash
The only one I used was dwarf skin, so gonna order a bottle of 2 of those.
RustyMisterTwo wrote: I140-155 All of the "extra opaque" heavy colors. Except 145 heavy grey, 148 heavy warm grey and 155 heavy charcoal
The Extra Opaques were always just relabeled Model Color paints (with the exception of Heavy Warmgrey which was a new paint). You can find the Model Color equivalents to the Extra Opaques in the Game Color pamphlet for the curremt line.
Reaper got rid of their HD line a few years ago as well (which is the same thing as these High Pigment paints). Maybe these types of paints just don't sell that well so it's better to focus on other lines? Especially with the artist tube paints getting popular.
Monkeysloth wrote: Reaper got rid of their HD line a few years ago as well (which is the same thing as these High Pigment paints). Maybe these types of paints just don't sell that well so it's better to focus on other lines? Especially with the artist tube paints getting popular.
The Extra Opaques are existing Model Color paints. They predated the Foundation paints by at least a decade (and probably more) and will still exist as long as the Model Color range is available (which shows no signs of going away). It just points to them just being a superfluous part of the Game Color range due to the reformulation of that range.
Azazelx wrote: Is there a list somewhere stating which ones are which? Guessing via an online VMC swatch list isn't going to be all that easy or useful.
You mean which Model Color is which Extra Opaque? If so, the list is in the Game Color pamphlet I mentioned here.
RustyMisterTwo wrote: I140-155 All of the "extra opaque" heavy colors. Except 145 heavy grey, 148 heavy warm grey and 155 heavy charcoal
The Extra Opaques were always just relabeled Model Color paints (with the exception of Heavy Warmgrey which was a new paint). You can find the Model Color equivalents to the Extra Opaques in the Game Color pamphlet for the curremt line.
Are we sure they're identical? I was looking at a paint chart from someone who calculated the RGB values of paints and made a comparison chart stating the DeltaE, and the extra opaques had a small DeltaE but it was greater than zero relative to the VMC paints suggesting they were close but not identical.
Vallejo has been known to ninja-alter paints without even changing the name or number or mentioning it to customers so it wouldn't surprise me if they tweaked them a little bit rather than just a straight relabelling.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Monkeysloth wrote: Reaper got rid of their HD line a few years ago as well (which is the same thing as these High Pigment paints). Maybe these types of paints just don't sell that well so it's better to focus on other lines? Especially with the artist tube paints getting popular.
High pigment paints have always been my favourite paints and make up a disproportionate number of the paints I own
RustyMisterTwo wrote: I took a look at the PDF for the new game color range and seems there are quite a few colors disapearing. These are all the ones I could find. Some might get a new similar color but didn't really look at that.
002 arctic white
017 dark blue
018 stormy blue
033 livery green
037 filthy brown
041 dwarf skin
046 ghost grey
064 yellow olive
065 terracotta
068 smokey ink
092 brown ink
097 pale yellow
105 mutation green
130-136 All of the "game effects", some get replacements
140-155 All of the "extra opaque" heavy colors. Except 145 heavy grey, 148 heavy warm grey and 155 heavy charcoal
202 grey wash
205 green wash
The only one I used was dwarf skin, so gonna order a bottle of 2 of those.
Yeah, these are all gone.
I have the new Game Colors here for reviewing, and I can tell you that most of the old colours that got carried over also changed slightly. Some are quite identical, some changed more noticeably, but because of the more matt finish, they all look slightly different from their old versions. So if you rely on a colour from the old range I recommend stocking up now.
Flinty wrote: The bundles seem to be taking longer. The cynic in me suggests this might be deliberate, but then I get all confused as I would have though the best sales strategy would be to splash a new product all over the Christmas sales period with some clear bundles, even If they don’t deliver much saving.
I’ve had to email Vallejo to ask how the triads are ordered. The pdf colour listing doesn’t appear to set the paints out in that way, and the online pictures never show the rear of the bottle so I canwork out what goes with what.
It might not just be GW that can’t market their way out of a wet paper bag.
I have all the new Game Colors here, and I there isn't really a triad system despite what they say on their website. There isn't anything printed on the back of the bottles except for small print. Sometimes there are four colours that go really well together, sometimes three, plus the odd colour or two thrown in that stands on its own.
Weird. I rather liked the triad idea to help me deal with certain colours. Does some other manufacturer have the triad matches on the bottles, or did I just dream it?
The Warpaints Air range is designed in triads which is printed on the labels. Two Thin Coats were also designed in triads, but they're not printed on the bottles, it's just on their webpage.
From the 'Vallejo FAQ, 22 September 2014' (attached below]:
4.2. Are the new extra opaque colors in Game Color similar to Model Color?
Yes, for these 16 Extra Opaque colors, the Model Color formula was used, since the viscosity of this formula supplies the opacity needed for a quick, one- coat base or foundation application.
4.4. Are the colors in Game color the same as in Model Color, only more liquid?
No, we produced a selection of colors designed for Fantasy Figures, and although the basic colors (red, blue, etc.) may be alike, the major part of the range will not have any match in Model Color, always excepting the 16 colors in the Extra Opaque series, which have exact equivalents in the Model Color range.
After watching another Giraldez tutorial on the new paints he kind of convinced me that xpress paints work amazingly well as tone glazing rather than just the slap paint and watch it dry.
The fact that these have higher drying time and are less viscous make these ideal for that. ( not even mentioning the great price XD)
He also said on the video that these were formulated with both techniques in mind which is plus for me.
In short I can see these being a good tool for the traditional type of painting style aswelll as the fast use.
Slowly stores are starting to update the sites with the new ranges and what a great start of 2023 this will be.
I would also suggest anyone to avoid the " buy all the old paints because new ones differ slightly the sky is falling" type of speech since we have seen all paints from all ranges changing/ delisted or being tweaked and guess what, we are still here having fun and painting with all ranges.
NAVARRO wrote: After watching another Giraldez tutorial on the new paints he kind of convinced me that xpress paints work amazingly well as tone glazing rather than just the slap paint and watch it dry.
The fact that these have higher drying time and are less viscous make these ideal for that. ( not even mentioning the great price XD)
He also said on the video that these were formulated with both techniques in mind which is plus for me.
In short I can see these being a good tool for the traditional type of painting style aswelll as the fast use.
Slowly stores are starting to update the sites with the new ranges and what a great start of 2023 this will be.
I would also suggest anyone to avoid the " buy all the old paints because new ones differ slightly the sky is falling" type of speech since we have seen all paints from all ranges changing/ delisted or being tweaked and guess what, we are still here having fun and painting with all ranges.
Finally we are talking about Xpress paints again.
Yeah I’m getting more and more on board with these being the ones I want, whenever a set containing them all comes out.
Or a bundle deal if stores do it themselves maybe.
NAVARRO wrote: After watching another Giraldez tutorial on the new paints he kind of convinced me that xpress paints work amazingly well as tone glazing rather than just the slap paint and watch it dry.
The fact that these have higher drying time and are less viscous make these ideal for that. ( not even mentioning the great price XD)
He also said on the video that these were formulated with both techniques in mind which is plus for me.
In short I can see these being a good tool for the traditional type of painting style aswelll as the fast use.
Slowly stores are starting to update the sites with the new ranges and what a great start of 2023 this will be.
I would also suggest anyone to avoid the " buy all the old paints because new ones differ slightly the sky is falling" type of speech since we have seen all paints from all ranges changing/ delisted or being tweaked and guess what, we are still here having fun and painting with all ranges.
Finally we are talking about Xpress paints again.
Yeah I’m getting more and more on board with these being the ones I want, whenever a set containing them all comes out.
Or a bundle deal if stores do it themselves maybe.
e-minis is doing it... but it's still in preorder, and no date given >_>
Looking at the Vallejo Facebook page it seems that they underestimated the demand for the Xpress and Game Color paints and are working to rectify the situation.
It'd be nice to have a date. I'm about to start painting a new force, wanted to kick it off with Vallejo's new paints, but if they aren't out I'll just be reverting to Citadel Contrasts instead.
Here in Oz, most shops aren't even advertising it, the couple that are advertising it don't have a date, they just list it as out of stock.
Ghaz wrote: Being a small company, I imagine they're doing all that they can.
Yeah and since they are one of the oldest around with loads of experience in doing paint sets etc... for them to run out of stock means that these are VERY popular.
I dont mind waiting for quality paints, gives me more time to save up.
Ghaz wrote: Being a small company, I imagine they're doing all that they can.
Not really asking for them to do it quicker, more so it'd be good to have an idea of their expected timing, and how likely they think it is they'll meet their expected timing.
Ghaz wrote: Being a small company, I imagine they're doing all that they can.
Yeah and since they are one of the oldest around with loads of experience in doing paint sets etc... for them to run out of stock means that these are VERY popular.
I dont mind waiting for quality paints, gives me more time to save up.
Wait, so have they already shipped a large number of paints? I thought only reviewers had them so far?
Ghaz wrote: Being a small company, I imagine they're doing all that they can.
Not really asking for them to do it quicker, more so it'd be good to have an idea of their expected timing, and how likely they think it is they'll meet their expected timing.
Ghaz wrote: Being a small company, I imagine they're doing all that they can.
Yeah and since they are one of the oldest around with loads of experience in doing paint sets etc... for them to run out of stock means that these are VERY popular.
I dont mind waiting for quality paints, gives me more time to save up.
Wait, so have they already shipped a large number of paints? I thought only reviewers had them so far?
Sites are uploading preorders this month and seems like the demand is high. I assume they are having high volume of initial preorders but we dont have more data. Mind I have not seen the big sets yet, only individual paint pots on preorders so far.
Yeah no sets or info on one yet.
I’m in the same boat as AllSeeingSkink, it’s not really that there is a rush. But to know for planning purposes would be great.
Any time up to March and I’d still be well in hand with other projects anyway.
Same here. I'd rather wait a bit, let any of the potential pitfalls shake loose before I commit to a purchase. And hopefully a discounted per unit cost set.
Ghaz wrote: Looking at the Vallejo Facebook page it seems that they underestimated the demand for the Xpress and Game Color paints and are working to rectify the situation.
Link to a source please? I can't find anything on their FB page about this.
Ghaz wrote: Looking at the Vallejo Facebook page it seems that they underestimated the demand for the Xpress and Game Color paints and are working to rectify the situation.
Link to a source please? I can't find anything on their FB page about this.
My bad, it's on their Instagram account, always as a reply to a comment on a post and not a post itself. It usually looks something like this...
Hello! The demand is huge and we’re working really hard to send stock to every store Thank you for your patience and apologies for the inconveniences caused
Flinty wrote: Who would have think that one of the most popular paint lines would be popular
I guess they are getting basic lines out to all shops before they bring the bundles in.
As far as I know, they've never revamped a line like Game Color before, so it's probably hard to plan accordingly. Do they plan on everyone going out and buying the complete range or only replacing those paints they've run out of and needed anyway? For most small companies, it's better to have to make more to meet demand then to have made too much sitting in the warehouse gathering dust.
As for the Xpress Colors, I imagine they're selling better than lines like the Extra Opaques and Shifters did when they were released.
Thanks, but I'm going to have to wait. They are based in the E.U so postage will be higher, then I'll get hit with various customs charges once they arrive.
If you're in the UK it's better to wait, unless you are desperate.
I still haven't seen anything indicating if and when it might be available over here. Metro Hobbies has them listed on their site but they're all just "out of stock", the bigger wargaming online stores haven't even listed them yet.
Ok, so the paints arrived and I couldn't help but do a couple tests (mostly slapped some paint on stuff I had primed):
This Yu Jing guy got Nuclear Yellow and some bits with Black Lotus lightly thinned with water.
This alien (who already had the skin painted with speed paint pink) got Snake Green, Plague Green, Wasteland Brown (holster, some straps and the elbow patches, over green), Wasteland Brown thinned with Glaze medium (the body) and Black Lotus (which is really, really not black xD):
This little guy got Templar white (helmet), Black Lotus (one layer for the faceplate, two laters for the gun and backpack), a mixture of Mistic Blue and Space Grey thinned with water (body, which afterwards I defined a bit with thinned Mistic Blue) and Space Grey (feathers):
For the moment, they work mostly like contrasts, but seem less water phobic, for one, and have longer dry times, as advertised. And no, no reactivation whatsoever. They are also as a general fact less pigmented than contrast paints, seem clearly meant to be used on layers.
The Black Lotus is the blue black, correct? These close ups look way better that the ones Tabletop did. That video every but the black looked way too pastel for me.
legionaires wrote: The Black Lotus is the blue black, correct? These close ups look way better that the ones Tabletop did. That video every but the black looked way too pastel for me.
How long is the cure time?
Yes, the blue black.
As for curing time, if you apply it directly, I'd say about half to double the curing time of contrasts, and longer if you add water or glaze medium (which already does that).
Looks great! I do think I might be disappointed with the opacity relative to contrasts, but I'll grab a few to try if they ever come out over here, lol.
Would love to see how they go on flat surfaces. I know that's not the idea of speed paints/contrasts/xpress, but if using them on a whole army often you end up using it on models that are less detailed and that was a weakness for contrast (and a relative strength for AP, though still not great).
Ghaz wrote: Angel Giraldez demonstrates how the Xpress Colors work with an airbrush:
Thank you for posting.
That's a lovely outcome, but spoilers: that isn't simply the result of spraying Xpress over a prepared model, the artist goes on to add 2 rounds of edge highlighting. Still, I bet that saved a lot of time.
I love the idea that the Spanish equivalent of "object source lighting" (I think?) has translated as "genital lighting"!
I'm looking forward to trying this stuff out, and happy to see that it can be sprayed. My efforts will be orders behind this chap's though!
Patriarch wrote: I love the idea that the Spanish equivalent of "object source lighting" (I think?) has translated as "genital lighting"!
Fun as it might be, not really ^^.
Angel is calling "genital lighting" that specific kind of "zenithal" he's doing because that's how another youtuber calls is, because "he puts the light wherever the feth he wants" instead of an actual zenithal, or as we'd say here "donde me sale delos cojones".
Another Angel Giraldez video, this time doing a side by side comparison of Xpress and Contrast paints:
The first comparison was a bit misleading, as he chose Doomfire Magenta which is one of those Contrast paints which don't have a lot of contrast to them.
That seams like a fair comparison. The FB video I watched he called out that the contrasts paints that had too much pigment so they didn't actually work as contrasts. That is a complaint with some contrast colors and the Vallejo stuff doesn't have that problem (at least what he was showing).
Monkeysloth wrote: That seams like a fair comparison. The FB video I watched he called out that the contrasts paints that had too much pigment so they didn't actually work as contrasts. That is a complaint with some contrast colors and the Vallejo stuff doesn't have that problem (at least what he was showing).
But if you didn't like the GW stuff out of the pot, you could just thin it with contrast medium, so you had the option of heavy coat with more saturation or thinned.
To be honest, in most of the comparison pics, I preferred the GW result. I don't like the white primer showing through too much, it makes the model look pale and desaturated and it stands out as an ink/contrast/wash/etc over white paint job. The Vallejo feels like it needs 1.5 coats, 2 coats would probably be too much but 1 coat not quite enough.
The bit that interests me is if the slower drying time makes it easier to avoid coffee staining, better for small details, and better blending on large flat surfaces. For all my gripes with Army Painter Speed Paints, that's their strength.
I'd love to see a video where one of these painters tries adjusting the pigment saturation of Xpress Colors using ink and/or medium. Much like adding contrast medium to GW's gives the option of stronger/weaker coats, in theory ink should be able to punch up the dial on Vallejo's.
Fire_Forever wrote: I'd love to see a video where one of these painters tries adjusting the pigment saturation of Xpress Colors using ink and/or medium. Much like adding contrast medium to GW's gives the option of stronger/weaker coats, in theory ink should be able to punch up the dial on Vallejo's.
Maybe, that could be interesting. It'd be very colour dependent though, certain colours it'd be hard to impossible to find an ink that would achieve the desired results.
I’m just unsure which to go for now.
Very much don’t want to go with Contrast just on the price.
I want one that is going to be done after one coat (That will of course look good with any highlights and layers over if I’m doing that).
If it’s Army Painter I can go ahead and buy the full set now.
If it’s Xpress obviously I’d have to wait for a box, which is fine.
But I’m just not sure now.
Army Painter have this drying time/reactivating thing.
Xpress has The is one coat enough.
Danny76 wrote: I’m just unsure which to go for now.
Very much don’t want to go with Contrast just on the price.
I want one that is going to be done after one coat (That will of course look good with any highlights and layers over if I’m doing that).
If it’s Army Painter I can go ahead and buy the full set now.
If it’s Xpress obviously I’d have to wait for a box, which is fine.
But I’m just not sure now.
Army Painter have this drying time/reactivating thing.
Xpress has The is one coat enough.
So complicated..
There's also Greenstuffworld, which might be the cheapest but comes in very large bottles. It appears to be closest to contrast I think. It's Greenstuffworld, though.
Brand wise I’d rather go with one of the others.
Haven’t seen any reviews of the GSW ones to be fair.
Needs to be Firestorm games stocked product too as I have the voucher to use.
While I've been happy with the finish from Speedpaints, for my money, sometimes needing an extra coat is much less of a hassle than having paints randomly reactivate when you paint over them.
I've got the GSW ones. The ones I've used so far are thinner than Contrast but they don't reactivate. I find them useful in the toolkit alongside my Contrasts (and I sometimes mix the two as well)
> I'd love to see a video where one of these painters tries adjusting the pigment saturation of Xpress Colors using ink and/or medium.
But... if you're going to do something beyond painting bottle-strength, aren't you now entering hobby painting territory? I don't add medium or mix paints, since I'm going for an advanced tabletop paint job that requires less skill.
> So complicated..
My decision's easy. Ignore them all. (:
Colored primers then a wash. Skipping the spray-priming step saves me some inconvenience, and colored primers are less expensive per ounce than hobby paints. USA Supply has sales, up to 2-for-1. Then I use a wash. I still use hobby paints for details, eyes, etc. If you *really* want to be on the cheap, there's underpainting with craft paints, whose lids can also be used as wet palettes. Good, fast, and cheap…pick two. Or one and two-halves.
ced1106 wrote: > I'd love to see a video where one of these painters tries adjusting the pigment saturation of Xpress Colors using ink and/or medium.
But... if you're going to do something beyond painting bottle-strength, aren't you now entering hobby painting territory? I don't add medium or mix paints, since I'm going for an advanced tabletop paint job that requires less skill.
> So complicated..
I dont know about you but if adding a drop of water or medium to paints or xpress will make my life easier and paint faster, its actually a lot less complicated and requires minimal skill set.
I think Xpress can tap into both types of painters but I still always be the traditional painter that uses normal acrylics.
It’s never going to replace my normal painting, but I think it will be a good alternate/additional method.
I think just getting some stuff done that way, or partly using it in some of the models will get more models done than if I just used layers, washes and highlights etc.
I think reactivation is the decider.
So either Xpress box coming, or the non reactivating Army Painter Box arrives.
That is what I will go for.
I am glad that I invested into Contrast paints and spend a good while learning to use them effectively. They haven't just made the painting faster, I'm also enjoying the process a lot more than previously and the quality of my painting has improved as well.
Xpress paints look like a first alternative I could consider but given that I already have a full line of Contrast paints and I prefer to use them straight from the pot rather than palette, I don't see many reasons to invest into them. If I preferred dropper bottles and didn't have full range already, I would probably choose Xpress paints.
OK guys I just made an account to make this post to give my 2 cents. I had been lurking this thread for months after first hearing of vallejos contrast competitor..
I got lucky and was shopping online in my PJs like everyone in december. I decided to google a specific color "vallejo black lotus" to see if I could find a hit in the USA yet. (I kind of knew there wouldnt be because I already talked to 3 USA vallejo distributors who basically said they were delayed quite a bit) Lo and behold, google shopping results gave me a hit on ebay. Polish seller that ships internationally. Got the entire 24 range for 80euro. I was over the moon. They took 30 days. I was drooling.
AAAAANDDDD they are amazing and everything I hoped for. My only negative.... is that I want more colors!
It wont let me put pics in my first post on here so I will follow up
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I had printed a commando kill team for my buddy, so I gifted him the ork skin color, I figured I would replace mine when they are more readily available. He loved it. This is just over zenithal primecoat. The other colors here are citadel contrast but the green is vallejo xpress color ork skin.
I already had a home for them waiting.
And here is my use. Remember I had to wait a month, so I started my thousand sons before they came. The blue/green and gold you see in this album is citadel, but all of the purples, reds, bone, anything else is all xpress paint.
I used to hate painting robes/cloaks. This is one coat. The final pictures you see in this album have a wash of druchii violet shade over them.
and they dry very matte, which I love
https://imgur.com/a/atNC7wq
If anyone has questions Im happy to answer to the best of my ability!
I watched part of it this morning before heading out to work. Good concept but the main problem is that all of the ranges have their better and worse paints within them, and both GW and GSW (and presumably AP and VA as well) have different versions of each colour - they used the crappy GSW red for example so some paints from the various ranges - with issues like poor coverage (too light, too blotchy, different colour) got used at times.
I heard today that there's a big chunk of the year Vallejo is making stuff like auto and house paint. Is it going to be the case that if you don't manage to get a first wave of Xpress you are going to be waiting 9 months? I know my local Hobby Town's Vallejo rack has been empty for months.
Azazelx wrote: I watched part of it this morning before heading out to work. Good concept but the main problem is that all of the ranges have their better and worse paints within them, and both GW and GSW (and presumably AP and VA as well) have different versions of each colour - they used the crappy GSW red for example so some paints from the various ranges - with issues like poor coverage (too light, too blotchy, different colour) got used at times.
Yeah, some of the comparisons are equally weird... like, why are you comparing the Speed Paint Zealot Yellow with those other three, when you have much more similar hues in at least two of the other lines (Iyanden Yellow for Contrasts, Nuclear Yellow for Xpress) which are much more orange-y and contrast-y? Doesn't make much sense con compare oranges to apples, IMHO.
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legionaires wrote: I heard today that there's a big chunk of the year Vallejo is making stuff like auto and house paint. Is it going to be the case that if you don't manage to get a first wave of Xpress you are going to be waiting 9 months? I know my local Hobby Town's Vallejo rack has been empty for months.
Never found that to be the case, but I'm from Spain.
Azazelx wrote: I watched part of it this morning before heading out to work. Good concept but the main problem is that all of the ranges have their better and worse paints within them, and both GW and GSW (and presumably AP and VA as well) have different versions of each colour - they used the crappy GSW red for example so some paints from the various ranges - with issues like poor coverage (too light, too blotchy, different colour) got used at times.
Agreed, it was a good idea but poorly implemented.
I did pick up one good thing from the video though, Greenstuffworld's Nude Skin looks like a fantastic pre-shade for laying down yellow. A thinned-down layer of GW's Imperial Fist Contrast would look great over it.
I'm still waiting to get my hands on them. They haven't popped up at any of my regular gaming shops either online or brick and mortar here in Oz. I stopped asking the guy at the local store when he thinks he might get some because he kept saying that he had no idea when they'd arrive.
I've got hold of a few from Dark Sphere in the UK but not made too much use of them yet. I did have a bash with the black (Black Lotus) over a zenithal undercoat. Suffered from the same issue a lot of the black 'speedpaint' types seem to in that it had a distinctly green tinge to it. Less prevalent once it dried but still a factor.
legionaires wrote: I heard today that there's a big chunk of the year Vallejo is making stuff like auto and house paint. Is it going to be the case that if you don't manage to get a first wave of Xpress you are going to be waiting 9 months? I know my local Hobby Town's Vallejo rack has been empty for months.
I'm happy with them. Most of the colours are really nice, the main weak point I think is the Browns. Which GW does a lot better. My favourites are in the Blues, Purples, and Greens.
I love the turquoise and emerald colours. Not quite sure what to use them on though. They don't fit my usual historical colours.
NAVARRO wrote: After the comments here was not sure about if that video was worth my time but gave it a shot... lasted 2 minutes
I mean let's compare! "This ink feels weird I dont like it!"
And that was suppose to be informative? Great! YouTuber finds it weird and doesn't like it
Bye now.
I normally like Broadsword, but that was the most unhelpful review/summary/whatever I've seen on the topic Why did they compare Baal Red to AP Blood Red then complain about the lack of contrast in Baal Red when Baal Red is one of the new high coverage paints, it's Blood Angels Red or Flesh Tearers Red that are made to do what AP Blood Red does. Same with Imperial Fists Yellow vs Zealot Yellow.
I guess it goes back to a discussion we had on the new GW Contrasts where they probably should have labelled the new paints something else other than "Contrast", it was clearly enough to confuse YouTubers
Ghaz wrote: A video by Broadsword Wargaming comparing the Xpress Color, Contrast, Speed Paints and Dipping Inks.
Just been watching that and came to this thread afterwards.
Broadsword seems to have completely different experiences of Dipping Inks from Stahly.
Stahly recommended them on what he found of them, I bought the full set of 36 and they arrived this week.
There is a sizable discount from GreenStuffWorld at the moment and UK stock. Coast me £117 all in, which is very good for 36 large bottles.
Anyway now I am in a little bit of a panic because, at least from what Broadsword has showcased, most of them appear to be crap.
Yeah, the GSW stuff looks wildly inconsistent, based on those. Not entirely surprised given their method of promoting it using renders instead of actual painted examples...
The Vallejo samples she showed look overall nice and consistent, and the couple of colours lacking a little in contrast (specifically the red and yellow) can be easily fixed with zenithal priming, so that's promising.
I have all of the GSW dipping inks, and they've been fine for me - but I'm probably not your typcial use case as I mainly use them over colours or mixed with things like Contrast to get various effects. I don't use the "official" method except for rarely.
JohnnyHell wrote: If you have them all, have you tried them before panicking?
No, but I am not at that stage yet. Currently I am assembling. Test miniatures for my new army (Skaven) will come soon.
I tend to research everything before I buy anything.
insaniak wrote: Yeah, the GSW stuff looks wildly inconsistent, based on those. Not entirely surprised given their method of promoting it using renders instead of actual painted examples...
Thank you, my point exactly.
Vilegrimm wrote: Hey, Orlanth, here's a photo of a terrain piece I did with 3 GSW colors on it:
The fencing is Papyrus, the tree is Skeleton Brown and the grass is Ork Flesh. I also have a few other pictures if you're interested.
-Vilegrimm
Edit: I used Gray Seer spray primer for the basecoat, if that helps.
Thank you for your input.
Azazelx wrote: I have all of the GSW dipping inks, and they've been fine for me - but I'm probably not your typcial use case as I mainly use them over colours or mixed with things like Contrast to get various effects. I don't use the "official" method except for rarely.
I also haven't yet used all of them.
This highlights, indirectly my main problem with these products.
Since I moved on from (only) regular Citadel paints I have been mired by the underlying understanding of the inconsistency of paints both between and in brands.. I cant just look at a pot and say this goes on like this. With the contrast family I have to know before I use it is a colour is saturated or unsaturated, mixes well, is transluscent, reactivates, etc etc. It is a lot of information. In fact it is information overload.
Hence my panic. I do not ever think my purchase was a waste of money. I am sure that good use can be made from Dipping Inks, as Vilegrimm kindly demonstrated. But I haven't a clue which brown to put on which part of which rat. I could experiment, but how many combos do I need to test to gain The Knowledge, and is that knowledge transferable. Knowing how to paint fur is different from armour, or spears, or belts and so on and so forth.
I could test on sprue but that doesn't work in all applications, so I will have to test on rats, and unlike my Warlord, I do not have rats to waste
Been testing the xpress paints to base paint some mechs I've printed lately and so far I'm decently happy with them. This is one:
Spoiler:
All xpress paints except for the black of the head, sword and circle thingies on the legs and torso (speed paint Grim Black) and the green cubes (Original recipe Citadel Technical Hexwraith Flame)
Hence my panic. I do not ever think my purchase was a waste of money. I am sure that good use can be made from Dipping Inks, as Vilegrimm kindly demonstrated. But I haven't a clue which brown to put on which part of which rat. I could experiment, but how many combos do I need to test to gain The Knowledge, and is that knowledge transferable. Knowing how to paint fur is different from armour, or spears, or belts and so on and so forth.
I could test on sprue but that doesn't work in all applications, so I will have to test on rats, and unlike my Warlord, I do not have rats to waste
Unless the rats are supposed to be clones, some variation in colouration and tones would be natural within a group. On that basis, I'd say the rats are perfect test subjects.
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Modock wrote: Cool tutorial by Angel Giraldez, mostly using Xpress C.
Damn. I do hate that green. Like, fine it other people like that skin tone but it ain't for me.
Hence my panic. I do not ever think my purchase was a waste of money. I am sure that good use can be made from Dipping Inks, as Vilegrimm kindly demonstrated. But I haven't a clue which brown to put on which part of which rat. I could experiment, but how many combos do I need to test to gain The Knowledge, and is that knowledge transferable. Knowing how to paint fur is different from armour, or spears, or belts and so on and so forth.
I could test on sprue but that doesn't work in all applications, so I will have to test on rats, and unlike my Warlord, I do not have rats to waste
Unless the rats are supposed to be clones, some variation in colouration and tones would be natural within a group. On that basis, I'd say the rats are perfect test subjects.
Trouble is I am not talking about the shade, but transluscence and a lot of other factors.
I am all for some variation within the pack between rats, but that is not what contrast gives, you get ranges from pastel to not-inkwash through to saturated flat colour.
Prior to this I could guess what effect a paint had by looking at the pot. Now that is no longer so.
Also I mentioned fur to start, but different paints in the contrast family and similar products have different effects. A pastel rat is essentially an illusion or ghost rat. I could do an entire army in a pastel style and benefit from the 'artistic' licence, this is not the effect I am looking for but it would be valid. I absolutely dont want the effect between units, within a unit or on different parts of the same model.
I have left over rat bits on sprue on spare bases, I will tast as far as I can on this before committing select paints for select purposes. I have a painting log, I document everything, mostly so I can add units later or repair models sometimes years after I do a faction. So I know what to do, I must test all the browns and flesh tones, record everything and then move onto other colours and purposes. I am just putting off the chore because essentially I will need to do a log for every paint combo I might need for the army. which might run to seventy plus colours total.
I've been painting for a long time. I've used Contrasts since they were released. I know some are more or less translucent than others.
If somthing is too translucent for your requirements, then give it a second coat of the same or a different version of the colour once it dries. It's not Speedpaint so you don't need to worry aboutit reactivating.
Or, you know, write three paragraphs about why it's too hard/frustrating to give a rat model a second coat & log that info about the paint's behaviour..
Vermis wrote: Well now I'm confused as to what xpress is supposed to be.
I think the idea is that you can use those undiluted paints like glazes over some foundation to quickly create depth either over a flat colour or over an underpainting (quickly pre-shaded base tones for a whole area like shown in the video). But if you highly dilute it for whatever reason (want less intensity or work in multiple less drastic layers) like in the example (1 part paint to 3 parts medium/water) you want to use medium instead of water because water (due to surface tension) should rob a colour of any of its "doesn't pool as much in recesses" properties at that ratio.
I wouldn't call any of these Contrast-type paints washes exactly. Traditionally washes are used over paint to shade recesses, but these paints apply a lot of pigment to flat and raised areas.
So yeah, makes sense to me that if you thin them down they'll lose coverage and mostly just shade recesses. I've used thinned Contrast paints in more or less this way over regular paints. But undiluted or less diluted they can BE your basecoat.
Vermis wrote: Even slapchop might test my patience for army painting, but yeah, I may have to make my first hobby splurge in a long time, a long time...
Ghaz wrote:Xpress Colors over metallics
Spoiler:
I like that. Hard to tell on my screen, but it looks like only the brown and red of the colours used, dulled the metals?
Most likely all of the metals were dulled to some extent since the Xpress Colors, like most of the Vallejo Game and Model paints, are matte. He did go back and drybrush some of his pieces with silver which might have changed how you're perceiving them.
It looks like some of the Xpress Color paints may be showing up for our neighbors to the north in Canada as Universal Distribution seems to have the new Game Color paints available, while Bunker 45 and Stevens International have the Xpress Colors listed as available.
In the US they're still listed as a pre-order on ACD Distribution and we would need someone with an account with Alliance Games to see if they have them yet.
Ghaz wrote: It looks like some of the Xpress Color paints may be showing up for our neighbors to the north in Canada as Universal Distribution seems to have the new Game Color paints available, while Bunker 45 and Stevens International have the Xpress Colors listed as available.
In the US they're still listed as a pre-order on ACD Distribution and we would need someone with an account with Alliance Games to see if they have them yet.
I have managed to pick up a few colors up here in Canada from Tistaminis, as well as seeing them at a few other game stores. Still waiting on the bulk of them from Universal Distribution (I have them on preorder from a local shop).
So far I'm liking the limited colors I have. The Omega Blue and Velvet Red are very nice, and the Martian Orange is a nice color after 2 coats. Of course, this is over the slap-chop drybrush, so the orange may stand out better over a pure white coat.
Ghaz wrote: In the US they're still listed as a pre-order on ACD Distribution and we would need someone with an account with Alliance Games to see if they have them yet.
Miniature Market has a few of the Xpress colors in stock, as well as all the new Game Color line.
Ghaz wrote: In the US they're still listed as a pre-order on ACD Distribution and we would need someone with an account with Alliance Games to see if they have them yet.
Miniature Market has a few of the Xpress colors in stock, as well as all the new Game Color line.
I was looking strictly at distributors so we can know when they'll be more widely available.
Ghaz wrote: In the US they're still listed as a pre-order on ACD Distribution and we would need someone with an account with Alliance Games to see if they have them yet.
Miniature Market has a few of the Xpress colors in stock, as well as all the new Game Color line.
I was looking strictly at distributors so we can know when they'll be more widely available.
Gotcha. In that case, PM Hansen (canadian distributor, dealing mostly in plastic models, paints and trains) also has them in stock now.
In some initial revievs of xpress paints i heard about the paint range will be expanded with more colors. Are there any info about that, especially some dates more precise than "later this year"?
Ningo wrote: In some initial revievs of xpress paints i heard about the paint range will be expanded with more colors. Are there any info about that, especially some dates more precise than "later this year"?
They're still trying to get the initial Xpress Colors out to everybody, so I doubt that there's a more specific time frame available for the next wave.
Gnomish Bazaar has the Xpress paints in stock for $3.49 as of today. I think that may be the lowest I have seen em. They've always been quick to ship and have about the lowest bones/wizkids prices I've seen if you're into those.
Vallejo has updated the Game Color Pamphlet, now with triads and equivalents to the Citadel, Game Air and Vallejo Hobby Paint spray cans and with equivalents for the Xpress Colors to Contrast paints.
I went and tried the Black Lotus and White. I was disappointed that the Black Lotus didn't have the blue undertone like I saw in some of the videos but the white might replace me current Stormtrooper paint. Not a fan of the thin bottles though. Going to do more tests later to see if I find a place I like to use the Black.
legionaires wrote: I went and tried the Black Lotus and White. I was disappointed that the Black Lotus didn't have the blue undertone like I saw in some of the videos but the white might replace me current Stormtrooper paint. Not a fan of the thin bottles though. Going to do more tests later to see if I find a place I like to use the Black.
What were you painting over? I just gave Black Lotus a try the other day, and it was very blue (more so than I wanted). Painted over airbrushed Vallejo grey primer.
I was painting an FoW objective marker (resin, 15mm scale) with fuel barrels, so a lot of flat space. Painted with budget brush, and paint straight from the bottle (no thinning).
legionaires wrote: I went and tried the Black Lotus and White. I was disappointed that the Black Lotus didn't have the blue undertone like I saw in some of the videos but the white might replace me current Stormtrooper paint. Not a fan of the thin bottles though. Going to do more tests later to see if I find a place I like to use the Black.
What were you painting over? I just gave Black Lotus a try the other day, and it was very blue (more so than I wanted). Painted over airbrushed Vallejo grey primer.
I was painting an FoW objective marker (resin, 15mm scale) with fuel barrels, so a lot of flat space. Painted with budget brush, and paint straight from the bottle (no thinning).
It was some white primed models I got cheap from a swap meet.
It looks like ACD Distribution shows most of the new Game Color and Xpress Color paints in stock with a few still on pre-order. Hopefully this means we'll be seeing them in shops and online in the near future.
Ghaz wrote: It looks like ACD Distribution shows most of the new Game Color and Xpress Color paints in stock with a few still on pre-order. Hopefully this means we'll be seeing them in shops and online in the near future.
Ghaz wrote: It looks like ACD Distribution shows most of the new Game Color and Xpress Color paints in stock with a few still on pre-order. Hopefully this means we'll be seeing them in shops and online in the near future.
Ghaz wrote: It looks like ACD Distribution shows most of the new Game Color and Xpress Color paints in stock with a few still on pre-order. Hopefully this means we'll be seeing them in shops and online in the near future.
Ohman wrote: They never got round to releasing a "mega-kit" for the new Game Color did they?
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NAVARRO wrote: Still waiting for a full box with the 80 base new Gamecolours to land in the UK.
Ordered separately?
It's weird the way it's been going like some colours are available while others are not, then stores have all mixed up the washes and effects with the basic. I found that the release has been nothing but confusing.
The yellow is impressive indeed. GW's version is pretty solid as well. I like chapters like the Imperial Fists are a lot of accessible now than they were when I was really into 40k.
I am curious to try their white. I know I won't be able to go over a black base coat with with, but I hope it works better for me than GW's version - which always turns out as a muddy mess when I try.
A quick look at just the top of the page turns up two colors which could be of use to me: Ocre Desierto and Uniforme Caqui. With my limited Spanish I'm guessing this is desert ochre (yellowish tan, perhaps like the Afrika Korps), and the other uniform khaki (perhaps British 8th Army). I'm painting a lot of desert tones and so if I like the colors, they'd help. Since it's for Stargrave, I'd not worried about meeting historical standards. Or maybe Amarillo Militar (military yellow) is the Afrika Korps-like color? Vallejo needs to publish another PDF of color samples.
An aside, I have bought Xpress Color Templar White and will try it as a shading wash.
That's extremely exciting news. The Xpress color line is my favorite of the Contrast-likes but it desperately needs some more brown tone and muted tones.
Ghaz wrote: Vallejo doesn’t seem to like announcements, but it does look like they have updated the Game Color pamphlet with the new Xpress Color paints.
Thanks for the heads-up. The military yellow is too dark and brown for DAK uniform yellow, so I'll keep using Reaper Desert Tan. The two others I'm interested in might work.
And seeing the names and colors of the Intense line, I suspect they are for the 30K Loyalist Legions + Luna Wolves (the Heretic turquoise).
I don’t trust digital color charts beyond a ballpark idea of what the color will look like, and this goes double for contrast style paints. I’d wait until Stahly gets his color chart up with his review before making a final decision.
Ghaz wrote: I don’t trust digital color charts beyond a ballpark idea of what the color will look like, and this goes double for contrast style paints. I’d wait until Stahly gets his color chart up with his review before making a final decision.
You may very well be right in distrusting digital samples. At least based on my own experience, my monitor displays the Vallejo color samples as lighter than how it dries in practice. Thus when military yellow looks like sepia in the .pdf , I'm positive it is not what I'm looking for.
I wrote the below at Boardgame Geek since the miniature list I was in has interest in these newfangled "one and done" paints.
On the basis of the above review I purchased two Xpress Paints, Caribbean Turquoise and Space [Wolf] Gray. I do think they work/flow better than Army Painter Speedpaint V 1.0 {there's AP Speedpaint V 2.0 that claims it has solved the reactivation issue: I've not tried it}, and especially GW Contrast. I do not know if Xpress Paints have a reactivation problem as I was only testing color and flow, not quick painting.
As I don't know how other folks' monitors will display the colors; I'll say that in the Vallejo .pdf Caribbean Turquoise looked lighter and more green to me, and Space Gray was also lighter and bluer. On my test minis, the Turquoise is darker and more blue, and the Space Gray is both more gray and more opaque. This is not a problem as the Turquoise is still an attractive shade for my tastes, and the gray will be a better base coat. However, I was thinking of it as a shade for white, and it is too dark for that.
Looking at ACD Distribution, Vallejo is also adding 10 color sets (e.g., Blue Color Set, Pale Skin Set. Cold Green Color Set, etc.) consisting of a Base, Shadow and two Highlights for $15.12.
There's also a Sci-Fi Paint Set by Ángel Giraldez for $48.81. It has 12 paints, an exclusive plastic figure and a QR code printed on the box that links to a video tutorial from Ángel.
EDIT: Looks like they'll be rolling out the new Xpress Colors at Spiel Essen next week, with a few other items
I'm VERY excited to announce the new Xpress Color expansión!!
THE TIME HAS COME!!
Behold the much awaited Xpress Color range EXPANSION! taking the range to its final form of 60 colours, there's a bit for every hobbyist here. Bolt Action players will be delighted I think.
JHMiniatures wrote: I'm VERY excited to announce the new Xpress Color expansión!!
THE TIME HAS COME!!
Behold the much awaited Xpress Color range EXPANSION! taking the range to its final form of 60 colours, there's a bit for every hobbyist here. Bolt Action players will be delighted I think.
I was expecting this! Looking at digital bottles online is fun and all, but I want to see the colors in a video to decide which ones I'm gonna buy.
Thank for the swatches, Mr. Hidalgo. A promising range. The desert ochre and khaki drill seem to be what I was hoping for, and the military yellow is better than it appeared from the .pdf (though desert ochre is better for what I've been painting). Mahogany and Vampiric Purple are potentially useful to me as well.
An aside. With these contrasting paints, I usually do not use them as marketed; i.e. a "one and done" paint. I've been using them mainly as shading washes over an undercoat of a lighter shade of the same color, or even a contrasting color. So how do the rest of you prefer to use "contrasting" paints?
Thanks for the video and coverage, and for your choices to expand the line. This second wave does pretty much everything I wanted the range to do, can't wait for them to release.
Zombie flesh, thinned with medium and a little purple in the shadows may just be my go to skin tone for plenty of miniatures going fowards, especially anything that is mechanicus/servitor. It's a much more realistic skin tone to have for my style of painting which is partially grimdark at least.... Clean skin just doesn't fit.
Hot diggity dog some of those new colours are really nice. Very keen to get my hands on some of them. Just a shame I haven't found somewhere local that stocks them yet.
Regarding military yellow ... While my thoughts were in the correct era, perhaps I needed to change theaters. Military yellow might be intended for the WWII Imperial Japanese Army uniform color, the way khaki and desert ochre seem intended for the North African campaign. Good news for Bolt Action and Flames of War players.
"In the first six to twelve months of a war with the United States and Great Britain I will run wild and win victory upon victory. But then, if the war continues after that, I have no expectation of success."
Fleet Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, IJN
Ancestral Hamster wrote: Regarding military yellow ... While my thoughts were in the correct era, perhaps I needed to change theaters. Military yellow might be intended for the WWII Imperial Japanese Army uniform color...
Yes, Juan says as much in the video along with being useful for Soviets.
Ancestral Hamster wrote: Regarding military yellow ... While my thoughts were in the correct era, perhaps I needed to change theaters. Military yellow might be intended for the WWII Imperial Japanese Army uniform color...
Yes, Juan says as much in the video along with being useful for Soviets.
Ah, I do not watch hobby videos. I'm a fast reader and I resent the waste of fifteen minutes when I could have read the same info in five minutes or less. Of course, if there's no other way to get said info ...
IIRC, WWII Soviet Red Army uniform is a medium brown, and WWII French uniform is a dark brown, darker than both British Royal Army temperate uniforms and the Soviet uniform. There are plenty of new browns in the line that something should suit both armies.
Ancestral Hamster wrote: Regarding military yellow ... While my thoughts were in the correct era, perhaps I needed to change theaters. Military yellow might be intended for the WWII Imperial Japanese Army uniform color...
Yes, Juan says as much in the video along with being useful for Soviets.
Ah, I do not watch hobby videos. I'm a fast reader and I resent the waste of fifteen minutes when I could have read the same info in five minutes or less. Of course, if there's no other way to get said info ...
IIRC, WWII Soviet Red Army uniform is a medium brown, and WWII French uniform is a dark brown, darker than both British Royal Army temperate uniforms and the Soviet uniform. There are plenty of new browns in the line that something should suit both armies.
There's a lot of useful info to be gained from this video outside of the color swatches, seeing how they come off the brush and apply is really worth seeing.
I find it particularly useful watching the paint being applied then looking at the final product. I'm sure Juan would agree he doesn't apply all of the colours to the models with ultimate care and to ensure a smooth coat without coffee spotting, so it's nice to see the after image after application to put down any 'issues' in the colour to application error, or the colour itself. Most seem to be settling really well on the models after the fact, only a few seem to be uneven.
Acrylicos Vallejo wrote:The new colors are expected to reach European stores in about a month or so, America and Asia in 6/8 weeks approx (ETA may vary) 🙂
Here's hoping we'll find them in our stockings come Christmas morning...
RazorEdge wrote: Is there a comparison which express colors match with which common Vallejo colors to "clean" the finish?
No, there's no 'touch-up' colors in the Game Color line for the Xpress Colors.
There's the old school method of going through one's paint pots and finding the match ups oneself. And if most other folks' paint collections are like mine, it is a mishmash of pots from different manufacturers, so a chart based on my collection is useless for everyone else. How many of you are still using Partha Paints? Or even heard of them? And I still have some of Citadel's original inks released in 1987. All are still fine except for the Chestnut.
Still, as an incentive for prospective customers, Vallejo should map out equivalent Model Colors or Game Colors or any of their other lines to the Xpress Paints.
RazorEdge wrote: Is there a comparison which express colors match with which common Vallejo colors to "clean" the finish?
No, there's no 'touch-up' colors in the Game Color line for the Xpress Colors.
There's the old school method of going through one's paint pots and finding the match ups oneself. And if most other folks' paint collections are like mine, it is a mishmash of pots from different manufacturers, so a chart based on my collection is useless for everyone else. How many of you are still using Partha Paints? Or even heard of them? And I still have some of Citadel's original inks released in 1987. All are still fine except for the Chestnut.
Still, as an incentive for prospective customers, Vallejo should map out equivalent Model Colors or Game Colors or any of their other lines to the Xpress Paints.
The problem with that lies with how contrast type paints work. Something that matches over a white undercoat might not work if using something like Wraithbone or Grey Seer. The problem is also compounded if you need to touch up in a corner as you'll lose the shading from the paint or if you're using the Slapchop method. A lot of times the best bet would be to cover the section of the model with a color that matches the base and reapply the contrast paint.
RazorEdge wrote: Is there a comparison which express colors match with which common Vallejo colors to "clean" the finish?
No, there's no 'touch-up' colors in the Game Color line for the Xpress Colors.
There's the old school method of going through one's paint pots and finding the match ups oneself. And if most other folks' paint collections are like mine, it is a mishmash of pots from different manufacturers, so a chart based on my collection is useless for everyone else. How many of you are still using Partha Paints? Or even heard of them? And I still have some of Citadel's original inks released in 1987. All are still fine except for the Chestnut.
I still have some of the Ral Partha paints, the Red Brown and Steel being my favourites. Still have older Citadel colours, including Woodland Green, Hideous Blue and Festering Blue (all wonderful colours).
And I dread the day when my Polly S Cockatrice Yellow/Green and Coatl Orange die...
Ancestral Hamster wrote: Still, as an incentive for prospective customers, Vallejo should map out equivalent Model Colors or Game Colors or any of their other lines to the Xpress Paints.
The problem with that lies with how contrast type paints work. Something that matches over a white undercoat might not work if using something like Wraithbone or Grey Seer. The problem is also compounded if you need to touch up in a corner as you'll lose the shading from the paint or if you're using the Slapchop method. A lot of times the best bet would be to cover the section of the model with a color that matches the base and reapply the contrast paint.
Yes, good point. And something I should have remembered since I'm using Speedpaints and now Xpress over different undercoats for changed finishes.
Vilegrimm wrote: I still have some of the Ral Partha paints, the Red Brown and Steel being my favourites. Still have older Citadel colours, including Woodland Green, Hideous Blue and Festering Blue (all wonderful colours).
And I dread the day when my Polly S Cockatrice Yellow/Green and Coatl Orange die...
-Vilegrimm
I'm still using the Red Brown too, but my Steel settled and set at the bottom. Only have one Polly S color left, a pale flesh, though a number of them survived 17 years or so. At the time, Polly S was the best of the available acrylics IMO. It seems like Testors bought them out to kill the Polly S and Floquil lines and so reduce the competition.
Hobby Workshop in the UK have a bundle of the new Game Air colours. (Not a box set, just a loose bundle they've presumably done themselves).
Not seen anything similar for the new Game Color ones though.
Hobbyworkshop advertised they are selling all the new paints as a bundle for roughly £100 so I have jumped on that as xpress are for my painting style the best contrast type paint.
Really looking forward to the new skin tones predominantly.
Does anyone have any better ideas when these will actually be available in the UK, for example?
My usual place hasn’t even gotten them on preorder yet or anything.
Mr_Rose wrote: Does anyone have any better ideas when these will actually be available in the UK, for example?
My usual place hasn’t egotism them on preorder yet or anything.
Just what my previous post has from their Facebook page. I've seen them on pre-order at ACD Distribution in the US, but they also put the BattleTech Mercenaries box set up for pre-order back in March two weeks into it's Kickstarter campaign (which has a June 2024 fulfillment date - but it's looking like it will be earlier than that) so not really the best source for determining when the new Xpress paints will hit retail.
I mostly agree with your points, and the differences with Contrasts and Speed paints (evenness and extended worktime foremost) are what have made me use the wave 1 more and more, so I like what I'm seeing here.
Interestingly, I liked much more the Speed Paints 1.0 than the new ones :(
Mr_Rose wrote: Does anyone have any better ideas when these will actually be available in the UK, for example?
We've not had any info from our supplier so no idea when they're going to arrive yet. I've got a load on pre-order so hopefully it won't be too long and we can get them added to the website.
Albertorius wrote: Well, looks like my FLGS got them, so I'm gonna pick them up after work.
Please let us know if that's actually right when you get there. It seems surprising they'd be at a US shop before anyone else has them, but if they're really in distro now I'll start watching my spots!
Albertorius wrote: Well, looks like my FLGS got them, so I'm gonna pick them up after work.
Please let us know if that's actually right when you get there. It seems surprising they'd be at a US shop before anyone else has them, but if they're really in distro now I'll start watching my spots!
They're not, I'm a spaniard in Spain. For some reason, the flag does me weird.
Albertorius wrote: They're not, I'm a spaniard in Spain. For some reason, the flag does me weird.
Lego can fix that for you.
From the Vallejo Facebook page, dated November 1st:
Acrylicos Vallejo wrote:These colors have already been released, but they are slowly being shipped to stores in Spain, Europe, and the rest of the world. We hope that Europe will have them in a few weeks and the rest of the countries in about 3-4 weeks.
Albertorius wrote: They're not, I'm a spaniard in Spain. For some reason, the flag does me weird.
If you are using VPN, that is the likely cause. For a while, mine was putting me in a different eastern European country each week, and it still occasionally puts me in Canada.
Albertorius wrote: They're not, I'm a spaniard in Spain. For some reason, the flag does me weird.
If you are using VPN, that is the likely cause. For a while, mine was putting me in a different eastern European country each week, and it still occasionally puts me in Canada.
I'm not, but I'm using Firefox.
Anyways, yeah, I'm in Madrid, and they definitely had the new 36 colors.
No knock against the product itself, and perhaps this is just a victim of translation - but I'm not sure they can call it a "review and test" in a video put out by the manufacturer.
I ordered a Model Air paint from Element this week and the label was in this style. I think it's no more than updating the graphic design to match the new Game/Xpress range.
twoseventwo wrote: I ordered a Model Air paint from Element this week and the label was in this style. I think it's no more than updating the graphic design to match the new Game/Xpress range.
Note that these are changes for the MODEL COLOR line, not the separate Model Air line. Some of the changes are seen on the wall on the first image. Note where it says the following:
Load your brushes, colors are more matt than ever!
Introducing the BSL Paint System and easy pick up for a base, light & shadow color
So there's at least a minor formula change if they're making the paints more matt, and a probable change in the number of paints in the line to accommodate the BSL Paint System.
This makes me nervous, the model colour line is one of my favourite, and is unique from a lot of other ranges in that it's thicker and more heavily pigmented... hopefully that hasn't changed.
Also a lot of the paints in this range were already pretty matte. Hopefully they're not getting to the point of being hazy.
FWIW, personally I think it's a mistake for all the paint companies to keep pushing their new or reformulated lines to have more and more of a matte finish.
The companies are probably listening to the pro painters and scale modelers, but there are plenty of customers who aren't painting for competition or with photography in mind. They're painting gaming miniatures and just a little bit of sheen helps those paint jobs hold up to regular handling. IMO.
gorgon wrote: FWIW, personally I think it's a mistake for all the paint companies to keep pushing their new or reformulated lines to have more and more of a matte finish.
The companies are probably listening to the pro painters and scale modelers, but there are plenty of customers who aren't painting for competition or with photography in mind. They're painting gaming miniatures and just a little bit of sheen helps those paint jobs hold up to regular handling. IMO.
Warpaints Fanatic, which are just about to release, are satin. But Model Color was always matte.
gorgon wrote: FWIW, personally I think it's a mistake for all the paint companies to keep pushing their new or reformulated lines to have more and more of a matte finish.
The companies are probably listening to the pro painters and scale modelers, but there are plenty of customers who aren't painting for competition or with photography in mind. They're painting gaming miniatures and just a little bit of sheen helps those paint jobs hold up to regular handling. IMO.
I don't know about that. If you are using the models for gaming, you are probably best off with a varnish in the end anyway... In which case the finish of the actual paint itself doesn't matter too much. And for most layering, a matt finished helps a ton with techniques like glazing too... Pretty much for anything that isn't pin washing.
stahly wrote: I guess they'll change to the Game Color formula, but I will keep you updated once I find out more.
I like the Game Color formula, and if they do change to that for the Model Color line (and along with the BSL Paint System) I'll switch back from AK Interactive for the military shades I need for my BattleMechs (as soon as they become available in the US, so sometime in the mid 2030's ).
gorgon wrote: FWIW, personally I think it's a mistake for all the paint companies to keep pushing their new or reformulated lines to have more and more of a matte finish.
The companies are probably listening to the pro painters and scale modelers, but there are plenty of customers who aren't painting for competition or with photography in mind. They're painting gaming miniatures and just a little bit of sheen helps those paint jobs hold up to regular handling. IMO.
Warpaints Fanatic, which are just about to release, are satin. But Model Color was always matte.
Oh, I know...I have plenty of VMC paint. But I'm hoping that an increased matte finish (a la Scalecolor) isn't a goal here. VGC used to be the more satin line to VMC's matte, so with VGC becoming matte, does VMC go ultra-matte?
I've found that Two Thin Coats seem to have a little more sheen and are solid replacements for certain of my old VGC paints.
Garfield666 wrote: Really like Vallejo paints, but oh boy, those new bottles are trash. If they would just switch back or at least make the new ones close tight...
Garfield666 wrote: Really like Vallejo paints, but oh boy, those new bottles are trash. If they would just switch back or at least make the new ones close tight...
What do you dislike about the new bottles?
They don't have a tight seal on the tip, so they really gunk up the screw and dry up there. It's particularly noticeable on the XPress paints, being thinner.
Not as horrible as their big bottles, but... still bad.
TBH not a fan of the new bottles, ordered one game colour to test them and the bottles are horrid.
After being sick of Gw discontinuing colours and 'improving' their washes, I am a bit disappointed to see Vallejo doing the very same. I'm not really interested in paint innovation, rather I like paint lines for their reliable availability, consistent results and its a bonus if the bottles don't leak half their contents out the dropper, or dry up the moment you look at them.
I already stocked up on colours from the old game range that I really liked, but I have no intention of dropping big money on model colour because they are doing the same to that range- though this was inevitable once they changed the game range.
RexHavoc wrote: TBH not a fan of the new bottles, ordered one game colour to test them and the bottles are horrid.
After being sick of Gw discontinuing colours and 'improving' their washes, I am a bit disappointed to see Vallejo doing the very same. I'm not really interested in paint innovation, rather I like paint lines for their reliable availability, consistent results and its a bonus if the bottles don't leak half their contents out the dropper, or dry up the moment you look at them.
I already stocked up on colours from the old game range that I really liked, but I have no intention of dropping big money on model colour because they are doing the same to that range- though this was inevitable once they changed the game range.
Well, this is how personal preferences differ. For me the new VGC dropper bottles are the best in the industry. With the clear plastic, you can see the colours perfectly, they have reinforced nozzles so they don't split easily, but what I like most is the soft plastic that is so easy to squeeze and allows a lot of control of how much paint you want to get out.
I've had a couple of the new bottles. Hadn't really noticed a difference in formulation, but they were colours I hadn't owned before so I couldn't really compare.
I know it's a petty grievance, but there's something that feels cheap about the new bottles when you handle them. Apparently they're better for the environment though, so that tracks.
Arbitrator wrote: I've had a couple of the new bottles. Hadn't really noticed a difference in formulation, but they were colours I hadn't owned before so I couldn't really compare.
I know it's a petty grievance, but there's something that feels cheap about the new bottles when you handle them. Apparently they're better for the environment though, so that tracks.
They definitely feel thinner, but unless the bottles are breaking, its efficency in manufacturing at least.
Arbitrator wrote: I've had a couple of the new bottles. Hadn't really noticed a difference in formulation, but they were colours I hadn't owned before so I couldn't really compare.
I know it's a petty grievance, but there's something that feels cheap about the new bottles when you handle them. Apparently they're better for the environment though, so that tracks.
The new fully transparent r-PET (recycled/recyclable) plastic bottle is completely transparent, improves color visualization and enhances AV’s commitment to sustainability and the environment. In addition to the new bottle, the new cap includes a security seal.
RexHavoc wrote: TBH not a fan of the new bottles, ordered one game colour to test them and the bottles are horrid.
After being sick of Gw discontinuing colours and 'improving' their washes, I am a bit disappointed to see Vallejo doing the very same. I'm not really interested in paint innovation, rather I like paint lines for their reliable availability, consistent results and its a bonus if the bottles don't leak half their contents out the dropper, or dry up the moment you look at them.
I already stocked up on colours from the old game range that I really liked, but I have no intention of dropping big money on model colour because they are doing the same to that range- though this was inevitable once they changed the game range.
Well, this is how personal preferences differ. For me the new VGC dropper bottles are the best in the industry. With the clear plastic, you can see the colours perfectly, they have reinforced nozzles so they don't split easily, but what I like most is the soft plastic that is so easy to squeeze and allows a lot of control of how much paint you want to get out.
Counterpoint: they are OK for regular paints, but for XPress they're not good. This is what happens as soon as you start using them, because they don't seal correctly on the top:
(And for XPress, you have to MOVE them, quite a lot, so... that's what you end up getting)
Plus, the soft plastic results in some of the bottles coming deformed:
No problem if you can just pick another one at the store, but if you're buying online, you get what you get.
Counterpoint: they are OK for regular paints, but for XPress they're not good. This is what happens as soon as you start using them, because they don't seal correctly on the top:
Spoiler:
I've not had this happen with any of mine. That looks like the result of not screwing the lid on tightly enough, as mine seem to seal correctly. It's possible some of the lids are just looser than others, though.
Plus, the soft plastic results in some of the bottles coming deformed:
Spoiler:
That just looks like a bit of vacuum in the bottle, as if it was squeezed a little when the lid was screwed on. Should pop out when the bottle is opened. Even if it doesn't, it won't affect the paint inside, though.
I'm not a fan of their new formula, it's the bubbliest I've ever seen an acrylic paint. If their model colors also change I guess I'll be sticking to AK for regular paints in the future.
Counterpoint: they are OK for regular paints, but for XPress they're not good. This is what happens as soon as you start using them, because they don't seal correctly on the top:
Spoiler:
I've not had this happen with any of mine. That looks like the result of not screwing the lid on tightly enough, as mine seem to seal correctly. It's possible some of the lids are just looser than others, though.
I can assure you, that's not the case. I've cleaned it twice already, left it gunk free and closed it as tightly as humanly possible.
Still the same result, so I'm guessing the second assumption is probably correct.
That just looks like a bit of vacuum in the bottle, as if it was squeezed a little when the lid was screwed on. Should pop out when the bottle is opened. Even if it doesn't, it won't affect the paint inside, though.
It doesn't affect the paint inside, but it's permanently deformed.
Well, I have the Xpress Templar White.
The colour is fantastic on white, far better than the GW version. I will gladly try more Xpress ones after this one rather than Contrast or Speed Paint.
The dropper bottle on the other hand is just as naff as the old Vallejo ones or AP ones. See picture when shaken.
The only dropper bottles I've found that aren't like this are Instar and Two Thin Coats. The TTCs are the best, as Instar is very narrow and paint dries in the top and needs a pin on hand to clean once in a while.
Introducing the new Model Color, the range that sets the standard for all figure and model kits painting enthusiasts, now improved to remain your favorite paint!
We are pleased to share with all of you the changes we have made to Model Color, our most iconic and versatile range.
Throughout this process, we have been advised by renowned painters and modelers who have helped us design the colors of the range so that you have the exact tone to paint your figures and models.
The range consists of 220 references, including 192 very opaque colors, 10 metallics, 2 transparent, and 16 auxiliary products, presented in the new 18 ml r-PET (recycled/recyclable) bottle, completely transparent and more sustainable
.
And if you’re wondering if the new Model Color it’s the same as before, the answer is NO, it’s not the same, it’s better!
I bought a box set of 4 liquid metal paints at the end of last year and one of them was in the new style bottle, so I presume the formulation on those hasn't changed.
Are these in the wild? I googled and there's no reviews or opinions that I could find.
I'm mostly worried that they've turned it into something designed for "pro painters" by taking the heavy pigment good coverage into something designed to be layered or glazed or whatever.
No, there is no news on the Metal Color line other than that they have been relabeled to match the rest of the hobby line (note that it's the alcohol based Liquid Metal paints in the Model Color chart).
AllSeeingSkink wrote: Are these in the wild? I googled and there's no reviews or opinions that I could find.
Per the Acrylicos Vallejo Facebook page the new range should be available at the end of this month. This may be impacted by how much existing stock is in the pipeline from distributors and what stock retailers have on hand of the old formulation.
AllSeeingSkink wrote: I'm mostly worried that they've turned it into something designed for "pro painters" by taking the heavy pigment good coverage into something designed to be layered or glazed or whatever.
I wouldn't be surprised if they've changed to the new Game Color formulation (that I really like). Check out Stahly's review of the Game Color paints for what the new Model Color paints might be like:
AllSeeingSkink wrote: Are these in the wild? I googled and there's no reviews or opinions that I could find.
I'm mostly worried that they've turned it into something designed for "pro painters" by taking the heavy pigment good coverage into something designed to be layered or glazed or whatever.
This is an interesting opinion, paints good enough for pros to use al also good for novices. also, heavy pigments are pretty much required for layering and glazing, so the paint doesn't break.
hotsauceman1 wrote: This is interesting, model color was such a staple for me, but I could never get a hold of most of them.
Any news on metal color?
No news on metal color is good news. Don't mess with perfection.
I still bought several bottles of the colors I use most, just in case.
Not a bad plan. I stocked up on the Citadel gloss washes back before they went OOP. I use them in a specific application.
I should *slightly* amend my previous statement. *IF* there was news of Metal Color getting additional gold hues, that would in fact be good news. But no formula changes please.
AllSeeingSkink wrote: Are these in the wild? I googled and there's no reviews or opinions that I could find.
I'm mostly worried that they've turned it into something designed for "pro painters" by taking the heavy pigment good coverage into something designed to be layered or glazed or whatever.
This is an interesting opinion, paints good enough for pros to use al also good for novices. also, heavy pigments are pretty much required for layering and glazing, so the paint doesn't break.
I wasn't really talking about "pros vs novices", so much as "people who paint for a living and need their models to look good in a 10x zoom photo versus people who paint their models for the tabletop and their own display cabinet rather than selling or for internet clout".
I guess what I mean by that is paints designed for pros tend to favour flow, ability to thin to very low opacity to blending/filtering/etc, being able to be manipulated a lot, and smooth coats that still look okay after 10 thin layers.
Vallejo Model Colour was my go-to when I didn't care about all that gak and just wanted a solid coat of paint in as few steps as possible. Like, instead of wanting a 100% smooth coat that takes me 10 minutes to lay down, I want a 90% smooth coat that takes me 1 minute to lay down.
Admittedly there was some odd inconsistencies in behaviour between one bottle and the next, but overall it was one of my favourite lines for "I just want this model on the table and don't need it to be perfect".
AllSeeingSkink wrote: Are these in the wild? I googled and there's no reviews or opinions that I could find.
I'm mostly worried that they've turned it into something designed for "pro painters" by taking the heavy pigment good coverage into something designed to be layered or glazed or whatever.
This is an interesting opinion, paints good enough for pros to use al also good for novices. also, heavy pigments are pretty much required for layering and glazing, so the paint doesn't break.
I wasn't really talking about "pros vs novices", so much as "people who paint for a living and need their models to look good in a 10x zoom photo versus people who paint their models for the tabletop and their own display cabinet rather than selling or for internet clout".
I guess what I mean by that is paints designed for pros tend to favour flow, ability to thin to very low opacity to blending/filtering/etc, being able to be manipulated a lot, and smooth coats that still look okay after 10 thin layers.
Vallejo Model Colour was my go-to when I didn't care about all that gak and just wanted a solid coat of paint in as few steps as possible. Like, instead of wanting a 100% smooth coat that takes me 10 minutes to lay down, I want a 90% smooth coat that takes me 1 minute to lay down.
Admittedly there was some odd inconsistencies in behaviour between one bottle and the next, but overall it was one of my favourite lines for "I just want this model on the table and don't need it to be perfect".
If it still does that, then cool.
From what I got from the video is exactly the opposite that you say since they fixed the inconsistent OPACITY of some bottles and made them all more opaque to cover minis smoothly in a few coats? The fact you can thin more is a user choice.
Either way I just want that they release the big deals box sets which they haven't for game colour so meh!
Vallejo is introducing the new Model Color, the range that sets the standard for all figure- and model-kits-painting enthusiasts, now improved to remain your favorite paint! They have introduced a new formulation that will surprise you with its amazing brushability, excellent opacity, and superb matt finish.
Colors dry quickly, forming a homogeneous and self-leveling film that respects the smallest detail present in your model. They recommend applying them on a previously primed surface. Vallejo has updated the range, offering you 32 new colors so that you can find the color you need for your creative projects. You will also find equivalent shades to the main colors used in military codifications during WWII and subsequent conflicts (RAL, RLM, FS…). Throughout this process, Vallejo has been advised by renowned painters and modelers who have helped them design the colors of the range so that you have the exact tone to paint your figures and models.
As for the image, you will find a new display with renewed graphics, a new label, and the new 18 ml r-PET (recycled/recyclable) bottle, completely transparent. Additionally, they have arranged the display chromatically, based on the Vallejo BSL (Base, Shade, Light) painting system, allowing you to easily locate the appropriate tones for highlighting and shading a specific base color. The majority of colors from the original range have been maintained, with the same name and reference number. Your favorite colors still exist!
And if you’re wondering if the new Model Color is the same as before, the answer is no: It’s not the same, it’s better!
AllSeeingSkink wrote: Are these in the wild? I googled and there's no reviews or opinions that I could find.
I'm mostly worried that they've turned it into something designed for "pro painters" by taking the heavy pigment good coverage into something designed to be layered or glazed or whatever.
This is an interesting opinion, paints good enough for pros to use al also good for novices. also, heavy pigments are pretty much required for layering and glazing, so the paint doesn't break.
I wasn't really talking about "pros vs novices", so much as "people who paint for a living and need their models to look good in a 10x zoom photo versus people who paint their models for the tabletop and their own display cabinet rather than selling or for internet clout".
I guess what I mean by that is paints designed for pros tend to favour flow, ability to thin to very low opacity to blending/filtering/etc, being able to be manipulated a lot, and smooth coats that still look okay after 10 thin layers.
Vallejo Model Colour was my go-to when I didn't care about all that gak and just wanted a solid coat of paint in as few steps as possible. Like, instead of wanting a 100% smooth coat that takes me 10 minutes to lay down, I want a 90% smooth coat that takes me 1 minute to lay down.
Admittedly there was some odd inconsistencies in behaviour between one bottle and the next, but overall it was one of my favourite lines for "I just want this model on the table and don't need it to be perfect".
If it still does that, then cool.
From what I got from the video is exactly the opposite that you say since they fixed the inconsistent OPACITY of some bottles and made them all more opaque to cover minis smoothly in a few coats? The fact you can thin more is a user choice.
Either way I just want that they release the big deals box sets which they haven't for game colour so meh!
Perhaps, but in general I've found paints that are designed to be thinned for fine painting tend to prioritise good flow, and perhaps counter intuitively, when trying to get good coverage the best thing is if the paint stays where it is rather than flowing nicely.
Like, the best technique I've found for simply laying down paint fast is to get something like a drybrush, apply a bit too much, then stab at the model to work the paint into the crevices and make it more uniform. That kind of doesn't work with paints that flow really nicely.
But we'll see, this is a new paint so maybe it doesn't behave like other paints I'm thinking of.
I haven't really tried any of the new Vallejo Game Colour range, I did read some reviews that when people work it a lot (like I mention above) it tends to create bubbles, I'd guess that's likely because they went heavy on the surfactants to make it flow well. So hopefully the new VMC doesn't do that.
Angel mentions that you should always start with the base color, as the lighter colors have a lower coverage and will require more coats. Stahly mentions this in his review of the Game Color line when he covered the new metallics.
The change over has begun. Vallejo is releasing a 2nd generation Model Color which is due in June. This new generation will contain 32 new colors and will be deleting 28 colors from the original range. It will be packaged in the new 18ml. clear bottles Vallejo started using with the Game Color 2nd Generation paints released last year. bottles. We are hard at work creating the listings for these now.
Best of all...there will be no price increase. This makes Model Color still the best value on the market. Model Color is still overall the best selling range of acrylic paints and the one that started the hobby paint craze some 20 years ago or so.
We cannot reorder the original Model Colors so we will be deleting the original colors as they sell out . This is the last chance to grab the originals before they sell out.
Hopefully a few more sets (one for the express paints) start making their way into the world. Though admittedly its too little to late for me as I already have two racks of various bottles now myself.
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