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Hey guys. I've got another question. I just put down my order for some bitz and a couple of boxes of High Elves. Now I'm looking at paint. On some other forums, people are saying that Vallejo and Reaper paints are both plausible alternatives over Games Workshop.

Anyways, from past experiences, what are they like? I'm not an artist or anything, but I would prefer my models to look "clean" rather than the glunky chunky stuff we see on a lot of "Masterclass" eBay auctions. Any advice would be highly appreciated. Thanks.

EDIT: Yeah. Aron's a cheapskate. But I don't see why I should get paints for 4$ when I can get them for 2$ if they're of similar quality.

Vallejo paints are as good if not better than the GW stuff. They really shine if you are planning a neutral colors scheme, how ever I find GWs to have a better range of bright colors. I personaly use a mix of both.

I''ve used both Vallejo and Citadel and have been happy with both. I have not use Reaper so no comment. P3 is also a decent paint line

Use what works.

Seriously.


Every paint line has it's pros and cons and it's a matter of using what you like. I've found GW's metallics to be lacking dimension and variety, but the Reaper Master Series to have wonderful metallic shades. I love the GW Foundations and Washes, but some of the base colors lack a bit of oomph.

The mixing necessary to achieve a full tonal pallette in Citadel color is a pain too, another reason to pick up colors from other lines. Skull White's translucency drives some painters batty - try the P3 version of the same (Menoth White?).

I've heard nothing but good things about Vallejo Game color, but haven't had the opportunity to try it yet. I had a wonderful experience with Reaper's new line of Pro Paint (not the Master Series, also very nice) before it was released, which is a formula born to compete with the GW/Citadel line. Has excellent flow properties and mixes very nicely with water alone or a bit of Modge Podge for a glaze effect. Beautiful palette of colors, unique colored metallics (nice alternative to the "boltgun-chainmail-ink/wash to tint" effect), and priced to compete with GW.

If your FLGS is amenable to making small orders (assuming they don't carry these products on a regular basis), I'd get a few shades that you don't have in Citadel color from various manufacturers to fill gaps.

EDIT: If you like that smooth, crisp effect make sure that you're diluting your paint with water or gunk/magic sauce/flow improver or a combination of the two. Also, you generally get what you pay for when it comes to paint with GW being the exception - always pricey there.