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After asking several questions to some skilled painters, I have finally decieded to take my painting to the next level. I have been practicing wet blending on 2 metal models so that they can be stripped easily for even more practice. I am currently using GW paints with some success, but I am finding that, even through slow transition, the paints (specifaclly red), are not as vibrant as they should be.

I've considered switching some paints to the Vallejo range after some research and finding them at a local hobby store. I want to know if anyone else has had this problem with GW paints and how it was fixed. Thanks guys.

Red (and yellow) are awkward colours for purely chemical reasons - the pigments just aren't as opaque as other colours, which is particularly apparent with the ultra-thin coats we modellers use.

Nevertheless, different manufacturers have different secret formulas (even GW's own Foundation colours have a different composition) - you may find some other manufacturer makes some individual colours that you prefer.

Are you using a retardant? GW´s acrylic paints gets a bit grainy when wet blending without a retardant. A retardant lets you blend for a longer period of time to get a perfect transition between the shades you are mixing. A wet palette is also god if you are mixing your shades. I think Valejos acrylics is a bit better, but I have tried a few of valejos paints for wet blending.

Watch this tutorial, they show both acrylics and oil paint examples.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__U0wNcEwHU&feature=player_embedded

Edit: Sorry wrong link.

I am not using a retardent as of now, but I have constructed a wet pallete which seems to have given me better sucess, I believe adding another layer of paper towl or wax paper should proove to be more effective.

I am also using the Foundations Red as a part of this transition, but have no complaints with it as it wokrs for darker shading. The problem seems to lie within going to lighter shades with reds and yellows.

I've watched that video several times and it has helped me alot. I've considered investing in a few oil colors for power weapons after seeing that.