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So, I am now embarking on my journey to finally betray the all-powerful, benevolent entity that is Games Workshop by switching from Citadel to Vajello Paints. Heresy! Yes, I know.
The one question I would ask is whether there is any difference between the 'Vajello Game Colours' and the 'Vajello Model Colours' and if so, what are they?

EDIT: Oh, and obviously, which range is best suited for miniatures?

Vallejo Game Color has finer pigment than Vallejo Model Color, and a lower viscosity. This means Game Color is better for airbrushing and requires less thinning.

I prefer Vallejo Model Air to both, as it doesn't require thinning, but to each their own.

The main difference is the colour range. Obviously for miniatures the game colour range is the easier choice for matching to gw colours .

Vallejo paint is no better than citadel overall either, the only reason to switch completely would be if you wanted the dropper bottles rather than gw pots.

Color range as stated before is the biggest factor.

Vallejo Air is the best of all.

Price as well. Citadel: $3.70 for 12ml. Vallejo: $2.96 for 17ml.

Aye, it's mostly the squeezy-bottle and the price that's driving me this way.

Also, Vallejo makes thinners / mediums, while GW doesn't.

Thinning Vallejo paints is easier because of this.

Do you guys buy them online? I am looking for someone that retails them in CA but haven't found anyone.

The game range is supposed to closely match the GW paints line: lots of bright colors).

The model range is more appropriate for more realistic models. Much more muted tones, and a greater range.

The air range is super thin, and acts a little odd compared to standard paints due to this. For example, it REALLY seems to stick to the brush when you are attempting to drybrush, and seems to be very easy to push around. A little odd, but great for airbrushing.

No their paints aren't of higher quality, but yeah, their bottle rocks, and you get more bang for your buck.

Dropper bottles FTW.
Lower price FTW.
Colour Comparison Chart FTW.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/Paint_Range_Compatibility_Chart

I use the Vajello Paints with the Grey tops. I think they are the model colour range but im not sure. Be cautious though, I brought the black paint with the White lid and it turned out to be glossy black insted of matte. Even though the dude behind the jump assured me it was matte black.

Grey top Vallejo bottles are Game Color...or at least all of mine are.

I use both GW and Vallejo and like them both. The Vallejos are a better value and stay a little thinner which makes for smoother coats. A wet palette can fix that though for the GW paints.

There are some colors though that just look better with GW paint and I like GW's Foundation range, metallics, and washes.

Skippy wrote:The main difference is the colour range. Obviously for miniatures the game colour range is the easier choice for matching to gw colours .

Vallejo paint is no better than citadel overall either, the only reason to switch completely would be if you wanted the dropper bottles rather than gw pots.

Their yellows are superior. I find their overall coverage is much better, though I still use gw dark angel green and black.

Orinoco wrote:

Skippy wrote:The main difference is the colour range. Obviously for miniatures the game colour range is the easier choice for matching to gw colours .

Vallejo paint is no better than citadel overall either, the only reason to switch completely would be if you wanted the dropper bottles rather than gw pots.

Their yellows are superior. I find their overall coverage is much better, though I still use gw dark angel green and black.

Some vallejos are better and some citadels are better, but theres no overall better brand was all i meant. I personally never noticed any difference with coverage, but of course its different for everyone and everyone paints in a different way.

The dropper bottles are very cool, the thing that puts me off most vallejos is the fact they seem to separate out really badly if you dont use them for a few days and then you have to spend ages shaking them.

I do think the GW washes are rather fantastic, but if you leave them alone/don't use them for a while, it sediments to the bottom, and believe me, shaking won't fix it. You have to dig down and haul it out.
I'm currently looking for a good UK-friendly store to get it from, DarkSphere is usually good, but their postage is often quite dear.

Grots R OP wrote:Do you guys buy them online? I am looking for someone that retails them in CA but haven't found anyone.

You dont have to order much for maelstrom to ship them free

The metallics are really fantastic ...I did a huge experiment with different paint brand golds in my blog: http://atticwars40k.blogspot.com/2011/10/great-gold-rush-quest-for-best-gold.html

Knightware in Los Angeles carries them and Game Empire in Pasadena has them as well.

Failing that, the Warstore has the entire range.

Gunzhard wrote:The metallics are really fantastic ...I did a huge experiment with different paint brand golds in my blog: http://atticwars40k.blogspot.com/2011/10/great-gold-rush-quest-for-best-gold.html

Don't forget Vallejos Liquid Gold range - alcohol based metallics, which give the best finish I've ever seen. A bit complicated to work with, as you can't thin them with water, but well worth the extra effort. For a short overview, check out the article on my blog:

http://ik-painter.blogspot.com/2011/09/tools-of-trade-v-vallejos-liquid-gold.html

Cheers,


IK-Painter

GoldenKaos wrote:I do think the GW washes are rather fantastic, but if you leave them alone/don't use them for a while, it sediments to the bottom, and believe me, shaking won't fix it. You have to dig down and haul it out.
I'm currently looking for a good UK-friendly store to get it from, DarkSphere is usually goodi, but their postage is often quite dear.

Must just be the newer washes as all my old 1990's pots are fine even after a 9 year break.