Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hello Everyone,

New guy here. I am a firm believer in " you get what you pay for;" however, I was wondering if anyone knows alternatives to GW products that are not as expensive, but still good?

I am specifically thinking about a set of brushes, glues (plastic, metal, and terrain), and a black primer spray. I am assuming it is still better to buy the paint from GW? Thanks for any advice you got!

What I personally have used:

Brushes - Rosemary and Co, Winsor and newton, I've used cheap synthetics I bought from Amazon that worked fine as well

Glues - gorilla glue superglue has worked for me for metals, Army painter plastic glue.

Primer - I was using store brand rustoleum and it worked fine. I've used the Army painter brand primer spray without issue in the past. I've been using grey seer and wraith bone and they are worth the cost in my book.

For the paint I've enjoyed using Vallejo and army painter. I use GW paints as well. I get a project in my mind on what I want to do and I find the paint for the project - doesn't matter the brand to me.

For brushes I'd recommend Artis Opus, but I'm not sure what their US distribution is like.

The best plastic glue I've found is Revell Contacta Professional, it's really great stuff.

For paint I tend to use Vallejo, and GW (particulaly for Contrast and washes).

Although they aren't cheap, I am a big fan of the GW file set.

Welcome to Dakka.

I think the general consensus is that GW’s tools are not bad, but have their price significantly jacked up over what you can get elsewhere, for no boost in quality. Except their glue, which I don’t think I’ve ever heard a good thing about.

With brushes, there is a lively debate about what is worth using. Some people just churn through cheep synthetics, others swear by W&N S7’s, top of the line natural hair. I like the natural hair brushes, but use a mid brand. Still kolinsky sable, but not the big names. But the local art shop always seems to have them on sale, and they work. You probably want to invest in a puck of Masters brush cleaner, or equivalent to half take care of them. Makes a difference in their longevity.

For glue I use Krazy Glue with a brush applicator for my superglue needs. Testors liquid cement for plastic. Model Masters line, 1oz with the needle like applicator, not the old tubes with the wide nozzle. Basic PVA Elmer’s glue for base work.

I spray prime everything white with Rustoleum.

I use GW paints. They might be a little pricy for what they are, but I like the range. Might just be the sunk cost fallacy speaking. It’s what I’m used to, and what my army is painted with. Although with the changes over the years, one could argue that much of my collection is painted in assorted other paint ranges.

I use Windsor and newton cotmans, or whatever I can get from them really. Lately, I've been using some artis opus brushes that I won at Ironskull in Feb. They're pretty good too.

Rosemary and Co. - a perfect line between too-expensive and too-cheap, quality sable. (though they sell synthetics also).

A post regarding GW materials:
http://myminiaturemischief.blogspot.com/2017/07/hobby-tips-hobby-tools.html

I love the red grass gaming brushes, only the 2 of them but they are bloody good brushes. Thier wet pallete is also outstanding.

I also have some Raphael's which I am not all that impressed with if I am honest. Windsor & Newton Series 7 are also awesome brushes.

GW do some great stuff though, I love thier drybushes and the tools to manipulate the textured base paint. Its just pricey in comparison to a lot of the other stuff out there.

Most professionals use cheap synthetic brushes alongside more expensive real hair ones, windsor and newton 7 series is used a lot but but I hear they're more expensive in america compared to UK and aren't worth the price. I like using size 0, 00 and 000 brushes from pretty much any company.