Acrylic vs Enamel Paints: Which Is Best for Your Models?

If you're new to model painting, one of the first questions you'll come across is whether to use acrylic paints or enamel paints. Both have been used by modellers for decades and both can produce excellent results, but they behave very differently.

Choosing the right paint can make your projects easier, more enjoyable and ultimately produce better results. In this guide, we'll look at the strengths and weaknesses of each paint type and help you decide which is best for your modelling needs.

What Are Acrylic Paints?

Acrylic paints are water-based paints that have become the most popular choice for modern model painting. They are available in a huge range of colours and can be applied with a brush or airbrush.

Most miniature painters, wargamers, scale modellers and railway modellers now use acrylic paints as their primary paint system.

Advantages of Acrylic Paints

• Fast drying times
• Low odour compared to enamel paints
• Easy clean-up using water or acrylic cleaners
• Suitable for both brush painting and airbrushing
• Widely available in specialist modelling colours
• Ideal for indoor use

Disadvantages of Acrylic Paints

• Can dry on the brush or airbrush tip if not managed correctly
• Often require multiple thin coats for best coverage
• Shorter working time when blending colours

What Are Enamel Paints?

Enamel paints are solvent-based paints that were once the standard choice for many scale modellers. They dry more slowly than acrylics and are known for their smooth finish and durability.

Although less common than they once were, many experienced aircraft and military modellers still use enamels for specific applications.

Advantages of Enamel Paints

• Excellent self-levelling properties
• Durable finish
• Longer working time for blending
• Often provide strong coverage with fewer coats

Disadvantages of Enamel Paints

• Strong odour during use
• Require solvent-based thinners and cleaners
• Longer drying times
• More demanding clean-up process
• Less convenient for many hobby workspaces

Which Paint Is Better for Beginners?

For most beginners, acrylic paints are the easiest and most practical choice.

They are simple to use, easy to clean up and readily available in colours designed specifically for miniatures, military models, aircraft, railway models and fantasy figures. Modern acrylic paint ranges also offer excellent pigmentation and durability when used over a suitable primer.

If you are just starting your modelling journey, acrylics will usually provide a smoother learning experience with fewer complications.

What About Airbrushing?

Acrylic paints are now the most common choice for airbrushing. Many manufacturers produce dedicated airbrush-ready paints, and standard acrylics can often be thinned for spraying.

Proper thinning and cleaning are important for achieving the best results, but acrylic airbrushing is generally cleaner and more convenient than working with solvent-based enamels.

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely.

Many experienced modellers use acrylic paints for their main colour coats and then incorporate enamel-based weathering products, washes or effects later in the finishing process.

This approach combines the convenience of acrylic painting with some of the unique weathering properties that enamel products can offer.

Our Recommendation

If you're wondering which paint system to start with, acrylic paints are the clear choice for most hobbyists.

They are versatile, beginner-friendly, easy to clean and suitable for almost every type of modelling project, from Warhammer miniatures and military vehicles to aircraft, railway models and display pieces.

Enamel paints still have their place and remain popular with some experienced modellers, but for the majority of hobbyists, acrylics offer the best balance of convenience, performance and results.

Final Thoughts

Both acrylic and enamel paints are capable of producing fantastic finishes when used correctly. The best choice depends on your experience level, workspace and preferred techniques.

For most modern modellers, acrylic paints provide the easiest route to consistent, high-quality results while offering access to a huge range of colours, effects and specialist products.

Whichever route you choose, taking the time to learn proper preparation, priming and painting techniques will have a far greater impact on your finished models than the type of paint alone.