One of the first questions every modeller asks is, "Which paint should I use?" With acrylics, enamels, lacquers, spray paints and specialised RC body paints all available, choosing the right one can seem overwhelming.

The good news is that each type of hobby paint has been designed for a specific purpose. Understanding the differences will help you achieve better results, whether you're building a plastic model aircraft, a military tank, a classic car, a ship or a Tamiya RC vehicle.

In this guide, we'll explain the most common hobby paints, what they're used for, and when you should choose one over another.

Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are among the most popular hobby paints thanks to their ease of use, quick drying time and excellent colour range.

They're suitable for:

• Plastic model kits
• Figures and miniatures
• Model railways
• Dioramas
• Scale vehicles
• Interior detailing
• Brush and airbrush painting (when thinned correctly)

Acrylic paints generally produce very little odour compared to other paint types and clean up easily with the appropriate thinner or cleaner.

Enamel Paints

Enamel paints have been a favourite among hobbyists for decades.

Unlike acrylics, enamels dry more slowly, allowing the paint to self-level into an exceptionally smooth finish.

Enamel paints are excellent for:

• Automotive models
• Brush painting fine details
• Metallic finishes
• Weathering
• Panel line washes
• Small accessories

Because they cure to a hard finish, enamel paints are also very durable.

Lacquer Paints

Lacquer paints are often considered the premium option for experienced modellers seeking the highest-quality finish.

Benefits include:

• Extremely smooth finish
• Fast drying
• Excellent durability
• Outstanding colour depth
• Professional-quality results

Lacquers are commonly used on:

• Competition models
• Display-quality cars
• Aircraft
• Large scale projects

They should always be used with adequate ventilation and the appropriate protective equipment.

Spray Paints

Spray cans provide excellent coverage over larger surfaces and produce a consistent finish with minimal effort.

They're commonly used for:

• Vehicle bodies
• Aircraft fuselages
• Ship hulls
• Large armour models
• Base coats
• Priming

Several light coats always produce better results than one heavy application.

Primers

Primer isn't simply another coat of paint. It's the foundation of every quality finish.

Primer helps:

• Paint adhere to plastic
• Reveal sanding marks and mould lines
• Improve colour consistency
• Reduce paint chipping
• Minimise the number of colour coats required

Grey Primer

An excellent all-round primer suitable for most projects.

White Primer

Ideal beneath:

• Bright reds
• Yellow
• Orange
• Light blues
• White finishes

Black Primer

Perfect for:

• Some Candy Clear Styles
• Dark vehicles
• Aircraft
• Weathered finishes

Clear Coats

Clear finishes protect your completed model while changing its appearance.

Gloss Clear

Used for:

• Protecting paint
• Preparing surfaces for decals
• Automotive finishes
• Racing vehicles

Semi-Gloss (Satin)

Creates a subtle sheen often seen on:

• Modern military equipment
• Machinery
• Interior components

Flat (Matt)

Produces a realistic, non-reflective finish.

Ideal for:

• Tanks
• Military aircraft
• Figures
• Historic vehicles
• Dioramas

Many modellers apply a gloss clear before decals, then finish with a matt clear coat.

Metallic Paints

Metallic paints recreate aluminium, steel, iron, chrome, copper and gold finishes.

They're commonly used for:

• Aircraft panels
• Engine components
• Exhaust systems
• Wheels
• Machinery
• Science fiction models

Applying metallic paints over a smooth primer produces the best results.

Clear Colours

Transparent paints allow underlying metallic finishes or details to remain visible.

They're often used for:

• Tail lights
• Indicator lenses
• Police lights
• Aircraft navigation lights
• Candy paint effects
• Tinted windows

Weathering Paints

Weathering products help transform a freshly painted model into one that looks like it's seen years of real-world use.

Common weathering products include:

• Panel line washes
• Rust effects
• Mud effects
• Dust effects
• Oil stains
• Soot
• Rain streaking
• Fuel stains

These products add depth, realism and character to every build.

Tamiya TS Spray Paints for Plastic Models

Tamiya TS Spray Paints are specially formulated for painting plastic model kits and other hard plastic surfaces. They provide smooth, even coverage and are particularly useful when you want to achieve a professional-looking finish across larger areas.

The paint is a synthetic lacquer that cures in a short period of time and are ideal for:

• Plastic car and motorcycle bodies
• Aircraft fuselages and wings
• Military vehicles
• Ships
• Large plastic components
• Base coats and larger surface areas

Because TS paints are available in a wide range of colours, they're particularly popular for automotive and aircraft modelling where a smooth, consistent finish is important.

💡 Hobby Tip: TS Spray Paints are designed for hard plastic surfaces, while Tamiya PS paints are formulated specifically for flexible polycarbonate RC bodies. Choosing the correct paint for the material you're working with is essential for achieving a durable finish.

Polycarbonate (PS) Paints for RC Cars

Many Tamiya RC kits include clear polycarbonate (Lexan) bodies.

These bodies require polycarbonate-specific paints, often labelled with the PS series.

Unlike standard hobby paints, PS paints are specially formulated to:

• Flex with the body shell
• Resist cracking
• Withstand impacts
• Bond securely to polycarbonate

These paints are sprayed on the inside of the body shell, allowing the clear plastic to protect the paint during use.

Important: Standard acrylic or enamel paints should never be used on polycarbonate RC bodies.

Brush Painting vs Airbrushing

Most hobby paints can be applied with either a brush or an airbrush.

Brush painting is ideal for:

• Small details
• Figures
• Cockpits
• Interiors
• Touch-ups

Airbrushing is best suited for:

• Large body panels
• Camouflage
• Smooth gradients
• Fine weathering
• Professional-quality finishes

Always use the correct thinner recommended for your chosen paint.

Which Paint Should You Choose?

If you're just starting out, acrylic paints are an excellent choice thanks to their ease of use and fast drying times.

If you're looking for ultra-smooth automotive finishes or detailed weathering, enamel paints remain a favourite among experienced modellers.

For the highest-quality display models, lacquer paints provide exceptional results, while Tamiya PS paints are the only suitable option for clear polycarbonate RC bodies.

No matter what you're building, understanding each paint type will help you choose the right product, achieve a better finish and make your hobby experience even more enjoyable.

At Hobby Vault, we stock a wide range of hobby paints, primers, clear coats, weathering products and painting accessories from leading hobby brands, giving you everything you need to bring your next project to life.