The Army Painter is one of the world's most well-known brands for paints and accessories for painting miniatures, wargames, and models. The company offers a wide range of products suitable for both beginners and advanced hobbyists.
From paint sets and primers to brushes and basing materials, The Army Painter has become a first choice for those looking to achieve quick and impressive results.
Founded by two passionate Danish wargamers, Bo Penstoft and Jonas Færing, The Army Painter was born from the idea that there had to be an easier and faster way to paint large armies without compromising on quality.
Since its inception, the brand has grown globally and is now a staple in painting collections worldwide.
Here's why so many love The Army Painter:
Time-saving techniques like Quickshade.
Wide range suitable for all skill levels.
Affordable sets that offer great value for money.
High quality of paint and materials.
Compatible with popular wargames like Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, and Bolt Action.
The Army Painter offers hundreds of colors – from matte basecoats to metallic tones and fluorescent effects.
Their brushes are designed for precision and durability. Everything from standard brushes to detail brushes and drybrushes.
Fast-drying spray primers are available in many colors and create a perfect base for further painting.
Quickshade dramatically simplifies shading – you get great effects with minimal effort. Washes help create depth and realism.
The Army Painter also offers grass, rocks, snow effects, and other materials to build realistic bases for your models.
Mastering The Army Painter products requires certain techniques and preparation. First, it is important to clean your models of dust and any manufacturing residue. Use a soft brush or compressed air to ensure a clean surface.
Step-by-step guide for optimal use:
Preparation: Apply a primer that creates an even base for the paint. This step ensures that the paint adheres properly and becomes smoother over time.
Basecoating: Use base colors from The Army Painter to cover larger areas. These paints are fast-drying and provide a perfect starting point for further details.
Shading and highlighting: With Quickshade and washes, you add shadows and depth. Quickshade, which quickly creates natural shadows, reduces the need for time-consuming layer-by-layer techniques.
Detailing: Finish with details that mark contours and surface details with thin brush strokes. Be careful to use the correct brush size for specific sections.
The technique involves building up layers of paint gradually – it's better to work in thin, transparent layers than to try to get perfect coverage all at once.
For beginners, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right products and techniques, but The Army Painter has designed their sets to be user-friendly. Many products come packaged with clear instructions and demonstration videos, allowing even those who have never painted before to get started quickly.
Tips for beginners:
Start with a complete set: Many sets contain everything you need to paint an army or model, including primer, basecoats, and Quickshade.
Practice on simple models: Use cheap or old models to practice techniques before tackling your favorite models.
Watch tutorials: There are countless videos and blogs where experienced painters demonstrate their techniques using The Army Painter products.
By following these tips, even beginners can achieve impressive results and grow their skills over time.
When comparing The Army Painter with other brands on the market, certain unique characteristics stand out:
Time-saving techniques: The Quickshade product enables quick shading effects without traditional, more time-consuming layering.
Price/performance: The Army Painter offers affordable solutions that do not compromise on quality, making them popular among both beginners and professionals.
User-friendliness: Many of their products are easy to use and come with educational tips and tutorials.
While some brands may have a broader color palette or more specialized products, it is The Army Painter's balance of quality, simplicity, and cost that makes them so attractive in the market.
In 2025, there are several popular sets and products to choose from:
The Army Painter Complete Starter Set: Perfect for beginners, this set contains everything from primer to Quickshade, providing a complete solution to get started.
The Army Painter Core Set: Aimed at more experienced painters with high-quality paints and brushes that offer both precision and durability.
Special Effect Sets: For those who want unique effects, such as metallic or fluorescent colors, these sets add an extra dimension to your models.
These sets are designed to suit different needs and budgets, making it easier to find the right products for your specific model and miniature painting style.
There are several reliable retailers to turn to:
Gamedungeon.se: Offers a wide range of products for model painting, including The Army Painter.
Robotto.se: Has a large selection of hobby items, where you often find special offers on painting accessories.
Runns: Another option with competitive prices and fast deliveries.
Robotto.se: Here you often find a wide range and the opportunity to read customer reviews to find the best products.
The Army Painter Official Store: Direct purchases from the official store can ensure you get genuine products with full warranty.
By comparing prices and reading reviews, you can ensure you get the right products at the best possible price.
To get the most out of The Army Painter products, we recommend the following tips:
Test on dummy models: Before you start painting your favorite models, practice on cheaper alternatives.
Mix colors strategically: Don't be afraid to experiment with color mixes to create unique shades.
Use the right tools: Invest in high-quality brushes that provide an even and precise application result.
Keep tools clean: Clean brushes thoroughly after each use to prevent paint from drying and impairing future results.
These small details can make a big difference in the final paint job and ensure a more professional finish.
Despite their user-friendliness, certain common mistakes can be avoided by being aware of the following:
Over-application of paint: Using too much paint at once can lead to uneven surfaces and longer drying times.
Too quick drying: In a hurry, you risk not blending the colors evenly, which can lead to sharp transitions between colors.
Ignoring drying times: Applying the next layer before the previous one is completely dry can lead to unwanted mixing and smudging.
By planning your work and taking your time for each step, you can avoid these pitfalls and enjoy a final result that truly impresses.
The development in hobby painting is moving fast, and in 2025, we see several exciting trends:
Digital integration: Painting tips and techniques are becoming increasingly digitized with online courses and virtual reality tutorials.
Environmentally friendly materials: Sustainability is a growing trend where paints and solutions are developed with eco-friendly formulations.
More advanced effects: The development of products that offer realistic light and shadow effects directly from the bottle continues to surprise.
Personalized customizations: Custom sets and personalized tools are becoming increasingly popular among serious collectors and enthusiasts.
These new trends point to a future where creativity and technology combine to provide even more impressive and sustainable results in model painting.
Absolutely!
The Army Painter offers an unbeatable combination of quality, user-friendliness, and affordability. Whether you are a beginner looking to get started or an experienced model painter seeking quick and professional results, The Army Painter has a range of products that can take your work to the next level. Investing in these products is not just a purchase – it's an investment in your creative future and a guaranteed path to creating fantastic models and figures.
Yes, many users enjoy mixing The Army Painter paints with other brands, although it is always recommended to test on a small area first to ensure compatibility.
With proper application and storage, The Army Painter paints can last for several years without losing their intensity, but it's always good to check the manufacturer's recommendations.
Many suggest using one of The Army Painter primers as they are specially developed to increase paint adhesion on models.
No, Quickshade is designed with safety in mind and is non-toxic, but it is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area.
The Army Painter offers a wide range of brushes suitable for various techniques, but it's always good to have both wider and thinner brushes for different levels of detail.
Yes, several sets are specifically designed to match models from games like Warhammer, making it easier to achieve the right tones and effects on your figures.
