Best Airbrush Paint of 2026: Vallejo, Createx, Golden and More Compared

Vallejo launched Model Air in 1986 as, in its words, the first range of acrylic colors specially designed and formulated for airbrush use. Its 2026 chart describes water-based, matt acrylics with high-quality resins for adhesion and durability, quick drying for layering and camouflage, and 235 colors plus 12 metallics that are ready for direct airbrush application. The dropper bottle (18 ml) lets you put a few drops straight into the cup.

It sprays from the bottle. Vallejo notes that some modelers prefer to thin it and build several layers; then it recommends its Airbrush Thinner at 3 parts paint to 1 part thinner, or Flow Improver to slow drying, with the compressor at 1 to 1.5 kg (about 15 psi). That low pressure suits small compressors and fine detail. Vallejo says it adheres best on properly primed surfaces, so put its Surface Primer down first.

The 16-color Basic set is a sensible start; Vallejo also sells historical sets by army and air force.

Createx's textile guide recommends either Createx Airbrush Colors or Wicked Colors for t-shirts and fabric and says Airbrush Colors use a softer resin, which gives a soft hand on fabric. Both give washfast colors once heat-set: Createx gives a heat gun at no more than 300°F, a shirt press at 325°F for 20 to 25 seconds, or an iron on the cotton setting for 60 to 90 seconds through a protective cloth.

For shirts Createx sprays them straight from the bottle through a large-volume 0.5 mm airbrush at 60 psi and up. For finer work, thin with 4011 Reducer: the data sheet says 5 to 10% generally, added 5% at a time, and up to 20% for low pressure and small tips. On leather, mix in 10% of 4030 Balancing Clear first. See airbrushes for t-shirts for the airbrush side.

Golden's High Flow Acrylics are artist acrylics at the consistency of ink, and Golden's resource page says they need no medium to airbrush: spray them from the container. For small adjustments add a little water, but Golden says over 20% water begins to change other properties; to make colors more transparent use Airbrush Transparent Extender, which extends without thinning.

Golden gives smaller airbrushes 25 to 50 psi for High Flow, as low as 10 psi for a stipple and up to 60 psi for fine atomization. Its airbrush tips page adds 20 to 40 psi for illustration on hot-press board. For the finest tips (0.15 to 0.2 mm), Golden's chart lists only some colors as suitable, so check before buying a set for detail work.

Createx's hard-surface guide says all its paints spray through a 0.5 mm airbrush, and for smaller tips it recommends transparent colors such as Wicked Colors, Illustration Colors and Createx Transparent Airbrush Colors; Wicked Opaques also work well with small tips. Thin with 4011 Reducer in small increments until it atomizes finely.

For helmets, tanks and panels the guide lays out a full process: a primer, Createx's AutoBorne Sealer, paint mixed with 4050 UVLS Gloss Clear (about 10%) and thinned with about 30% 4011 for airbrushing, then a clear coat. That is more involved than hobby painting; follow the guide and the data sheets.

Vallejo's Surface Primer is made for models and miniatures: Vallejo says it works on resin, PVC, brass, white metal and wood, keeps fine detail and improves adhesion of the colors on top. Apply it in several layers; it forms a strong film within a few hours. Use it directly or diluted with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner or Flow Improver at around 15 to 20 psi. It is not flammable and contains no solvents. Our airbrush primer guide compares it with Badger's Stynylrez.