Best Model Building Paints for Wood of 2025

Edward West Avatar
Edward West
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2025

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For those who enjoy building models, finding the right paint can make all the difference. Model building paints for wood provide a high-quality finish that is both durable and long-lasting. These paints come in a wide range of colours and finishes, allowing builders to create a custom look for their models. Whether you are looking to paint a wooden ship or a miniature house, model building paints for wood can help you achieve a professional look. With a variety of brands and types available, it is important to do your research and choose the right paint for your project.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Acrylicos Vallejo Old & New Wood Effects Set Cover #TOP 1
Acrylicos Vallejo Old & New Wood Effects Set
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Humbrol No 33 Black Matt Enamel Paint Cover #TOP 2
Humbrol No 33 Black Matt Enamel Paint
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Acrylicos Vallejo Wood and Leather Paint Set Cover #TOP 3
Acrylicos Vallejo Wood and Leather Paint Set
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Model Building Paints for Wood

Acrylicos Vallejo Old & New Wood Effects Set

VJ71187
Multicolor
136 ml (Pack of 1)
Acrylicos Vallejo Old & New Wood Effects Set Cover
Acrylicos Vallejo"Old & New Wood Effects" Model Air Set, 17 ml (Pack of 8)

The Vallejo Wood Effects Set features a collection of eight colours specifically designed to replicate both old and new wood effects. This diverse palette allows you to enhance your model building projects with realistic textures and shades. Additionally, the set includes step-by-step instructions, making it easy for you to achieve professional-looking results. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced modeller, this set provides you with the tools you need to elevate your creations.

What We Like
Includes 8 realistic colours
Step-by-step instructions provided
Perfect for model building
Replicates old and new wood

Humbrol No 33 Black Matt Enamel Paint

AA0360
No 33 Black - Matt
14 ml (Pack of 1)
Humbrol No 33 Black Matt Enamel Paint Cover
Humbrol Model Paint - AA0360 No 33 Black - Matt - Tinlet No 1 (14ml), Enamel Paints for Models, Plastic, Metal, Wood, Glass, Ceramics and More, Enamel Touch Up Paint - Hobby Paint Tin for Craft Kits

The Humbrol Black Matt Paint is a versatile, solvent-based enamel ideal for model enthusiasts like you. It provides a durable finish that enhances the details of your Airfix models, whether you're crafting aircraft, ships, or vehicles. This trusted brand offers excellent coverage and is easy to use, ensuring your models look pristine. Additionally, the paint is suitable for various materials, including plastic, metal, wood, glass, and ceramics, giving you the flexibility to tackle any hobby project.

What We Like
Durable, high-quality finish
Easy to use
Excellent coverage
Versatile for multiple surfaces
#TOP 3

Acrylicos Vallejo Wood and Leather Paint Set

VJ70182
136 ml (Pack of 1)
Acrylicos Vallejo Wood and Leather Paint Set Cover
Acrylicos Vallejo VJ70182 "Wood and Leather" Model Color Set, red, 17 ml (Pack of 8)

The Vallejo Wood and Leather Set includes a selection of eight colours designed specifically for model building. This set features shades for wood, dark leather, light leather, and red leather, allowing you to achieve realistic finishes in your projects. Each 17 ml bottle provides ample paint for detailed application, making it easy for you to enhance your models. The versatility of these colours is perfect for various crafting needs, ensuring your creations look authentic and well-finished.

What We Like
Includes 8 different colours
Perfect for model building
Realistic wood and leather finishes
Convenient 17 ml bottles
#TOP 4

Vallejo Model Air Acrylic Paint - Wood

VJ71077
Wood
17 ml (Pack of 1)
Vallejo Model Air Acrylic Paint - Wood Cover
Vallejo Model Air 17 ml Acrylic Paint - Wood

Vallejo Model Air Paint is a versatile choice for model builders. Its water-based formula makes it easy to clean and safe to use, as it is non-toxic and non-flammable. The 17 ml eyedropper bottle allows for precise dispensing, giving you control over the amount of paint you use. Additionally, the paint comes pre-thinned, meaning you can airbrush straight from the bottle without any preparation. This convenience helps you achieve a smooth finish with minimal effort.

What We Like
Water-based for easy cleaning
Non-toxic and safe to use
Precise dispensing with eyedropper
Pre-thinned for airbrushing
#TOP 5

Humbrol No 10 Service Brown Enamel Paint

AA0117
14 ml (Pack of 1)
Humbrol No 10 Service Brown Enamel Paint Cover
Humbrol Model Paint - AA0117 No 10 Service Brown - Gloss - Tinlet No 1 (14ml), Enamel Paints for Models, Plastic, Metal, Wood, Glass, Ceramics and More, Enamel Touch Up Paint - Paint Tin for Craft

The Humbrol Service Brown Paint is an excellent choice for model enthusiasts seeking a high-quality finish. This versatile enamel paint is ideal for enhancing the details of your Airfix models, ensuring a smooth and professional look. It offers excellent coverage on various surfaces, including plastic, metal, wood, glass, and ceramics, making it perfect for all your hobby crafting needs. With a quick drying time and durable results, you can achieve pristine models that impress.

What We Like
Durable and high-quality finish
Versatile for multiple surfaces
Quick drying time
Excellent coverage
#TOP 6

Humbrol No 85 Black Satin Acrylic Paint

DB0085
No 85 Black - Satin
14 ml (Pack of 1)
Humbrol No 85 Black Satin Acrylic Paint Cover
Humbrol Model Paint - DB0085 No 85 Black - Satin (14ml) , Acrylic Paints for Models, Plastic, Metal, Wood, Glass, Ceramics and More, Acrylic Touch Up Paint - Hobby Paint Bottle for Craft Kits

The Humbrol Black Satin Paint is an ideal choice for model enthusiasts seeking versatility and quality. This solvent-based paint delivers a durable finish, perfect for enhancing models like aircraft, ships, and vehicles. You will appreciate its reliable coverage, ensuring your models look pristine. Additionally, the paint can be used on various surfaces including plastic, metal, wood, glass, and ceramics, making it a great addition to your crafting toolkit. With a quick drying time of 1-2 hours, it allows for efficient project completion.

What We Like
Versatile for multiple surfaces
Quick drying time
Durable and high-quality finish
Ideal for model detailing
Trusted brand among modelers
#TOP 7

Humbrol No 69 Yellow Gloss Model Paint

DB0069
14 ml (Pack of 1)
Humbrol No 69 Yellow Gloss Model Paint Cover
Humbrol Model Paint - DB0069 No 69 Yellow - Gloss (14ml), Acrylic Paints for Models, Plastic, Metal, Wood, Glass, Ceramics and More, Acrylic Touch Up Paint - Hobby Paint Bottle for Craft Kits

The Humbrol No 69 Yellow is a high-quality gloss model paint that is perfect for enhancing your modelling projects. This solvent-based paint offers excellent durability, ensuring your models maintain a pristine finish. Ideal for use on Airfix models, it provides a smooth application that adds professional detail to your aircraft, ships, or vehicles. Each dropper bottle works best with the Humbrol Paint Palette, allowing you to achieve a hard dry finish in just 1-2 hours, making it a convenient choice for hobbyists.

What We Like
High-quality finish
Durable and reliable
Smooth application
Versatile on multiple surfaces
Quick drying time
#TOP 8

Humbrol No 49 Matt Varnish Acrylic Paint

DB0049
Matt Varnish
1 ml (Pack of 1)
Humbrol No 49 Matt Varnish Acrylic Paint Cover
Humbrol Model Paint - DB0049 No 49 Matt Varnish - (14ml), Acrylic Paints for Models, Plastic, Metal, Wood, Glass, Ceramics and More, Acrylic Touch Up Paint - Hobby Paint Bottle for Craft Kits

The Humbrol Matt Varnish is a versatile, solvent-based paint ideal for model enthusiasts like you. With its durable finish, it enhances the details of Airfix models, providing a professional look for your aircraft, ships, or vehicles. This paint offers excellent coverage, ensuring your models appear pristine. Additionally, the dropper bottle allows for easy application and requires just 1-2 hours to dry, making it convenient for all your hobby crafting needs.

What We Like
High-quality finish
Excellent coverage
Easy to use
Versatile for various materials
Quick drying time
#TOP 9

Humbrol Black Matt Spray Paint 150ml

AD6033
No. 33 Black
150 ml (Pack of 1)
Humbrol Black Matt Spray Paint 150ml Cover
Humbrol Modellers Spray Paint - AD6033 No 33 Black Matt 150ml - Model Paints for Plastic Kits, Fast-Drying Modelling Paint for Crafting Surfaces Including Plastic, Fabric, Glass, Wood & Metal Models

The Humbrol Black Spray Paint is a solvent-based, fast-drying paint that allows you to unleash your creativity with ease. It dries in just 15-30 minutes, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced modelers looking for quick results. You can use it on a variety of surfaces, including plastic, wood, and metal, ensuring versatility in your crafting projects. With its professional finish, it enhances the quality of your models, providing a smooth application that elevates your work.

What We Like
Fast-drying formula
Multi-surface application
Professional-quality finish
Variety of colours available
Trusted brand for over a century
#TOP 10

Humbrol No 16 Gold Metallic Acrylic Paint

DB0016
14 ml (Pack of 1)
Humbrol No 16 Gold Metallic Acrylic Paint Cover
Humbrol Model Paint - DB0016 No 16 Gold - Metallic (14ml), Acrylic Paints for Models, Plastic, Metal, Wood, Glass, Ceramics and More, Acrylic Touch Up Paint - Hobby Paint Bottle for Craft Kits

Humbrol No 16 Gold is a versatile, solvent-based paint ideal for model enthusiasts. It provides a durable and high-quality finish, enhancing the details of your Airfix models. You will appreciate how easily it applies, ensuring a smooth, professional look for your aircraft, ships, or vehicles. Plus, the paint offers excellent coverage on various surfaces like plastic, metal, and wood, catering to all your hobby crafting needs.

What We Like
High-quality finish
Easy to apply
Versatile for multiple surfaces
Excellent coverage
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best paint for wooden models?

Water-based acrylic paints are the most popular type of paint used by modellers. These paints are non-toxic, odourless, and dry very quickly so you don't have to wait a long time between coats.

2. What paint do you use on wood projects?

Acrylic paints are the most widely used for crafts of various kinds and are one of the best for use on wood projects. These water-based paints have little odor and generally clean up easily while wet. Often referred to as craft paint, Acrylics are versatile in their use.

3. What type of paint do you use on models?

Acrylic modelling paint is the standard paint of choice for most model enthusiasts. It's easy to work with and can easily be thinned by mixing it with water. However, acrylic paint is not as durable as spray paint or enamel. Use acrylic paint unless you have a special need for durability.

Editor's Notes

During our model building paint for wood research, we found 83 model building paint for wood products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 83,294 customer reviews through our big data system to write the model building paints for wood list. We found that most customers choose model building paints for wood with an average price of £4.09.

The model building paints for wood are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of model building paints for wood, including Vallejo, Humbrol. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 846 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Edward West Avatar

Edward's family owns a retail store in Edinburgh for toys and games. He grew up taking a very active part in the family's business. Edward earned his first income from writing web content on a toy related gig for an online company. When he was 18, he took over from his father, and since then, he has been in charge and management of the store and several others around England.