Choosing a 24-color acrylic paint set for miniature and model painting
When selecting a ready-to-use acrylic paint set for scale models and miniatures, the Nicpro 24-color offering presents specific characteristics worth evaluating. This set's 20ml bottles, dual brush/airbrush compatibility, and included thinner create a particular value proposition that differs from both basic craft paints and premium miniature-specific lines.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- The 20ml bottle size is substantial for a starter set but consider your painting frequency; infrequent painters may prefer smaller pots to prevent paint drying out before use.
- Brush and airbrush compatibility is a key feature here—verify the paint's stated viscosity and pigment load if you plan to thin it significantly for airbrush work on fine details.
- The inclusion of two thinners suggests the manufacturer anticipates users will need to adjust consistency, which is common when painting both large surfaces on models and fine details on figures.
What Our Analysts Recommend
For this category, examine reviews for mentions of pigment density and opacity—good miniature paint should cover in 1-2 coats over primer. Also look for comments on paint separation; high-quality acrylics for models should remix smoothly after shaking, without leaving permanent sediment at the bottle bottom.
Painting Tools Market Context
Market Overview
The model paint market is segmented between premium brands like Citadel and Vallejo, and more affordable starter sets like this Nicpro offering. The 'ready-to-use' claim indicates these are pre-thinned for immediate brush application, positioning them between thick artist acrylics and highly fluid miniature-specific paints.
Common Issues
Beginner sets often suffer from poor pigment concentration requiring multiple coats, or inconsistent viscosity between colors. Another frequent complaint is inadequate sealing of bottles leading to premature drying, particularly problematic with 20ml volumes that may take months to use.
Quality Indicators
Quality in this category is signaled by consistent finish across colors (matte, satin, or gloss as labeled), smooth flow off the brush without excessive thinning, and good adhesion to primed plastic/resin surfaces. The paint should not reactivate underlying layers when applying subsequent coats.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A Grade B authenticity rating with an estimated 10% fake reviews indicates generally reliable feedback, though shoppers should maintain moderate scrutiny. The adjusted rating of 4.40/5 (down from 4.67/5) suggests some review inflation exists but doesn't fundamentally distort the product's reception.
Trust Recommendation
Focus on the verified purchase reviews (80% in this analysis) that discuss specific applications like miniature war gaming figures, scale model aircraft, or craft projects. These will provide more actionable insights than generic praise about color vibrancy.
Tips for Reading Reviews
For technical products like model paints, prioritize reviews that mention actual use cases—painting Warhammer miniatures, Gundam models, or historical figures—over those simply displaying unopened bottles. Look for comments addressing paint behavior over different primers and after thinning.
Expert Perspective
The Nicpro set occupies a strategic middle ground: more substantial than basic craft acrylics yet more affordable than premium miniature brands. The 4.40 adjusted rating from predominantly genuine reviews suggests it delivers reasonable quality for its price point. The dual brush/airbrush compatibility is particularly noteworthy for beginners experimenting with different application techniques. The 20ml volume provides good value but may be excessive for painters focusing on small miniatures with limited color palettes.
Purchase Considerations
This set makes most sense for painters who need a broad color range for diverse projects rather than specialized hues for specific genres. Consider whether you'll actually use all 24 colors, or if a smaller set from a premium brand might offer better performance for your primary painting focus. The included thinner adds immediate utility but check if it's compatible with your preferred cleaning methods.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare the opacity and finish of these paints against established brands like Army Painter or Reaper for similar price points.
