Newb Corner - Vallejo vs Reaper

[Wizard Lee]

First off, thanks everyone for this discussion.  I was logging in to ask this very question just a few minutes ago and found this thread.  Thanks for the info folks!  I'm still something of a new painter (only been at it for 3 years now) and I would like to weigh in.

 

When I started painting with acrylics a few years ago, I was using Vallejo.  It's what the local hobby shop had, and plenty of it, and I thought it was a good paint.  I've used the GW brand occasionally, but never liked it.  Something about the application threw me off and I found it to be (locally) more expensive. 

 

However, last year, I received some Reaper paints in my Halloween order.  I find them to be superior for three reasons.  1.) Application is smoother than Vallejo.  When applying Vallejo, especially to Bones, seems to go on smoothly, where as Vallejo I do have occasional issues with bubbles, or even being too thick after thinning it down with water.  2.) Vallejo, in my experience when comparing it to Reaper, is very thick.  It takes a lot of thinning to make sure it doesn't drown the details.  3.) I have had no issue with Reaper paints separating, but the Vallejo paints seem to separate quickly.  I once received a "fresh" order from the hobby store, only to get home and find the paints separated. 

 

I hope to order more Reaper paints soon. 

[sethohman]

Late to the party, but I dislike the Reaper paints.  I have never been happy with the consistency - they always seem way to thin to me and I have real problems getting any sort of coverage.

 

The Vallejo Model Color, on the other hand, is my number 1 go to choice for paints.

 

I am only good tabletop painting level (I do not have the patience for anything better).

[BadgersinMeadows]

I prefer the Vallejo paints myself. Having never used Reaper paints, I can't say anything about them, but I find the Vallejo Game Colour works well, but some of their paints have a problem with consistency.

[fishnjeeps]

When i restarted painting, I grabbed most of the Army Painter line. I still have all of it and use it as needed. As I ordered more reaper mini's I found myself adding more reaper colors to my collection. Though many of the reaper colors I own are special edition colors or sample paints. I've been buying the HD line specifically and love those for lighter colors and fleshes. I find I use them more often than any others. That said, I also use secret weapon washes on nearly every figure. I do won a few Valljeo Model colors but those are rare use (except the Ivory). I also have a few P3 pots that I use for metallics.