Speedpaints are a line of high-flow acrylic paints formulated to provide base color, shading, and highlighting in just one coat. They work by pooling in recessed areas for shadows while staying lighter on raised surfaces, giving the miniature a layered appearance with minimal brushwork. They're especially useful for painting large armies or quick character models.

Unlike standard acrylics that require multiple steps to achieve shading and highlights, Speedpaints are designed to do it all in one application. Their unique formulation allows the pigment to settle naturally into recesses while leaving upper areas translucent and bright. This saves hobbyists time while still delivering strong visual contrast and color depth.

Yes. Speedpaints work best over a light-colored primer such as white, grey, or specially designed Speedpaint primers. The light base allows the translucent pigments to show depth and create natural shading. Using darker primers can dull the results and reduce the contrast that Speedpaints are known for.

Speedpaints can be mixed with other Speedpaints, and they also work well when combined with medium or thinned with water for glazing or lighter tones. While they can be layered over other acrylics, it’s important to let each coat fully dry to avoid blending or reactivation. Some hobbyists also combine Speedpaints with traditional paints for advanced techniques and touch-ups.

Speedpaints are designed for plastic, resin, or metal miniatures that have been properly primed. They also work well on 3D-printed models and terrain. For best results, ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and evenly primed with a light color. Avoid using Speedpaints on unprimed models, as the paint may absorb unevenly and lose its intended shading effect.

It’s recommended to seal Speedpaints with a matte or satin varnish once your miniature is fully painted. This protects the paint job and helps unify the finish, especially if you've used washes or metallics alongside Speedpaints. Sealing also prevents reactivation if you plan to apply additional layers or weathering effects.

Speedpaints are great for beginners who want fast and satisfying results, as well as experienced painters looking to streamline army painting or speed through large batches of models. They’re particularly useful for tabletop gamers, RPG players, or hobbyists with limited painting time who still want clean, shaded miniatures with minimal effort.