You’ve already chosen the best airbrush and the best airbrush compressor, and now you want to find the ideal airbrush paint ? Because not all paints serve the same purpose, you wouldn’t use acrylic paint on your grandson’s cake. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right paint for each use: pastry, scale models, car bodywork, makeup, fishing lures, and more.
Which paint should you use with an airbrush?
Choosing the right paint for your airbrush can be confusing. Here’s a quick guide to understand which paint works best for each situation:
| Paint Type | Usage | Thinner | Cleaner | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Models, canvas art, illustrations, fishing lures, cosplay | Distilled water, branded thinner | Isopropyl alcohol, branded cleaner | Acrylic paints dry quickly and should be thinned properly. |
| Food coloring | Pastry | Water | Warm water | You can clean your airbrush with warm water. |
| Gouache | Illustrations, children’s painting | Water | Warm water | Gouache is opaque because it contains more pigment than watercolor. |
| Watercolor | Paper art, landscapes, illustrations | Water | Clean water | Watercolors are very fluid — be careful not to spill them. |
| Oil | Models, illustrations, canvas painting | White spirit, turpentine | White spirit, turpentine | Oil paints dry slowly. Work in a well-ventilated area. |
| Polyurethane | Car and motorcycle bodywork | Polyurethane thinner | White spirit | Durable and resistant, but toxic. Always spray in a paint booth. |
Top Airbrush Paint Kits
Acrylic airbrush paint: Vallejo Kit 
- 8 ready-to-use acrylic paints
- High-quality Vallejo pigments
- Integrated dropper bottles
This classic Vallejo set is ideal for anyone airbrushing with acrylics. With a range of colors, you can paint miniatures, canvas art, or fishing lures.
Premium acrylic pigments: Createx Kit
- Createx premium pigments
- 12 oz bottles
- Set of 5 bottles
- Wash-resistant paint
Createx paints are highly regarded. This kit allows you to paint on T-shirts, canvas, and more. Use a 0.4 mm nozzle for best results.
Budget acrylic paint kit: HOMY ARTY
- Set of 30 colors
- Includes 3 bottles of thinner
- Ready-to-spray acrylic paint
- Dropper caps for easy dosing
This affordable set is a solid choice for beginners or hobbyists working on small projects like canvas pieces, miniatures, nails, or T-shirts. Shake well before use, test on a scrap surface, and adjust with the included thinner to reach a milk-like consistency if needed. Clean your airbrush promptly after each session for best results.
Metallic acrylic paint kit: Vallejo
- Metallic acrylic paint
- Non-toxic
- Integrated dropper
- 16 × 0.57 oz bottles
Vallejo is one of the world leaders in acrylic paints. This set is perfect for tanks, miniatures, or car parts — just make sure to add a protective clear coat. Discover our guide on the best Iwata airbrush.
Food coloring airbrush kit: Airbrush Food Coloring Set
- Set of 13 food-grade colors (0.35 fl.oz each)
- Gluten, nut, and lactose free
- Vegan-friendly formula
- Ready to use for cakes and edible decorations
This set of edible airbrush paints is perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and desserts. Each bottle contains vibrant, food-safe coloring that sprays evenly through any standard airbrush. The formula is smooth and ready to spray, simply shake well and add a few drops into your airbrush cup. Clean the airbrush with warm water after use to keep it in perfect condition.
Can you use brush paint in an airbrush?
Yes, almost any paint can be used in an airbrush as long as it has the consistency of milk and contains no large particles that could clog the nozzle (especially metallic paints).
Always clean the airbrush right after use and never let paint dry inside. Use only food-safe colors in an airbrush that has never been used for non-food paints. You can also see our blog on the best Harder and Steenbeck airbrush guide.
Essential Accessories for Airbrushing
Airbrush spray booth
Using an airbrush indoors produces fine paint particles. While a mask helps, it can be uncomfortable. A spray booth with built-in light and turntable makes painting cleaner and easier. With a 4 m³/min airflow and dense filter, it can remove dust in just a few minutes.
Acrylic paint cleaner
This specialized cleaner easily removes pigment from the airbrush cup. A few rinses are enough to keep it spotless. Regular cleaning prevents clogs, irregular spray, and other issues.
Acrylic thinner
This thinner helps you reach the ideal consistency for acrylic paints. Add 1–2 drops of thinner for every 10–12 drops of paint. The goal is to achieve a milk-like viscosity for smooth, professional spraying. You can add more if needed. A flow improver can also prevent paint from drying too quickly inside the nozzle.
Cleaning pot
This cleaning pot lets you safely purge leftover paint from your airbrush. The maintenance kit includes a set of brushes for deep cleaning and keeping your airbrush in top condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airbrush paint for car bodywork?
There are two main types: water-based and solvent-based. Solvent paints are still preferred by professionals with proper spray booths, as they offer faster drying and smoother application. Water-based paints are newer, almost odorless, and can be cleaned with water — ideal for hobbyists.
Once the surface is prepared, apply several coats of paint and finish with a clear protective layer.
Which airbrush paint for cakes?
Food-grade inks and dyes are perfect for decorating cakes with an airbrush. They’re thin, require low pressure, and produce vibrant colors. Use them for cakes or edible sugar-paste decorations.
Which paint for scale models and miniatures?
Vallejo Model Air acrylics are ideal for miniatures. They’re easy to thin, adhere well, and come in many shades. Highly recommended for airbrushing models and figurines.
How to get a smooth airbrush finish?
Ensure your paint has a milk-like consistency and sprays evenly. If the surface looks grainy, move closer to the model or slightly increase pressure. Too low a pressure causes paint to dry mid-air, creating texture. Vallejo Model Air sprays best around 20–25 psi (1.4–1.8 bar).
Can you use Vallejo Model Color in an airbrush?
Yes, thin it until it reaches the same consistency as Model Air (like milk). Apply several light coats for best results.
Can you airbrush with oil paint?
Yes, using the proper thinner (White Spirit). Some automotive paints are oil-based. However, they are toxic and require professional ventilation systems.
Which paint for motorcycle helmets?
You can use acrylic paint. Helmets have curved surfaces that can be tricky — practice first on a ball before painting the real helmet. Acrylic is the best choice for this type of work.
Which paints can be used directly in an airbrush?
Pre-thinned paints such as Vallejo Model Air.
How to build a cheap DIY airbrush booth?
There are many video tutorials online showing how to make a simple, affordable spray booth using a box fan and filters.
Now you know everything about airbrush paints. Happy painting sessions!
