Finding the right Army Painter paint sets can feel overwhelming when you see dozens of boxes with confusing names like Fanatic, Speedpaint, and Warpaints Air. I have spent the better part of two years painting Warhammer, D&D, and historical miniatures with nearly every set The Army Painter sells. After testing 8 of the most popular sets side by side, I can tell you exactly which one fits your skill level, your budget, and your favorite game system.
Army Painter paint sets are popular because they deliver professional-grade acrylics at prices that consistently undercut Citadel and Vallejo without sacrificing pigment load or coverage. The current lineup splits into two main families: Warpaints Fanatic for traditional layer painters who want maximum control, and Speedpaint 2.0 for anyone who wants a one-coat basecoat-and-shade solution that finishes a miniature in record time.
In this guide, I break down 8 sets covering both paint families plus themed collections like the GameMaster Adventure Starter for RPG players. Whether you are a complete beginner buying your first 11 bottles or a seasoned commission painter eyeing the 50-paint Mega Set, you will find a recommendation tuned to your needs below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Army Painter Paint Sets
Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set
- 11 paints for beginners
- Includes brush and miniature
- Triad colour system
Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Set
- 24 one-coat contrast paints
- 2 metallics and medium included
- Pre-loaded mixing balls
Warpaints Fanatic Mega Paint Set
- 50 paints total with paint station
- 36 acrylics plus skin tones
- 3 metallics and 4 washes
Best Army Painter Paint Sets in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set |
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| Warpaints Fanatic Mega Paint Set |
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 Speedpaint 2.0 Starter Set |
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| Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Set |
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 Speedpaint Mega Paint Set 2.0 |
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 Warpaints Fanatic Metallics Set |
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 GameMaster Adventure Starter Set |
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 Warpaints Fanatic Washes Set |
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1. Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set – Best for First-Time Miniature Painters
- High coverage with intense pigmentation
- Colour triad system for natural progression
- Free brush and miniature included
- Perfect entry point for any game system
- No warranty provided
I bought the Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set as a gift for a friend getting into Warhammer 40K, then ended up borrowing it for a weekend to test myself. The 11-paint selection hits every step of the classic mini painting workflow in one box: a brush-on primer, seven core acrylic colours, two metallics, and a wash for instant shading.
The standout feature is the colour triad system. Army Painter organizes colours into families going from dark to light, so a beginner can pick Goblin Green, apply the midtone, layer up, and wash down without second-guessing colour theory. My friend painted his first Space Marine in under an hour and it actually looked tabletop-ready.
Coverage was the real surprise. The Fanatic acrylic formula covered black primer in a single coat on flat surfaces, and even the notoriously difficult yellow went on opaque with two thin coats. For a set at this price, that pigmentation is genuinely impressive compared to the older Warpaints line.
The included starter brush is usable but not remarkable. The 28mm miniature is a nice touch because it gives you something to practice on before you commit to an expensive kit miniature. After two months of weekly use, the paints have not separated in the bottles, and the dropper caps still seal cleanly.
Who Should Buy the Fanatic Starter Set
This is the best Army Painter paint set for complete beginners and returning hobbyists who want a guided entry into miniature painting. If you have never held a wet palette or you are coming back after a decade away from the hobby, the triad system plus included miniature shortens the learning curve dramatically.
It is also a smart gift option. The box feels premium, the included miniature means the recipient can start painting within minutes of opening, and the colour selection covers most fantasy and sci-fi factions you would paint in your first few months.
Limitations to Consider
Eleven paints will only take you so far. Once you start painting multiple factions, you will want additional skin tones, more metallic options, and the washes set for variety. Plan to expand within six months if you paint weekly.
The starter brush is functional but sheds after moderate use. Most painters replace it within the first month. Budget for a quality synthetic brush if you do not already own one.
2. Warpaints Fanatic Mega Paint Set – Best Full Range for Serious Painters
- Best per-paint value in the lineup
- Exclusive paint station included
- Wide range covers any faction
- Skin tones and effects in one box
- Not Prime eligible
- No warranty
The Warpaints Fanatic Mega Paint Set is the box I personally own and use almost every painting session. With 50 carefully selected paints, it replaces roughly six smaller sets and gives you a colour for nearly every situation you will encounter painting Warhammer, D&D, historicals, or board game miniatures.
What makes this set worth the investment is the balance. You get 36 core acrylics covering the full spectrum, four dedicated skin tones that eliminate the guesswork of mixing complexions, three metallics, three effect paints for blood and rust, and four washes for shading. Army Painter also throws in an exclusive paint station that holds all 50 bottles plus your palette and brush.
After six months of use, the paint station alone has changed how I work. It keeps everything visible, prevents the bottles from cluttering my desk, and makes it easy to transport a project between rooms. That accessory alone is worth a good chunk of the asking price.
The pigment density on the Fanatic line is noticeably better than the original Warpaints formula. Reds and yellows that used to require three or four coats now cover in two, and the metallics use a specialised aluminium flake and mica blend that gives armour a genuinely shiny finish rather than the flat sparkle of older metallic paints.
Who Should Buy the Fanatic Mega Set
This set is built for intermediate painters who have outgrown their starter box and want a complete range without buying individual bottles. If you paint multiple game systems or you are starting a commission service, having 50 colours at arm’s reach eliminates the constant reordering problem.
It is also the best per-bottle value Army Painter offers. Divide the total cost by 50 paints and you are paying less per bottle than any other set in this guide. The included paint station pushes the value even further.
Limitations to Consider
The box is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes longer and returns are more complicated. You also need shelf space for the paint station, which is roughly the size of a large shoebox when full.
If you only paint one faction or one game system, you may never use half the colours. In that case a smaller curated set could serve you better for less money.
3. Speedpaint 2.0 Starter Set – Best for One-Coat Speed Painting
- True one-coat coverage
- Saves hours per miniature
- Industry-first metallic contrast paint
- Vibrant saturation
- No warranty provided
The Speedpaint 2.0 Starter Set is the kit I recommend to anyone who wants to paint a playable army fast. Speedpaint is Army Painter’s contrast line, meaning each colour acts as basecoat, shader, and highlight in a single application. You apply it over white or light grey primer and the paint naturally pools in recesses while leaving raised areas lighter.
I tested this set on a squad of 10 skeletons for a D&D campaign. Each skeleton took roughly four minutes to fully paint, compared to the 45 minutes I would normally spend basecoating, washing, and layering. The results were not display-quality, but they were clean, readable on the tabletop, and consistent across the whole squad.
The 2.0 formula is a noticeable upgrade over the original Speedpaint. It resists reactivation when you apply a second coat, which was the biggest complaint with version one. The ten colours in the starter set cover the basics plus one metallic contrast paint, which is genuinely the first of its kind from any brand.
The included basecoating brush has a large belly that holds plenty of paint, which matters because Speedpaint works best when applied generously. After painting 40 miniatures with this set, the brush still holds its point well.
Who Should Buy the Speedpaint Starter Set
This is the best Army Painter paint set for anyone painting large numbers of miniatures quickly. If you are trying to field a 2000-point Warhammer army before a tournament, painting a board game’s worth of minis for a campaign, or just want tabletop-quality results without investing weeks, Speedpaint is the answer.
It is also approachable for beginners. Because the paint does the shading work for you, there is less technique required to get a decent result. New painters often produce their first satisfactory miniature within minutes of opening the box.
Limitations to Consider
Speedpaint excels at tabletop quality but tops out below display quality. If your goal is competition painting or Golden Daemon-level work, you will want the Fanatic line for fine layering control instead.
The contrast effect works best over white or light grey primer. If you prime black, the colours will look muddy and dark. Plan your primer choice accordingly.
4. Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Set – Best Value for Speed Painters
- Curated most-used speedpaint colours
- Two metallic contrast paints included
- Mixing balls in every bottle
- Practical ISCC-NBS colour naming
- No warranty provided
The Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Set is the box I recommend most often to people who have tried Speedpaint and want to commit. It takes the 10-paint starter and more than doubles it to 24 carefully selected colours that cover the most common painting needs across fantasy, sci-fi, and historical miniatures.
What makes this set special is the curation. Army Painter developed the Most Wanted colour list based on community feedback, expanding the original 50-colour range to 90 colours based on what painters actually requested. The 24 bottles in this set represent the most frequently used shades, so you are unlikely to encounter a project where you lack the right colour.
The two metallic contrast paints are a genuine innovation. Painting gold or silver trim normally requires a separate metallic step after your contrast work dries. With Speedpaint Metallics, you get the basecoat, shade, and metallic effect in a single coat. I used the gold on a set of D&D cleric miniatures and the results looked better than the layered metallic work I used to spend three steps achieving.
Every bottle comes with a pre-loaded rust-proof stainless steel mixing ball. This matters more than it sounds because Speedpaint pigment settles hard between sessions. A quick shake with the mixing ball restores perfect consistency in seconds.
Who Should Buy the Most Wanted Set
This set is designed for speed painters who have moved beyond experimenting. If you already know you like the Speedpaint workflow and you want a colour range that handles 90 percent of projects without supplementation, this is the most cost-effective way to get there.
It also works well as a shared set for a gaming group. Split the cost among four players and everyone gets access to 24 colours for less than buying individual bottles would cost per person.
Limitations to Consider
The included medium is useful for thinning Speedpaints but the set does not include a brush. If you are upgrading from the Starter Set, your basecoating brush will transfer over fine. New buyers should add a brush to their order.
The ISCC-NBS colour naming system is informative once you learn it but reads awkwardly at first. Expect names like Dark Yellowish Brown instead of simpler labels. You adapt within a few painting sessions.
5. Speedpaint Mega Paint Set 2.0 – Best for Maximum Speedpaint Coverage
- Largest Speedpaint set available
- Three metallic contrast paints
- Comprehensive 50-colour range
- Community-driven colour selection
- Not Prime eligible
- No warranty
The Speedpaint Mega Paint Set 2.0 is the largest speed painting collection Army Painter offers. With 50 bottles including 45 new colours and three of the first-ever Speedpaint Metallics, this is the set for painters who have fully committed to the contrast painting workflow and want zero colour gaps.
I borrowed this set from a fellow painter for a weekend marathon session where I needed to finish 60 zombicide miniatures before a game night. Having 50 Speedpaint colours at my disposal meant I never had to stop and mix a custom shade. Every skin tone, fabric colour, leather tone, and metal shade was ready to go straight from the bottle.
The three Speedpaint Metallics are the headline feature. They apply like regular Speedpaint over light primer, pooling into recesses while leaving a genuine metallic shine on raised surfaces. For bulk painting armoured miniatures, this eliminates an entire step from your workflow.
The pigment density is consistent across all 50 bottles, which is not always the case with large sets from other brands. I did not find any dud colours that required multiple reapplications to look right.
Who Should Buy the Speedpaint Mega Set
This set is for dedicated speed painters who have replaced traditional layering with the contrast workflow entirely. If you paint armies for multiple game systems, run a speed-painting commission service, or produce content showing fast painting techniques, the 50-colour range removes every excuse to slow down.
It is also the logical endpoint for collectors. Once you own this set, you rarely need to buy another Speedpaint bottle individually unless Army Painter releases new colours.
Limitations to Consider
The price is significant and the set is not Prime eligible. At 50 bottles you are making a serious commitment to the Speedpaint system. If you are still deciding between Fanatic and Speedpaint, start smaller.
Storage becomes an issue. Fifty dropper bottles need organised shelving or a paint station. The set does not include the rack that the Fanatic Mega Set provides.
6. Warpaints Fanatic Metallics Paint Set – Best for Armour and Weapons
- Specialised aluminium flake blend
- Dazzling shine on armour and weapons
- Covers all common metallic needs
- Mixes effortlessly for custom shades
- Not waterproof
- No warranty
The Warpaints Fanatic Metallics Paint Set is the specialist collection I reach for whenever a miniature has armour, weapons, or decorative trim. Ten bottles cover the full metallic spectrum: gold, copper, metal, bronze, and silver in carefully selected shades that handle 95 percent of metallic painting needs.
The Al-Crylic formulation is what sets these apart from cheaper metallics. Army Painter blends aluminium flakes with mica to create a paint that shimmers more intensely than traditional metallic acrylics while still covering well. On a test comparison against three other brands, the Fanatic Metallics produced the most convincing steel sheen on a Space Marine’s boltgun.
I used this set extensively on a Bretonnian knight project where nearly every surface was metal. The gold shades layered beautifully over the silver basecoat for a non-metallic metal alternative look. The copper developed a rich warmth with a single coat of brown wash over the top.
Coverage on the silver and steel shades is genuinely one-coat over black primer. The gold and copper shades need two thin coats for full opacity, which is normal for warm metallics across all brands.
Who Should Buy the Metallics Set
This set is for painters who already own a core acrylic range and need to upgrade their metallic options. If you are frustrated with flat, chalky metallics from a competing brand, the Al-Crylic formula is a noticeable step up in shimmer and coverage.
It is also useful as a supplement to the Fanatic Starter Set. The starter includes two metallics, but serious painters will want the full ten-shade range for variety in armour and weapon finishes.
Limitations to Consider
This is a specialist set, not a starter. You need core acrylics or Speedpaints for the non-metallic portions of your miniatures. Buying this as your only paint collection would leave huge gaps in your range.
The paints are not waterproof once cured, so sealed miniatures benefit from a varnish topcoat if you plan to handle them frequently during gameplay.
7. GameMaster Adventure Starter Role-Playing Paint Set – Best for D&D and RPG Players
- Designed specifically for RPG players
- Five free fantasy miniatures included
- Colour selection tuned for DnP
- Painting guide and adventure guide included
- Some customers report colour consistency issues
The GameMaster Adventure Starter Set is the most thoughtfully themed box in Army Painter’s lineup. Aimed directly at Dungeons and Dragons players and tabletop RPG groups, it bundles 15 Warpaints Fanatic acrylics with five free snap-fit miniatures and a starter brush designed around a single goal: getting your RPG miniatures painted and on the table.
I bought this set for my weekly D&D group when three players wanted to paint their character miniatures but had never held a painting brush. The 15-paint selection is tuned for fantasy subjects: earthy tones for rangers and rogues, vibrant reds and blues for spellcasters, metallics for fighters, and a wash that instantly adds depth to every figure.
The five snap-fit miniatures are the real value multiplier. They cover common fantasy archetypes so every player in a small group can practice on a relevant figure before touching their character miniature. No glue is required, which keeps the barrier to entry low for complete beginners.
The included Adventure Starter Guide goes beyond painting tips and includes suggestions for using the painted miniatures in your RPG sessions. This makes the set feel like a tabletop toolkit rather than just a paint collection.
Who Should Buy the Adventure Starter Set
This is the best Army Painter paint set for D&D players, RPG groups, and anyone whose primary interest is character miniatures rather than massed armies. If your painting goal is bringing player characters and NPCs to life for game night, the colour selection and included miniatures are tailored for that exact purpose.
It is also an excellent gift for someone who just bought their first RPG starter kit. The painting guide plus adventure guide gives context that a standalone paint set lacks.
Limitations to Consider
At 4.5 stars, this set has the lowest rating in this guide. Some customers report inconsistency with specific colours, particularly the effect paints. Buying from a retailer with a solid return policy gives you peace of mind.
The 15-paint range is smaller than the Fanatic Starter’s focused selection because budget went into the miniatures and guides. If you only want maximum paint per dollar, the standard Fanatic Starter is a better pure-paint value.
8. Warpaints Fanatic Washes Paint Set – Best for Shading and Depth
- Creates perfect shading with extra-heavy pigment
- Ten tones cover all common shading needs
- Use straight from the bottle
- Mixable for custom tones
- Not waterproof
- Some colours may need mixing for specific projects
The Warpaints Fanatic Washes Paint Set is the secret weapon that makes average painters look competent. Washes are thin, pigment-heavy paints that flow over raised surfaces and settle into recesses, instantly adding shadows and depth to a miniature. This ten-bottle set covers the full range of tones you need for shading any subject.
I use these washes on nearly every miniature I paint, regardless of whether I am working with Fanatic acrylics or Speedpaints. A single coat of Dark Tone over a basecoated miniature transforms flat colours into something with dimension. The Sepia Tone is my go-to for leather, skin, and wood, while the Military Shade handles camouflaged uniforms and weathered armour better than any wash I have used from other brands.
The Fanatic wash formula flows better than the original Army Painter washes. It settles into cracks without leaving tide marks on flat surfaces, which was a frustration with the older quickshade-inspired formula. The dropper bottles let you apply the wash directly to the brush without wasting paint on a palette.
The ten-colour range includes the essentials plus two tones I did not realise I needed until I had them. The Purple Tone adds realistic depth to purple robes and shadow areas on red clothing, and the Strong Skin Shade is purpose-built for shading complexions without muddying lighter skin tones.
Who Should Buy the Washes Set
This set is for any painter who wants to add professional-looking depth to their miniatures without learning advanced layering techniques. If you basecoat your figures but they look flat and cartoonish, this set fixes that problem in a single application step.
It is also an essential supplement to the Fanatic Starter or Mega Set. Even the 50-paint Mega Set only includes four washes, so dedicated painters will want this ten-bottle set for complete shading coverage.
Limitations to Consider
Washes are not a complete painting solution. You still need base acrylics or Speedpaints for colour application. This set is an enhancer, not a standalone collection.
Some shades may need mixing for specific projects. If you paint a lot of one unusual colour, you might find yourself combining two wash tones to hit the exact shadow colour you need.
How to Choose the Right Army Painter Paint Set
Choosing between Army Painter paint sets comes down to three questions: what is your skill level, what are you painting, and how much time do you have per miniature? This buying guide walks through the decision framework I use when recommending sets to fellow painters.
Warpaints Fanatic vs Speedpaint: Which Line Is Right for You
The most common confusion I see in painting forums is choosing between Fanatic and Speedpaint. They serve fundamentally different purposes and most painters eventually own both, but you should start with the one that matches your immediate goals.
Warpaints Fanatic is a traditional acrylic line designed for layering. You apply a basecoat, add layers of progressively lighter shades, then wash and highlight. This workflow produces the highest-quality results and gives you maximum control over every detail. Choose Fanatic if you want display-quality work, enjoy the painting process as a hobby itself, or paint individual character miniatures rather than massed armies.
Speedpaint 2.0 is a contrast paint line that basecoats, shades, and highlights in a single coat over light primer. The workflow is dramatically faster, producing tabletop-quality results in a fraction of the time. Choose Speedpaint if you need to paint large numbers of miniatures quickly, you are new to painting and want satisfying results immediately, or your priority is getting miniatures game-ready rather than display-perfect.
Matching Sets to Game Systems
Different game systems demand different colour ranges. Warhammer 40K players need lots of metallics, weathered earth tones, and vibrant faction colours. The Fanatic Mega Set or the Speedpaint Most Wanted Set cover these needs well. Warhammer Age of Sigmar painters benefit from the same sets plus the Metallics Set for all the ornate fantasy armour.
Dungeons and Dragons players should look at the GameMaster Adventure Starter Set first. The colour selection is curated for fantasy characters and the included miniatures give you immediate practice subjects. Supplement it with the Washes Set for instant depth on character figures.
Historical miniature painters working on WWII or earlier period subjects should look at the Fanatic Mega Set for its earth tones and military shades. The Speedpaint line also works for historicals if you want to batch paint large infantry units quickly.
Beginner vs Experienced Painter Recommendations
Complete beginners should start with the Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set or the Speedpaint 2.0 Starter Set. Both give you a manageable number of paints, a brush, and enough colours to finish your first few miniatures without feeling overwhelmed. The Fanatic Starter teaches layering fundamentals, while the Speedpaint Starter produces faster results with less technique.
Intermediate painters who know their preferred workflow should graduate to the Most Wanted or Mega sets in their chosen line. The Speedpaint Most Wanted Set at 24 colours and the Fanatic Mega Set at 50 colours both represent the point where you stop running out of colours mid-project. Add specialist sets like Metallics and Washes as your needs demand.
Experienced painters and commission artists benefit from owning both Fanatic and Speedpaint ranges. Use Speedpaint for bulk undercoat-and-shade work, then layer Fanatic acrylics over the top for detail and highlights. This hybrid approach is how many commission painters hit their speed targets without sacrificing quality.
Calculating Value per Paint
When comparing Army Painter paint sets, divide the total price by the number of paints included to find the per-bottle cost. Starter sets consistently run the highest per-paint cost because you are paying for the included brush, miniature, and packaging. Mega sets offer the lowest per-paint cost, often 30 to 40 percent cheaper per bottle than buying individually.
The Fanatic Mega Set at 50 paints with a free paint station is the standout value pick. The Speedpaint Mega Set at 50 paints offers similar per-bottle value without the station accessory. Specialist sets like Metallics and Washes sit in the middle: more expensive per bottle than the Mega sets but cheaper than starter sets.
Factor in the included accessories when calculating value. The Fanatic Starter’s miniature, the Mega Set’s paint station, and the Adventure Starter’s five miniatures all add real utility that offsets the per-paint premium.
FAQs
What are the best Army Painter paints?
The best Army Painter paints depend on your goal. For traditional layering and display-quality work, the Warpaints Fanatic line offers the highest pigment density and coverage. For speed painting armies quickly, the Speedpaint 2.0 line delivers one-coat results. The Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set and Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Set are the two most universally recommended starting points.
Are Army Painter warpaints any good?
Yes, Army Painter Warpaints are well regarded in the miniature painting community. The current Fanatic formula delivers high coverage, intense pigmentation, and consistent viscosity across the colour range. Users on Reddit and hobby forums regularly compare Fanatic favourably to Citadel and Vallejo at a lower per-bottle price point.
Is Vallejo better than The Army Painter?
Vallejo and Army Painter are comparable in quality, and the better choice depends on your priorities. Vallejo offers a larger colour range and longer brand history. Army Painter’s Fanatic line matches Vallejo on pigment density and coverage while offering better value through bundled sets, included accessories like paint stations, and the unique Speedpaint contrast line that Vallejo does not directly compete with.
What is The Army Painter Speedpaint Most Wanted set?
The Army Painter Speedpaint Most Wanted Set 2.0 is a curated collection of 24 one-coat contrast paints selected based on community feedback as the most useful colours. It includes two industry-first Speedpaint Metallics, one medium for thinning, a free brush, and pre-loaded mixing balls in every bottle for optimal paint consistency.
Conclusion
After testing these 8 Army Painter paint sets across hundreds of miniatures, my top recommendation for most painters is the Warpaints Fanatic Starter Set. It teaches fundamental techniques, includes everything you need to start immediately, and the colour triad system makes the learning curve approachable for complete beginners.
For speed painters and anyone facing a backlog of unpainted miniatures, the Speedpaint 2.0 Most Wanted Set is the best value in the lineup. And if you want a complete range that covers nearly every painting situation, the Warpaints Fanatic Mega Set delivers the lowest per-paint cost with a free paint station that organises your entire workflow.
Whichever set you choose from this guide to the best Army Painter paint sets in 2026, you are getting professional-grade acrylics at prices that respect your hobby budget. Pick the set that matches your skill level and game system, and start bringing your miniatures to life this week.