My hand-painted comparison swatches for Pro Acryl and many other paint ranges here: www.patreon.com/stahlytaleofpainters/shop And here is my personal best of miniature paints: taleofpainters.com/2023/08/stahlys-best-miniature-paints-warhammer-2024/
Heavy Titanium White is the only white with a two bar opacity rating on your swatches, that sounds like it should have merited a mention in at least one of those Pro Acryl videos. Would you say it's a good investment for basecoating space marines which are already primed dark before yellow when one already has White Scar and Bold Titanium White?
Pro Acryl is my favorite range. I used to hate the nozzles, but now I like them. The key is to let them sit open for a few minutes prior to twisting closed. This lets the bubbles out and the paint in the nozzle to drain and largely solves the issue with lots of paint coming out the top.
Stahly's channel might not be the size of Ninjon's, but his paint reviews are some of the best hobby videos on YT and he should have way, wayyyy more followers than he does have.
Chronically undervalued. Literally was talking to a friend about undervalued UA-camrs and Stahly was who we discussed. Fantastic and informative videos presented in such a great way.
In time this must become a really huge channel. The quality of the presentation, the depth and thorough analysis... Stahly is a must-see prior to buying new paint. Since the market exploded a few years ago we've really needed something like this to be honest. Even a single paint range can be very complex, with a lot of nuance. And there are so many now! Trial and error is costly so it's invaluable to be able to make more informed decisions before putting paint to plastic.
Thank you for reviewing our Signature Paint line and your thoughts on the paints, much appreciated. :) To be frank we were also not huge fans of the twist + drop caps of Monument, but we learned how to use them properly without any spills in short time. Personally, I like to add a small drop of the actual paint on top of the paint anyways, so I can see exactly how the batch dries. Since I want to keep my hands clean I unscrew the paint lid completely and take some paint out with a disposable brush at the beginning of a Painting session. Regarding the hydrofil properties of the Medium and soaking with water from the Wet Palette, that is actually a benefit in my point of view as it will truly help to keep your paint useable and hydrated. For the Heavy Body Paint I use a less wet spot on the Wet Palette or add a small piece of Plasticard on top of the Palette which will keep the Heavy Body Paint heavy. Regarding the Satin and Gloss addition to Monument Hobbies Range, I'd personally see them as an additional tool for your range rather than a "niche in a niche" type of deal... If you need some additional depth in your darkest shadows, a Satin shine will do wonders. The two Glossy Paints are meant to be Effect paints to be used at the very end of painting (e.g. to apply Blood + Gore or Oil Stains to your Models), although they can indeed be used as straight colors as well for certain applications. We are showing some of these applications in our upcoming (and free!) Case Application Tutorials. :) Looking forward for your content, liked + subscribed. :)
Thanks for your reply & insights Matt :) You could probably do a video just about the two new Signature sets and explore their uses... maybe something you could do on your own channel?
@@stahly_taleofpainters As life goes that is just what we did this Saturday! :D We took a 40K Orc Boss (the one with the Bone Skull Claw and little Shoulder Squig) and two Mini Busts (Female Faces sculpted by Benjamin Kantor) and used both of our Sets to paint them using all kinds of techniques. Hope editing won´t take super long this time to upload these Case Tutorials to both of our and Monument Hobbies UA-cam Channels.
Great video, really enjoyed watching this Stahly! But your title quotes me as saying something that I never said nor insinuated. I take a lot of care in describing pros and cons to all hobby products, because like you said, nothing is 'perfect or best'. I'd hate for people to think I made that claim when I didn't.
My girlfriend and I both hobby. With a recent change in venue for our crafting space giving us two different desks to paint at I went ahead and bought the Pro acryl base set and the Ninjon and Vincy V sets to get me started. I have throroughly loved using them. I have used reaper and Vallejo primarily in the past, loving both of them. We also share the Army painter speed paint 1.0 set between us. I truly think it's a matter of opinion for the most part. Similar to car brands or soda picks, they all do the same thing, it's just if you prefer the slight difference from one to the other.
I love the nozzles because of the paint. They don't waste much paint at all, they leave a clear color indicator for the paint when I store them, and the paint acts like a cap which makes me feel like the paint inside won't get dry. When im ready to use it, I just click the paint cap off and I'm good to go again.. You can also wipe the excess off on the palette and close the bottle.
I've been using pro acryl for a couple of years now and they're my go-to right now. Especially since I've been mixing my own layers/ highlights. Just like you I have TTC wave 2 and they're my primary supplement for the range. Citadel Contrast paints are my go-to for glazes still.
Great review Stahly! I started painting about 1.5 years ago with AP Speedpaints and picked up ProAcryl when I wanted some more standard acrylics. As a newer painter I do agree the range was (still is) a bit limiting, but they were also extremely easy to work with, so as you say, pros and cons. Also I think you're 100% right that the popularity they gained pushed some other companies to adjust their ranges.
Pro acryl is the best imo. The fact that they aren't trying to match all of GWs colors I think elevates the hobby. GW system is convenient but way more than what you usually need.
Someone in the chat mentioned wanting one of the pro acryl colors, but it being to expensive to ship them from the US to Poland. Pk-pro in Germany and Alphaspel in Sweden both have these paints in their online store, so you should be able to get the single color you like without having to shell out for trans-atlantic shipping.
There's at least one hooby shop in Poland (Osnowa) that has Pro Acryl in stock so in that particular case the shipping costs go further down. These paints aren't the easiest to grab in this neck of the woods but it's definitely possible.
Also, if said Person writes me a Message I will personally ship out a Pot from our Signature Set to them, free of charge. Amount limited by the size of my Wallet hahah.
Your review videos really are tue best. I stumbled onto pro acryl and haven't looked back. Once I got used to them, I really found a love for em. They also have great quality tools and the like.
Concerning the bottles, I'll have to go with the skill issue/user error. You have to wait a bit after shacking them for the paint to settle and same thing after putting paint you have to wait a bit to have no or less paint coming out when closing. The plastic of the bottles can be harder depending on the bottles or usage ? I'm not sure on it but I have way less problems with my most used PA paints like their white. The signature series is the "most used/favorite mixes" of the artists and Vince and Ninjon series are useful. Haven't bought the new one yet, on the fence due to satin/gloss
Oh my god yes, pretty much anything is better than Citadel's pots. Back when I used Citadel, I can't tell you how many pots of Nuln Oil, Agrax Earthhade, etc... I had to buy because I knocked them over and spilled them, forcing me to buy a new pot.
Man from what iv seen with these paints they look amazing I need to get a set of these (been stuck having to convert craft acrylics into cheepo hobby paint)
I'd really appreciate it if you covered the Reaper Miniatures paint range. They aren't covered as often as other ranges, but their basic acrylics and glaze paints are some of my favorites. Since I'm in the US, they're also local and quite affordable.
If you love Reaper's paint range - and I also do - you'll probably like Pro Acryl. Very similar feel on the brush, same emphasis on matte finish, flow, and opacity.
I haven't tried some of the other newer paints so that may colour my opinion a bit. When I started out I used Ninjons favourite paints for each colour as a buying guide and spent waay too much on paint, though on a positive note I got to expereince several paint ranges and I have a great selection of colours. Pro Acryl definitely stands out for me as one of my favourite brands and I've expanded my collection significantly. In addition to Bold Titanium I'm in love with Bright Warm Grey, Burnt Red, Mahogany, and my personal favourite, Copper. My go to recommendatioon for my friends who have started the hobby in the last year has been to pick up the Pro Acryl base set, then any specific contrast/speed paints and washes they want to use once they've nailed down their desired colour scheme.
I bought into ProAcryl when Monument released the core set. The paints are fantastic and I've bought each new set as they released and use the line as my primary driver. The only problem I encountered with the original range - when they were 17ml bottles - were that sometimes the agitators would get stuck in the nozzle. Another problem, which really only affected early adopters, were that when the bottles went from 17ml to 22ml the circumference changed to accommodate the volume shift so the way I stored the paints needed to be changed (I had to get new racks/cut new racks on the CNC). Of the latest two new signature sets I could do without the heavy body colors - if I want heavy body I'd just use the Golden Heavy Body acrylics I keep on hand for that purpose.
I think their metallics are fantastic. I found with PA paints that if you wait to screw it closed the paint drains back in and there is less paint residue when closing.
As someone who has a paint stash of old game color, model color and citadel i've found the proacryl fits my style the best so far. Swapping to highly pigmented matte paints at my current point in the hobby is the goal, and while I like model color I find that they feel dated compared to some other options out there. I defintiely agree with you on the caps tho, i ordered flip tops and was much happier but wish i didn't need to do so.
Love Pro Acryl! The strength of them is that each color ultimately acts the same, unlike many other ranges. Once you understand how it handles, there’s no variation in handling by color. You simply have it. I don’t really know of any other paint ranges that can boast that level of consistency. They also taste good 😉
Been using Pro Acryl for the last 4 years. They are fantastic paints for all the reasons stated here, especially the metallics and they make the best white paint on the market.
My 1st white isn't empty but I already have a spare one. Because on the shop in which I buy it, it's out of stock a lot of the time. It's so good that I can use it as a primer on resin 3d printed parts whereas on gw plastic it will not stick that good
Pro Acryl is probably my favorite paint range. I think the only other ranges I'd buy from now are TTC or AK 3rd gen. I'm a new painter and I don't really care about exact matches for GW paint schemes. I'm good with something close but also my own thing
I could really use some advice: I am in the market for a new set of paints, as my collection of Reaper paints has been sitting around for around a decade (I honestly can’t remember when I got them), and I think they may be past their prime. I have narrowed my search to two ranges: the new Warpaints Fanatics, and Pro Acryl. This is a major investment, so I think I can only justify purchasing one. Some context: I have been painting off and on for around 25 years, but I am not what I would consider to be “good”. I am still a novice when it comes to things like using additives to get the right consistency and paint characteristics, mixing colors to get exactly the shade I want, and layering. I would like to up my game with the techniques good painters talk about, like wet blending, OSL, etc. I feel as though Fanatics may be the “safe” option, as it is structured very similarly to Reaper with the triad system. However, Pro Acryl seems like it could be something that would force me to be more conscious of the decisions I am making, do more experimentation, etc., which I believe has the potential to either make me a better painter or force me to give up in frustration. What advice would you give to someone like me?
Probably get a few bottles of each range and see how you like them before you commit to a range. Also, there is nothing wrong with mixing and matching multiple paint ranges, I do it all the time.
I love Pro Acryl but it does annoy me that I have to replace all the lids (I like the flip-caps best of the three not awesome options). Still better than having to bottle GW! Great stuff as always, Stahly. I've learned a lot from you. Appreciate your detailed, yet straightforward approach.
I don't bother cleaning the pro acryl caps. I let them dry and then the next time I unscrew the cap the dried paint flakes right off. This doesn't work so well if the paint isn't fully dry though. Great Review!
Generally they are pretty good but with some I really have problems establishing an even and smooth coat. Sometimes there is some kind of micro texture due to the medium it seems and other times for example with Dark Blue I had a greenish slurrying when applying thinned. Also I had a bottle of Coal Black that had this texture thing so much to the point of unusability. In terms of smoothness they difinitely lack the qualities of AK, Citadel or Two Thin Coats I think
Maybe it's some quality control issue or bad batch? Didn't have this problem (yet) with both the sets they sent me plus a few colours I bought a while ago on my own.
@@stahly_taleofpainters Yes it might be. I don’t want to badmouth the paints, just pointing out they might not always be the much praised holy grail of acrylic paints. They definitely need some practice to unlock their potential.
I´ve got the first two sets - even though i mainly use Vallejo, Citadel, Liquitex and Oils. I think you get those when you´re basically set and already have everything you want or need. They are more of an inspirational addition or a base color for a new army scheme that just looks a bit different from a basic color from the get go. Great colors - but they are in a range that is already aimed at the more "in depth" hobby painter - and in that range they fill a niche for fans. Which is totally fine - it´s just that most people really don´t "need" them.
I only have one pro acryl paint, and its the white. Absolute game changer after looking in vain for a really solid pure white, I can't recommend it highly enough.
Very informative! I'd love to see your take on the Kimera range in the future. They're an interesting contrast to Pro Acryl with their much thicker consistency.
Nice job. I'd like to see a video review of the TT combat ones. You have a good written review but I enjoy your videos. I would also like one for the ak 3rd gen. Ty for the great content
As a painter that just started about 6 months ago Pro Acryl is one of the paints that I reach for every project my favorite being the Black Green that I blend with so many of my gw paints that it amazes me how versatile it is. I will admit the slow dry time is something that is a double edge sword but with practice it is wonderful. TLDR: Buy the Black Green Color!
Another great review. I always feel they are fair and balanced in approach. I think what would be interesting is to get a bunch of beginner/intermediate painters and get them to paint the same mini using a full colour set from each company and reviewing what they liked. And disliked about each company's paints.
Regarding the nozzles, I personally prefer the alternate flip-top lids they sell. Seems to seal better and for some reason it feels easier to squeeze out drops with them.
Not tried any of the 'influencer' Pro Acryl but I love the standard range I have, they are fantastic thru an airbrush due to the high pigmentation. Absolutely hate the bottle tops though.
I bought Dark Neutral Grey and Bright Neutral Grey as my 'trial' for these paints and I find their consistency fantastic. I have a mixed bag of Citadel, Vallejo and GSW paints but I much prefer the more thin consistency of these paints, the way they go on and the fact it makes me mix paints to get a colour I need/want. Not only is it cheaper (than buying 4 differing variations of red for example) but it makes you think more about your painting. Last week I bought the Base Set and black primer and can't wait to use them more and experiment, they have replaced my Vallejo/Citadel paints.
I like your videos for their honesty. Personally, I have all of Citadel, Scale 75 and Pro Acryl Ranges. And I mix and match all. But I find Pro Acryl to be more consist, if not limited. As most of their expansions come in sets of 7(ish), what colours would you like to see in a Pro Acryl shades/ washes set?
I actually like a lot of colours from the Citadel Shade range so I'd love to see counterparts of them... a crimson red, a cool and warm dark green, dark blackish blue, a warm sepia, purple, and another dark brown like Targor Rageshade.
I hear so much good stuff about AK 3rd Gen, but they're impossible to find locally in my fairly major city US city. Because of that I've been leaning more into Pro Acryl.
Many people in Europe have the same problem with Pro Acryl. Where I live only one store is selling them. One store for whole country! And their price is even greater than Citadels. It's still increasing, making them just too expensive to consider Pro Acryl as reasonable option. Fortunately AK Interactive are easily found and even 50% cheaper here, so it's a no brainer. From what I was able to gather from Vince V and other trustworthy influencers, AK and Pro Acryl are basicaly the same product in quality, pigmentation and durability.
Damn that black carapace looks good, makes me want to paint some nids! Do you have any thoughts specifically on Matt Cexwish's Dark Bronze? A couple weeks back the Poorhammer Podcast endorsed it as *the* bronze to get, but qualified it by saying it was based on limited testing because it's so new.
@@stahly_taleofpainters thanks, good to have that as a reference! Planning to have a bronze-y colour as the main armour accent for my sisters of battle, so I've been trying to figure out the best paint to get for that.
Big fan of the paint range, and I actually don’t mind the screw top bottles at all. I wipe the tips on my dropper bottles too, so I’ve already got a paper towel on my desk anyways, and it’s way better than getting paint stuck into the ring inside the Citadel paint lids.
I love the thoroughness of your reviews. The best paint for you is the one you like working with. Every range has stars and duds in their range. Try them all and make your own custom collection from the various ranges :) I love golden (mainly so flat and high flo) but also use scale 75 metals many different vallejo and some gw and army painter as well as reaper and liqitex and fw inks.
@@poilaaliop they do everything well, even washes and glazes and layering and drybrushing, wet bending 2bb. they take additives like retarder and mediums well too. its takes a lot to make them break down. graba few colors that you think you would use a lot and go to town!
The Pro Acryl paints look interesting. They seem to cover really well for how thin they are. Those screw tops and the limited range of colours are big turn offs however. Just give me a standard dropper bottle. Also fits in my rack more easily.
Hey there, are you able to let me know what colours you used for the pink tendrils of the Genestealer? I am looking for a pinkish red to paint one of my Infinity armies. Screamer pink into pink horror is a bit too far away from the red spectrum for what I have in my mind's eye! I only have access to citadel and army painter locally so need to shop online but I don't like buying paints without seeing them or receiving a recommendation first. I really appreciate the reviews of each brand you put out
Cheers. To replicate the look with Citadel & TAP, I's start with Warpaints Centaur Skin, highlight with a Centaur Skin / White mix, recess shade with thinned Scar Tissue, then glaze the top of the tendrils with multiple layers of Magos Purple thinned with a lot of Contrat Medium.
Mainly because they contain alcohol, don't drybrush well, and the colour palette is limited. I wouldn't recommend them to the average hobbyist, especially if you have like Vallejo Mecha colour metallics and Model Air Steel which are just as good but water-based.
ProAcryl and AK are by far my favorite paint ranges, but the annoying screw tops of ProAcryl make me prefer AK for the bulk of my collection. No idea why they felt the need to try to reinvent the wheel with droppers.
While i don't think they're the best, cause I just love my AK paints PA are probably the most consistent paints i ever handled outside of the AK line regardless of color, but I am not a pro or even close to your level painting
I truly appreciate this review brother...I happen to agree with you on a lot of points...I love the paint but I hate the bottles, and I hate the having to wipe the tops...there is a learning curve on them but it's a journey right??? I have the first two of the series and was actually on my way to buy 3 and 4 but due to your review I will pass for now...I am actually really enjoying the TTCombat line and would love for you to do a review on them...I have most of Duncan's line but for some reason he irks me a bit...I'm going over to watch that review now...thanks a lot and keep the videos coming!!!
They’re so matte which was a bit of a shocker at first, but wow the color and behavior on a brush are both really great. Satin varnish has been my friend with these
I feel that their white is best used for edge highlights, for layering an opaque layer of white I'd rather prefer Model Color or Game Color White, or White Star from Two Thin Coats. Pro Acryl's Titanium White can indeed come out a bit chalky after a couple of layers.
@stahly_taleofpainters to me they seem like kinda like using inks but less fiddley . Always have to mess around with ink to get it right but they work pretty well out of the bottle for me.
I just got the base set in to paint some statues etc not miniatures I dont play the game but everyone says the paint is good. For me I wouldnt include the nozzle in a review, if that was the case Id give every tube of acrylic paint a 0 because I hate how the metal tubes dont swell back up like plastic ones after squeezing haha
Your nerd collection in the background is awesome. Its amazing to see a younger guy into the older He-Man and TMNT figs. Good on you man! As far as 'the best paint', there are none. The best paint will be whatever each individual painter loves to use on a daily basis, times however many painters there are out there. ProAcryl is great, but i think a collection of different ranges from different vendors is best.
@@stahly_taleofpainters That got my mind spinning on the probabilities of your personal evolution. That would make you a 7-10 years old around 1994-1997. Did they still have alot of those toys in the stores where you lived (at the time)? If so, i find that utterly fascinating. I'm 46, so i got to be alive and aware in 83-84, when that Transformers/GI Joe/He-Man/(and many more)-toy craze hit. I am so happy my childhood was in the 80s. :)
@@geteavnroc2250 I believe back then in Germany we got things 1 to 2 years later than in the US. Masters of the Universe was still a thing when I was in kindergarten, then Turtles came around, and in elementary school I loved Mighty Max, Batman The Animated Series, and Power Rangers. In secondary school it was all about Pokémon and anime.
I tried to read as many of the comments as I could so as to not repeat stated info, so I hope I don't lol but here goes, PA seems more geared twds the owners taste, not a bad thing it just is, if you watch his twitch you'll see he uses a dry pallet, I've had the same struggles with their paints on my wet pallet, and I've learned small dabs on a dry work better with most of their paints, also they aren't directly geared twds just gw models, Jason likes Mechs more than anything lol meaning yr right, you have to have an idea of what you want to accomplish before buying a "set" to paint an army, they really just provide colors, it's up to you to know what goes where and how, the range is for all hobbies requiring acrylic paints not just GW army's, as far as the pots go, ill take PA and 2thincoats bottles over citadel pots any and every day, but that's just a pure preference issue, loved the review and smashed the subscribe, can't wait to dig into yr old content and see more new!
Pro acrylic… professional acrylic paints, it’s in the name, these aren’t necessarily beginner paints, but the sooner you use these, like many pro paint lines, you’ll see their properties are similar across the range. Don’t rely on one paint brand, find your fav’s from each, we are spoiled for choice these days :)
Best and worst are always going to be a relative matter based on use, location and user. Stahly appears to use that concept in his reviews which makes these a definite plus for the miniature world where paint is a required staple.
To be honest, Ben and me were not too big fans of the Screw + Drop style of the caps in the beginning, but they grew on us... And you can always unscrew the lower part of the lid + take the paint out with a Brush. In this way, you won't get any paint on your hands and also don't need to get the simple Screw On Lids from the Store.
Hey Stahly, could you recommend the brand which makes the best dripper bottle that have both good tips and soft yet rigid enough plastic. I've heard Ninjon and others recommend war colours, but I've also heard others say that they're bottles are litle bit too stiff
By a wide margin I prefer new Vallejo Game Color bottles (standard size, very soft to squeeze, fully transparent, thick nozzles, but I think you can‘t get empty ones yet :/
Have to agree that the range of colours is limited; the only colours that I have mainly needed from the range are the warm greys and neutral grey. The only other useful item from their line are the empty dropper bottles; these are the perfect size for transferring the original Ral Partha paints from their old screw top pots.
my experience with their regular acrylics has been good. However I picked up their brown-black primer as I wanted to try out their primers and it's a shade not really offered by other brands, and it was absolutely garbage, took 3 coats to get anything even approaching a solid undercoat and was still streaky
trying to dry brush with pro acryl paints is next so annoying if you use it without waiting for it to dry A LOT it will flick specks/dust onto the model.
My hand-painted comparison swatches for Pro Acryl and many other paint ranges here: www.patreon.com/stahlytaleofpainters/shop
And here is my personal best of miniature paints: taleofpainters.com/2023/08/stahlys-best-miniature-paints-warhammer-2024/
At last! 🎉
I was waiting so long for this one…
Your paint reviews continue to be an invaluable resource to me, thank you for all your high quality work!
With that hat and that accent, this channel is amazing!
Heavy Titanium White is the only white with a two bar opacity rating on your swatches, that sounds like it should have merited a mention in at least one of those Pro Acryl videos. Would you say it's a good investment for basecoating space marines which are already primed dark before yellow when one already has White Scar and Bold Titanium White?
Pro Acryl is my favorite range. I used to hate the nozzles, but now I like them. The key is to let them sit open for a few minutes prior to twisting closed. This lets the bubbles out and the paint in the nozzle to drain and largely solves the issue with lots of paint coming out the top.
I love them, and buy the replacement nozzles.
Good to know
Stahly's channel might not be the size of Ninjon's, but his paint reviews are some of the best hobby videos on YT and he should have way, wayyyy more followers than he does have.
🥹
Chronically undervalued. Literally was talking to a friend about undervalued UA-camrs and Stahly was who we discussed. Fantastic and informative videos presented in such a great way.
In time this must become a really huge channel. The quality of the presentation, the depth and thorough analysis... Stahly is a must-see prior to buying new paint. Since the market exploded a few years ago we've really needed something like this to be honest. Even a single paint range can be very complex, with a lot of nuance. And there are so many now! Trial and error is costly so it's invaluable to be able to make more informed decisions before putting paint to plastic.
Agreed. I trust his reviews and opinions, and I really appreciate his tips (like creating swatches for my paint, which I am in the process of doing).
Thanks for the review! If you'd ever like to discuss how / why the paints work the way they do, and why we designed them this way, hit us up!
Thank you for reviewing our Signature Paint line and your thoughts on the paints, much appreciated. :) To be frank we were also not huge fans of the twist + drop caps of Monument, but we learned how to use them properly without any spills in short time. Personally, I like to add a small drop of the actual paint on top of the paint anyways, so I can see exactly how the batch dries. Since I want to keep my hands clean I unscrew the paint lid completely and take some paint out with a disposable brush at the beginning of a Painting session.
Regarding the hydrofil properties of the Medium and soaking with water from the Wet Palette, that is actually a benefit in my point of view as it will truly help to keep your paint useable and hydrated. For the Heavy Body Paint I use a less wet spot on the Wet Palette or add a small piece of Plasticard on top of the Palette which will keep the Heavy Body Paint heavy.
Regarding the Satin and Gloss addition to Monument Hobbies Range, I'd personally see them as an additional tool for your range rather than a "niche in a niche" type of deal... If you need some additional depth in your darkest shadows, a Satin shine will do wonders. The two Glossy Paints are meant to be Effect paints to be used at the very end of painting (e.g. to apply Blood + Gore or Oil Stains to your Models), although they can indeed be used as straight colors as well for certain applications. We are showing some of these applications in our upcoming (and free!) Case Application Tutorials. :)
Looking forward for your content, liked + subscribed. :)
Thanks for your reply & insights Matt :) You could probably do a video just about the two new Signature sets and explore their uses... maybe something you could do on your own channel?
@@stahly_taleofpainters As life goes that is just what we did this Saturday! :D We took a 40K Orc Boss (the one with the Bone Skull Claw and little Shoulder Squig) and two Mini Busts (Female Faces sculpted by Benjamin Kantor) and used both of our Sets to paint them using all kinds of techniques. Hope editing won´t take super long this time to upload these Case Tutorials to both of our and Monument Hobbies UA-cam Channels.
Great video, really enjoyed watching this Stahly!
But your title quotes me as saying something that I never said nor insinuated. I take a lot of care in describing pros and cons to all hobby products, because like you said, nothing is 'perfect or best'. I'd hate for people to think I made that claim when I didn't.
Cheers! Admittedly, the title was somewhat hyperbolic (you know, the algorithm and all). If you can't support the statement, I'll change the title.
My girlfriend and I both hobby. With a recent change in venue for our crafting space giving us two different desks to paint at I went ahead and bought the Pro acryl base set and the Ninjon and Vincy V sets to get me started. I have throroughly loved using them. I have used reaper and Vallejo primarily in the past, loving both of them. We also share the Army painter speed paint 1.0 set between us. I truly think it's a matter of opinion for the most part. Similar to car brands or soda picks, they all do the same thing, it's just if you prefer the slight difference from one to the other.
I love your channel. It has helped me a lot. You reviews are thorough and fair. Someday I may do Patreon.
Happy to help :)
I love the nozzles because of the paint. They don't waste much paint at all, they leave a clear color indicator for the paint when I store them, and the paint acts like a cap which makes me feel like the paint inside won't get dry.
When im ready to use it, I just click the paint cap off and I'm good to go again..
You can also wipe the excess off on the palette and close the bottle.
I've been using pro acryl for a couple of years now and they're my go-to right now. Especially since I've been mixing my own layers/ highlights. Just like you I have TTC wave 2 and they're my primary supplement for the range. Citadel Contrast paints are my go-to for glazes still.
Great review Stahly!
I started painting about 1.5 years ago with AP Speedpaints and picked up ProAcryl when I wanted some more standard acrylics. As a newer painter I do agree the range was (still is) a bit limiting, but they were also extremely easy to work with, so as you say, pros and cons.
Also I think you're 100% right that the popularity they gained pushed some other companies to adjust their ranges.
Pro acryl is the best imo. The fact that they aren't trying to match all of GWs colors I think elevates the hobby. GW system is convenient but way more than what you usually need.
Someone in the chat mentioned wanting one of the pro acryl colors, but it being to expensive to ship them from the US to Poland. Pk-pro in Germany and Alphaspel in Sweden both have these paints in their online store, so you should be able to get the single color you like without having to shell out for trans-atlantic shipping.
There's at least one hooby shop in Poland (Osnowa) that has Pro Acryl in stock so in that particular case the shipping costs go further down. These paints aren't the easiest to grab in this neck of the woods but it's definitely possible.
We are currently working on getting them offered at more Distributors and Brick & Mortar stores in Poland, for obvious reasons. 😁🇵🇱
Also, if said Person writes me a Message I will personally ship out a Pot from our Signature Set to them, free of charge. Amount limited by the size of my Wallet hahah.
Will admit Bold Titanium White is the best I've encounter from this. if the paints are good there are no issues with me.
i will say that often times when i unscrew the cap the paint explodes out which is pretty obnoxious, but they are also easily my favorite paint range
Your review videos really are tue best. I stumbled onto pro acryl and haven't looked back. Once I got used to them, I really found a love for em. They also have great quality tools and the like.
Really straightforward and helpful. Thanks for putting this out!
I really like the screw open tips. After usage a little paint remains on the the tip. This is sn excellent way for me to see the colour dried.
Pro Acryl is my go to paints, still use some AK 3rd gen but won't touch GW paints for the price and require too much thinning for my style.
Concerning the bottles, I'll have to go with the skill issue/user error.
You have to wait a bit after shacking them for the paint to settle and same thing after putting paint you have to wait a bit to have no or less paint coming out when closing.
The plastic of the bottles can be harder depending on the bottles or usage ? I'm not sure on it but I have way less problems with my most used PA paints like their white.
The signature series is the "most used/favorite mixes" of the artists and Vince and Ninjon series are useful.
Haven't bought the new one yet, on the fence due to satin/gloss
I always look forward to your videos, hopefully one day you gwt to Ak gen 3, id be interested to hear your detailed take on it!
I like Pro Acryls a lot. I think the nozzles are fine, but I recognize that some folks might not like them. They are way better than GW pots!
Oh my god yes, pretty much anything is better than Citadel's pots. Back when I used Citadel, I can't tell you how many pots of Nuln Oil, Agrax Earthhade, etc... I had to buy because I knocked them over and spilled them, forcing me to buy a new pot.
Man from what iv seen with these paints they look amazing I need to get a set of these (been stuck having to convert craft acrylics into cheepo hobby paint)
I'd really appreciate it if you covered the Reaper Miniatures paint range. They aren't covered as often as other ranges, but their basic acrylics and glaze paints are some of my favorites. Since I'm in the US, they're also local and quite affordable.
Agreed! I really like Reaper Paints. They're awesome.
If you love Reaper's paint range - and I also do - you'll probably like Pro Acryl. Very similar feel on the brush, same emphasis on matte finish, flow, and opacity.
I'll put in on my list! Reaper paints are a bit hard to get in the EU, but I see what I can do.
Reaper paints definitely do not get the coverage and the praise they deserve.
They don't get any coverage because the paint sucks. Ironically, they don't cover very well lol.
probably the best well rounded miniature paint reviews on YT, would love to see a video on ak interactive thrid gen range! thank you
I haven't tried some of the other newer paints so that may colour my opinion a bit. When I started out I used Ninjons favourite paints for each colour as a buying guide and spent waay too much on paint, though on a positive note I got to expereince several paint ranges and I have a great selection of colours. Pro Acryl definitely stands out for me as one of my favourite brands and I've expanded my collection significantly. In addition to Bold Titanium I'm in love with Bright Warm Grey, Burnt Red, Mahogany, and my personal favourite, Copper.
My go to recommendatioon for my friends who have started the hobby in the last year has been to pick up the Pro Acryl base set, then any specific contrast/speed paints and washes they want to use once they've nailed down their desired colour scheme.
I switched over all of my paints to ProAcryl over the past year. It's consistently good.
I bought into ProAcryl when Monument released the core set. The paints are fantastic and I've bought each new set as they released and use the line as my primary driver. The only problem I encountered with the original range - when they were 17ml bottles - were that sometimes the agitators would get stuck in the nozzle. Another problem, which really only affected early adopters, were that when the bottles went from 17ml to 22ml the circumference changed to accommodate the volume shift so the way I stored the paints needed to be changed (I had to get new racks/cut new racks on the CNC). Of the latest two new signature sets I could do without the heavy body colors - if I want heavy body I'd just use the Golden Heavy Body acrylics I keep on hand for that purpose.
I think their metallics are fantastic. I found with PA paints that if you wait to screw it closed the paint drains back in and there is less paint residue when closing.
As someone who has a paint stash of old game color, model color and citadel i've found the proacryl fits my style the best so far. Swapping to highly pigmented matte paints at my current point in the hobby is the goal, and while I like model color I find that they feel dated compared to some other options out there. I defintiely agree with you on the caps tho, i ordered flip tops and was much happier but wish i didn't need to do so.
This!
Love Pro Acryl! The strength of them is that each color ultimately acts the same, unlike many other ranges. Once you understand how it handles, there’s no variation in handling by color. You simply have it. I don’t really know of any other paint ranges that can boast that level of consistency. They also taste good 😉
Been using Pro Acryl for the last 4 years. They are fantastic paints for all the reasons stated here, especially the metallics and they make the best white paint on the market.
I agree! Once you get use to their flow, they look absolutely wonderful
My 1st white isn't empty but I already have a spare one.
Because on the shop in which I buy it, it's out of stock a lot of the time.
It's so good that I can use it as a primer on resin 3d printed parts whereas on gw plastic it will not stick that good
Pro Acryl is probably my favorite paint range. I think the only other ranges I'd buy from now are TTC or AK 3rd gen. I'm a new painter and I don't really care about exact matches for GW paint schemes. I'm good with something close but also my own thing
I love the recommendation of the two thin coats range and pro acryl. They work really well together. Love your breakdowns as always!
I could really use some advice: I am in the market for a new set of paints, as my collection of Reaper paints has been sitting around for around a decade (I honestly can’t remember when I got them), and I think they may be past their prime.
I have narrowed my search to two ranges: the new Warpaints Fanatics, and Pro Acryl. This is a major investment, so I think I can only justify purchasing one.
Some context:
I have been painting off and on for around 25 years, but I am not what I would consider to be “good”. I am still a novice when it comes to things like using additives to get the right consistency and paint characteristics, mixing colors to get exactly the shade I want, and layering. I would like to up my game with the techniques good painters talk about, like wet blending, OSL, etc.
I feel as though Fanatics may be the “safe” option, as it is structured very similarly to Reaper with the triad system. However, Pro Acryl seems like it could be something that would force me to be more conscious of the decisions I am making, do more experimentation, etc., which I believe has the potential to either make me a better painter or force me to give up in frustration.
What advice would you give to someone like me?
Probably get a few bottles of each range and see how you like them before you commit to a range. Also, there is nothing wrong with mixing and matching multiple paint ranges, I do it all the time.
I know your channel doesnt get the attention it deserves, but i just want you to know you do a fabulous job with your videos!
Pro Acryl is my favorite paint, not because I don't use other paints for some applications, but because I use Pro Acryl for around 75% of them.
I love Pro Acryl but it does annoy me that I have to replace all the lids (I like the flip-caps best of the three not awesome options). Still better than having to bottle GW!
Great stuff as always, Stahly. I've learned a lot from you. Appreciate your detailed, yet straightforward approach.
I don't bother cleaning the pro acryl caps. I let them dry and then the next time I unscrew the cap the dried paint flakes right off. This doesn't work so well if the paint isn't fully dry though.
Great Review!
I‘ll give it a try :)
Generally they are pretty good but with some I really have problems establishing an even and smooth coat. Sometimes there is some kind of micro texture due to the medium it seems and other times for example with Dark Blue I had a greenish slurrying when applying thinned. Also I had a bottle of Coal Black that had this texture thing so much to the point of unusability.
In terms of smoothness they difinitely lack the qualities of AK, Citadel or Two Thin Coats I think
Maybe it's some quality control issue or bad batch? Didn't have this problem (yet) with both the sets they sent me plus a few colours I bought a while ago on my own.
@@stahly_taleofpainters Yes it might be. I don’t want to badmouth the paints, just pointing out they might not always be the much praised holy grail of acrylic paints. They definitely need some practice to unlock their potential.
I´ve got the first two sets - even though i mainly use Vallejo, Citadel, Liquitex and Oils. I think you get those when you´re basically set and already have everything you want or need. They are more of an inspirational addition or a base color for a new army scheme that just looks a bit different from a basic color from the get go. Great colors - but they are in a range that is already aimed at the more "in depth" hobby painter - and in that range they fill a niche for fans. Which is totally fine - it´s just that most people really don´t "need" them.
I only have one pro acryl paint, and its the white. Absolute game changer after looking in vain for a really solid pure white, I can't recommend it highly enough.
Very informative! I'd love to see your take on the Kimera range in the future. They're an interesting contrast to Pro Acryl with their much thicker consistency.
Nice job. I'd like to see a video review of the TT combat ones. You have a good written review but I enjoy your videos. I would also like one for the ak 3rd gen.
Ty for the great content
I love these thorough reviews. Would love to see coverage of AK.
As a painter that just started about 6 months ago Pro Acryl is one of the paints that I reach for every project my favorite being the Black Green that I blend with so many of my gw paints that it amazes me how versatile it is. I will admit the slow dry time is something that is a double edge sword but with practice it is wonderful.
TLDR: Buy the Black Green Color!
Great review!! As always, yours are the best IMO. And I wanted to know your opinion on this range since a lot of time. Thanks for deliver ;)
Another great review. I always feel they are fair and balanced in approach. I think what would be interesting is to get a bunch of beginner/intermediate painters and get them to paint the same mini using a full colour set from each company and reviewing what they liked. And disliked about each company's paints.
Regarding the nozzles, I personally prefer the alternate flip-top lids they sell. Seems to seal better and for some reason it feels easier to squeeze out drops with them.
Not tried any of the 'influencer' Pro Acryl but I love the standard range I have, they are fantastic thru an airbrush due to the high pigmentation. Absolutely hate the bottle tops though.
Stahly, still one of the best reviewers on the tubes.
love the reviews. Love the pink lights, too!
I bought Dark Neutral Grey and Bright Neutral Grey as my 'trial' for these paints and I find their consistency fantastic.
I have a mixed bag of Citadel, Vallejo and GSW paints but I much prefer the more thin consistency of these paints, the way they go on and the fact it makes me mix paints to get a colour I need/want. Not only is it cheaper (than buying 4 differing variations of red for example) but it makes you think more about your painting.
Last week I bought the Base Set and black primer and can't wait to use them more and experiment, they have replaced my Vallejo/Citadel paints.
I like your videos for their honesty. Personally, I have all of Citadel, Scale 75 and Pro Acryl Ranges. And I mix and match all. But I find Pro Acryl to be more consist, if not limited.
As most of their expansions come in sets of 7(ish), what colours would you like to see in a Pro Acryl shades/ washes set?
I actually like a lot of colours from the Citadel Shade range so I'd love to see counterparts of them... a crimson red, a cool and warm dark green, dark blackish blue, a warm sepia, purple, and another dark brown like Targor Rageshade.
Highly want to see the AK 3th review ❤❤❤❤❤ can’t wait 😂
I'll see what I can do!
Thank you for giving a balanced assessment of the paint range. Cheers
I hear so much good stuff about AK 3rd Gen, but they're impossible to find locally in my fairly major city US city. Because of that I've been leaning more into Pro Acryl.
Many people in Europe have the same problem with Pro Acryl. Where I live only one store is selling them. One store for whole country! And their price is even greater than Citadels. It's still increasing, making them just too expensive to consider Pro Acryl as reasonable option. Fortunately AK Interactive are easily found and even 50% cheaper here, so it's a no brainer. From what I was able to gather from Vince V and other trustworthy influencers, AK and Pro Acryl are basicaly the same product in quality, pigmentation and durability.
Damn that black carapace looks good, makes me want to paint some nids!
Do you have any thoughts specifically on Matt Cexwish's Dark Bronze? A couple weeks back the Poorhammer Podcast endorsed it as *the* bronze to get, but qualified it by saying it was based on limited testing because it's so new.
Yeah it‘s pretty good, most similar to Castellax Bronze (which is already pretty good).
@@stahly_taleofpainters thanks, good to have that as a reference!
Planning to have a bronze-y colour as the main armour accent for my sisters of battle, so I've been trying to figure out the best paint to get for that.
My go to products are AK 3rd gen and Scale 75 artist range and then some GW and Vallejo products
I was the like that moved the thumb from 999 - 1k.
That was unnecessarily satisfying.
Really though, thank you for this video!
I prefer the flip top caps for the ProAcryl line.
Fantastic video mate. 👍👌🔥
Big fan of the paint range, and I actually don’t mind the screw top bottles at all. I wipe the tips on my dropper bottles too, so I’ve already got a paper towel on my desk anyways, and it’s way better than getting paint stuck into the ring inside the Citadel paint lids.
Subbed. Sorry I haven't found your channel previously. Thank you for doing this review.👍👍
I love the thoroughness of your reviews. The best paint for you is the one you like working with. Every range has stars and duds in their range. Try them all and make your own custom collection from the various ranges :) I love golden (mainly so flat and high flo) but also use scale 75 metals many different vallejo and some gw and army painter as well as reaper and liqitex and fw inks.
Someone else who loves golden! Finally! They are so good! My favourite line is the Fluid Acrylics, but I haven't tried So Flat yet. Any tips?
@@poilaaliop they do everything well, even washes and glazes and layering and drybrushing, wet bending 2bb. they take additives like retarder and mediums well too. its takes a lot to make them break down. graba few colors that you think you would use a lot and go to town!
Any chance you will review the new Warpaints from Army Painter? I would love to see a honest review.
Definitely planned! They look very promising.
1:33 where can I buy these panels for testing paints?
It's textured plasticard, check out this post: taleofpainters.com/2021/07/top-tip-make-your-own-paint-swatch-to-organise-your-paint-collection/
The Pro Acryl paints look interesting. They seem to cover really well for how thin they are.
Those screw tops and the limited range of colours are big turn offs however. Just give me a standard dropper bottle. Also fits in my rack more easily.
Great stuff friend 👏 👍
Hey there, are you able to let me know what colours you used for the pink tendrils of the Genestealer? I am looking for a pinkish red to paint one of my Infinity armies. Screamer pink into pink horror is a bit too far away from the red spectrum for what I have in my mind's eye! I only have access to citadel and army painter locally so need to shop online but I don't like buying paints without seeing them or receiving a recommendation first. I really appreciate the reviews of each brand you put out
Cheers. To replicate the look with Citadel & TAP, I's start with Warpaints Centaur Skin, highlight with a Centaur Skin / White mix, recess shade with thinned Scar Tissue, then glaze the top of the tendrils with multiple layers of Magos Purple thinned with a lot of Contrat Medium.
Next article idea 💡:
Best paints for FX, fluo, ink, glaze?
Another outstanding review. Keep up the good work!
I noticed Vallejo metal color, is not on your list, I was wondering if there was a specific reason?
Mainly because they contain alcohol, don't drybrush well, and the colour palette is limited. I wouldn't recommend them to the average hobbyist, especially if you have like Vallejo Mecha colour metallics and Model Air Steel which are just as good but water-based.
I love Pro Acryl but I find a “damp palette” (so to speak) is more appropriate for them rather than a wet palette.
ProAcryl and AK are by far my favorite paint ranges, but the annoying screw tops of ProAcryl make me prefer AK for the bulk of my collection. No idea why they felt the need to try to reinvent the wheel with droppers.
Haven’t tried the newest signature. The gloss satin quality has me hesitant. Otherwise everytime I paint with pro acryl I get immediate satisfaction.
While i don't think they're the best, cause I just love my AK paints PA are probably the most consistent paints i ever handled outside of the AK line regardless of color, but I am not a pro or even close to your level painting
I truly appreciate this review brother...I happen to agree with you on a lot of points...I love the paint but I hate the bottles, and I hate the having to wipe the tops...there is a learning curve on them but it's a journey right??? I have the first two of the series and was actually on my way to buy 3 and 4 but due to your review I will pass for now...I am actually really enjoying the TTCombat line and would love for you to do a review on them...I have most of Duncan's line but for some reason he irks me a bit...I'm going over to watch that review now...thanks a lot and keep the videos coming!!!
Cheers :) Actually did a review of TTCombat paints, not as a video but on my website: taleofpainters.com/2023/07/review-ttcombat-paints-washes/
They’re so matte which was a bit of a shocker at first, but wow the color and behavior on a brush are both really great. Satin varnish has been my friend with these
Love the paints. Hate the bottles. Great review dude
great review, are you gonna cover ttcombat paints?
I did, not in a video though, but on my website: taleofpainters.com/2023/07/review-ttcombat-paints-washes/
thanks a lot@@stahly_taleofpainters
Im not a good painter. When i use the titanium white “number 1 best white paint” the finish comes out chalky. Any help?
I feel that their white is best used for edge highlights, for layering an opaque layer of white I'd rather prefer Model Color or Game Color White, or White Star from Two Thin Coats. Pro Acryl's Titanium White can indeed come out a bit chalky after a couple of layers.
the transparent set is my favorite one and the one i use the most xD
Oh, really? How do you use them?
@stahly_taleofpainters to me they seem like kinda like using inks but less fiddley . Always have to mess around with ink to get it right but they work pretty well out of the bottle for me.
pleas do a review of AK 3rd gen
It‘s on my list!
Interesting and useful as always.
Easy fix to reduce paint loss in the tips of Pro Acryl is to tap the bottle down on the desk before closing the screw top - but still not perfect
I'll try!
Yeah, these are my favorites now
Pretty cool review Thanks! You got sub!
I just got the base set in to paint some statues etc not miniatures I dont play the game but everyone says the paint is good. For me I wouldnt include the nozzle in a review, if that was the case Id give every tube of acrylic paint a 0 because I hate how the metal tubes dont swell back up like plastic ones after squeezing haha
Your nerd collection in the background is awesome. Its amazing to see a younger guy into the older He-Man and TMNT figs. Good on you man! As far as 'the best paint', there are none. The best paint will be whatever each individual painter loves to use on a daily basis, times however many painters there are out there. ProAcryl is great, but i think a collection of different ranges from different vendors is best.
I loved firing pizza discs at my sister!
Actually, I'm 36... I grew up with them and most of the toys on my shelf are actually my childhood figures :D
@@stahly_taleofpainters That got my mind spinning on the probabilities of your personal evolution. That would make you a 7-10 years old around 1994-1997. Did they still have alot of those toys in the stores where you lived (at the time)? If so, i find that utterly fascinating. I'm 46, so i got to be alive and aware in 83-84, when that Transformers/GI Joe/He-Man/(and many more)-toy craze hit. I am so happy my childhood was in the 80s. :)
@@geteavnroc2250 I believe back then in Germany we got things 1 to 2 years later than in the US. Masters of the Universe was still a thing when I was in kindergarten, then Turtles came around, and in elementary school I loved Mighty Max, Batman The Animated Series, and Power Rangers. In secondary school it was all about Pokémon and anime.
I tried to read as many of the comments as I could so as to not repeat stated info, so I hope I don't lol but here goes, PA seems more geared twds the owners taste, not a bad thing it just is, if you watch his twitch you'll see he uses a dry pallet, I've had the same struggles with their paints on my wet pallet, and I've learned small dabs on a dry work better with most of their paints, also they aren't directly geared twds just gw models, Jason likes Mechs more than anything lol meaning yr right, you have to have an idea of what you want to accomplish before buying a "set" to paint an army, they really just provide colors, it's up to you to know what goes where and how, the range is for all hobbies requiring acrylic paints not just GW army's, as far as the pots go, ill take PA and 2thincoats bottles over citadel pots any and every day, but that's just a pure preference issue, loved the review and smashed the subscribe, can't wait to dig into yr old content and see more new!
Pro acrylic… professional acrylic paints, it’s in the name, these aren’t necessarily beginner paints, but the sooner you use these, like many pro paint lines, you’ll see their properties are similar across the range.
Don’t rely on one paint brand, find your fav’s from each, we are spoiled for choice these days :)
Best and worst are always going to be a relative matter based on use, location and user. Stahly appears to use that concept in his reviews which makes these a definite plus for the miniature world where paint is a required staple.
Golden So-Flat- perfection.
The nozzles are a serious design oversight in my opinion, lots of paint gets wasted.
To be honest, Ben and me were not too big fans of the Screw + Drop style of the caps in the beginning, but they grew on us... And you can always unscrew the lower part of the lid + take the paint out with a Brush. In this way, you won't get any paint on your hands and also don't need to get the simple Screw On Lids from the Store.
Which is actually what I did a lot while using them :D
Hey Stahly, could you recommend the brand which makes the best dripper bottle that have both good tips and soft yet rigid enough plastic.
I've heard Ninjon and others recommend war colours, but I've also heard others say that they're bottles are litle bit too stiff
By a wide margin I prefer new Vallejo Game Color bottles (standard size, very soft to squeeze, fully transparent, thick nozzles, but I think you can‘t get empty ones yet :/
Have to agree that the range of colours is limited; the only colours that I have mainly needed from the range are the warm greys and neutral grey. The only other useful item from their line are the empty dropper bottles; these are the perfect size for transferring the original Ral Partha paints from their old screw top pots.
my experience with their regular acrylics has been good. However I picked up their brown-black primer as I wanted to try out their primers and it's a shade not really offered by other brands, and it was absolutely garbage, took 3 coats to get anything even approaching a solid undercoat and was still streaky
Mmh, sorry to hear, did you contact them?
I only use their white.
trying to dry brush with pro acryl paints is next so annoying if you use it without waiting for it to dry A LOT it will flick specks/dust onto the model.