Introduction
Painting is the step that transforms a 3D printed prop from plastic to prop. Done right, it adds depth, realism, and a professional quality that makes a print look far beyond its origins.
But not all paints work equally well on PLA+. Adhesion, flexibility, and finish quality vary significantly between product types. This guide compares the most popular options and gives you clear guidance on what to use and when.
Step Zero: Primer
Before any paint, you need primer. Primer does two things: it gives paint a mechanical key to grip onto (PLA+ is naturally slick), and it reveals surface imperfections you can sand out before committing to colour. See our Sanding 3D Prints Guide for prep tips before you prime.
Recommended primers for PLA+:
- Spray primer (grey or white) — fast and even. Grey primer is best for dark colour schemes; white for bright colours.
- Automotive filler primer — excellent for hiding layer lines and small surface defects before painting.
- Brush-on primer — useful for detail areas and touch-ups.
Always prime before painting, no matter which paint system you use.
Option 1: Acrylic Paints
Acrylics are the most popular choice for prop painting and for good reason: they're water-based, dry quickly, clean up easily, and are available in an enormous range of colours.
Best brands for prop work: Vallejo Model Color, Army Painter, Citadel (Games Workshop), and Golden Acrylics for larger surfaces.
- Pros: huge colour range, easy to thin and layer, excellent for detail work, weathering, and washes.
- Cons: can brush-stroke if applied too thick; multiple thin coats required.
Our recommendation: Vallejo or Army Painter for fine detail work; spray acrylics for base coats on large props.
Option 2: Spray Paint
Rattle-can spray paint gives the smoothest, most even base coats — perfect for large surface areas. Many prop painters use spray for base coats and switch to brush-applied acrylics for detail work.
Rustoleum and Montana are popular choices for prop makers. Tamiya spray lacquers are excellent for a smooth gloss finish before weathering.
- Pros: fast, even coverage; professional-looking base coats.
- Cons: harder to control; requires good ventilation; can obscure fine detail if applied too heavily.
Option 3: Enamel Paints
Enamels dry to a harder, more durable finish than acrylics and are excellent for props that will be handled frequently. They're also the preferred choice for enamel washes — a popular weathering technique in scale modelling that works beautifully on props.
Humbrol and Tamiya enamels are the most widely used.
- Pros: durable; excellent for washes; smooth finish.
- Cons: longer drying time; requires mineral spirit thinner; stronger fumes.
Finishing and Varnishing
Once your paint job is complete, seal everything with a varnish coat. This protects the finish and unifies the surface sheen.
- Matte varnish — the standard choice for props and armour. Reduces plasticky shine dramatically.
- Satin varnish — a subtle sheen for leather-effect or worn metal looks.
- Gloss varnish — use before applying enamel washes (washes are easier to control over gloss), then return to matte for the final seal.
Final Thoughts
For most prop painters, a combination of spray primer, acrylic base coats, and matte varnish produces excellent results. Add enamel washes and dry brushing for weathering, and you'll have a prop that genuinely looks screen-accurate. Check out our Prop Weathering Techniques guide for the next step.
All 3DCre8Design prop kits are printed in high-quality PLA+ with a clean surface ready for primer. Browse our Best Sellers or New Arrivals — made to order, shipped from the UK.