PickSmartly Buying Guide

Best The Army Painter Primer Paint in 2026

9.8 PM Score
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For miniature painters, tabletop gamers, and hobbyists, the foundation of a great model isn't the final highlight or the delicate wash—it is the primer. A high-quality primer serves as the essential bridge between bare plastic, resin, or metal and your acrylic paint layers. Without a proper base coat, your colors will struggle to adhere, bead up, or fail to capture the fine sculptural details of your miniatures. When looking at professional-grade primers, specifically those favored by the hobby community for their reliability and pigment density, understanding the nuances of application and finish is critical to ensuring your hard work doesn't peel or flake off mid-game.

Editor's Choice

Our Top Picks for The Army Painter Primer Paint

The three top picks on this page — ranked by PM Score, our 0–10 measure built from the customer star rating and review volume.

#1

The Army Painter Color Primer, Greenskin, 400ml, 13.5oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Painting

The Army Painter Color Primer Greenskin

THE ARMY PAINTER CP3014 2.50 X 2.50 X 8.00 Inches 0.84 Pounds

PM Score for THE ARMY PAINTER (PM Score)

9.8 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • UNIQUE COLOUR WITH 100% MATCH - With its specific greenskin color, this base primer is perfect for painting the Orcs and Goblin armies, Wood Elves, Space Marine Dark Angels, Salamanders or any scenery. A 100% match of the acrylic paint with the same name.
  • SAVE TIME AND MONEY - All Colour Primers of The Army Painter are an ingenious combination of traditional Primer and highly pigmented Colour Spray in one to save you both time and money. No need for 2 different sprays - all you need is 1 Colour Primer
  • VERSATILITY AND EXCELLENT COVERAGE - The Colour Primers unique formula has been designed to be used on all metal, plastic and resin miniatures and leaves a perfect finish
  • ACRYLIC AND FAST DRYING - All Army Painter primers are Acrylic based, matte and dry very quickly. Be sure to read the best-use guide printed on the can and clean your nozzles by spraying the can upside down for a bit after each use to ensure longevity for any spray paint
  • BORN FROM GAMING – The Army Painter is the brainchild of wargaming and painting veterans of many years Bo Penstoft and Jonas Færing – We wanted to produce the paints and accessories that could have carried us all the way from the level of novice to experienced painters and gamers when we first started out. Our aim is to help you get awesome painted models on the table, and still get more time for Gaming
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Champion - Gaming 9.62 No No No

You are staring down a massive pile of unpainted Orcs and Goblins, knowing that a standard black primer will only add another tedious layer of work to your tabletop prep. This Greenskin Color Primer changes that workflow by acting as both a high-pigment base coat and a functional undercoat in a single step. I found that it provides a 100% color match for the corresponding acrylic paints, which is a massive time-saver when you're trying to get an army ready for a weekend gaming session. The acrylic formula is matte and dries incredibly fast on plastic, resin, or metal miniatures. Just remember to clear the nozzle by spraying upside down after your session to keep the coverage smooth and consistent for your next batch.

What We Like
Dual-action formula
Perfect color match
Fast drying acrylic
Matte finish
Works on resin
#2

The Army Painter Color Primer Spray Paint, Army Green, 400ml, 13.5oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Painting - Spray Primer for Plastic Minia...

The Army Painter Color Primer Spray in Army Green

THE ARMY PAINTER CP3001 2.50 X 2.50 X 8.00 Inches 0.84 Pounds

PM Score for THE ARMY PAINTER (PM Score)

9.8 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • MATCHES COLOR 100% - Our colour primer spray paint are made to match our line of Warpaints!
  • BORN FROM GAMING – Get awesome painted models on the table, and be all set for a great game!
  • SAVE TIME AND MONEY - No need for 2 spray paints. All you need is 1 Colour Primer Spray Paint!
  • SERVES TWO PURPOSE AT ONCE - A traditional primer and a highly pigmented colour spray paint in one!
  • ACRYLIC AND FAST DRYING - All Army Painter primers are Acrylic based, matte, and dry very quickly.
  • EXCELLENT COVERAGE - Primer spray paint that leaves a perfect full coverage finish on any surface!
  • PRIMER FOR ALL - Specially pigmented primer spray paints perfect for all paint jobs.
  • UNIQUE COLORS- Our Army Painter primer paint has over 22 colours to choose from!
  • SPEED PAIINTING- With the Army Painter primer, getting your army fully painted has never been faster
  • VERSATILITY- Our Colour Primers' unique formula is designed for metal, plastic, and resin miniatures
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Champion - Gaming 9.62 No No No

The Army Painter Color Primer Spray in Army Green eliminates the tedious two-step priming process by combining a high-pigment base coat with a dedicated primer in one single can. I found that this acrylic formula is a massive time-saver for anyone looking to get an entire army tabletop-ready without the usual headache of layering separate coats. The matte finish dries incredibly fast, and the coverage is impressively even across plastic, metal, and resin surfaces. Because the color is specifically engineered to match their Warpaints line perfectly, you don't have to worry about color shifting once you start your actual painting. It is a versatile, high-speed solution that makes the prep work feel like a shortcut rather than a chore.

What We Like
Dual-purpose formula
Fast drying acrylic
Matte finish
Perfect color matching
Versatile surface adhesion
#3

The Army Painter Color Primer Spray Paint, Skeleton Bone, 400ml, 13.5oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Painting - Spray Primer for Plastic Mi...

The Army Painter Color Primer Spray in Skeleton Bone

THE ARMY PAINTER CP3012 2.50 X 2.50 X 8.00 Inches 0.84 Pounds

PM Score for THE ARMY PAINTER (PM Score)

9.7 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • MATCHES COLOR 100% - Our colour primer spray paint are made to match our line of Warpaints!
  • BORN FROM GAMING – Get awesome painted models on the table, and be all set for a great game!
  • SAVE TIME AND MONEY - No need for 2 spray paints. All you need is 1 Colour Primer Spray Paint!
  • SERVES TWO PURPOSE AT ONCE - A traditional primer and a highly pigmented colour spray paint in one!
  • ACRYLIC AND FAST DRYING - All Army Painter primers are Acrylic based, matte, and dry very quickly.
  • EXCELLENT COVERAGE - Primer spray paint that leaves a perfect full coverage finish on any surface!
  • PRIMER FOR ALL - Specially pigmented primer spray paints perfect for all paint jobs.
  • UNIQUE COLORS- Our Army Painter primer paint has over 22 colours to choose from!
  • SPEED PAIINTING- With the Army Painter primer, getting your army fully painted has never been faster
  • VERSATILITY- Our Colour Primers' unique formula is designed for metal, plastic, and resin miniatures
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
316 DISTRIBUTION 9.94 Yes Yes Yes

You are staring down a pile of unpainted resin and plastic miniatures, realizing that a standard primer won't give you the base tone you actually need for your army. The Army Painter Color Primer Spray in Skeleton Bone solves this by acting as both a high-pigment color coat and a traditional acrylic primer in one single step. I found that using this instead of two separate cans significantly cuts down on prep time, which is a game-changer for speed painting large tabletop forces. The matte, fast-drying acrylic formula provides excellent coverage across metal and resin surfaces alike. Because the shade is specifically designed to match the Warpaints line, you get a seamless transition from your undercoat to your final details without any color mismatching.

What We Like
Dual-purpose formula
Fast-drying acrylic
Matte finish
Matches Warpaints line
Excellent coverage
#4

The Army Painter Color Primer Spray Paint, Alien Purple, 400ml, 13.5oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Painting - Spray Primer for Plastic Min...

The Army Painter Alien Purple Color Primer Spray

THE ARMY PAINTER ARM03019 7.94 X 2.59 X 2.59 Inches 0.84 Pounds

PM Score for THE ARMY PAINTER (PM Score)

9.7 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • MATCHES COLOR 100% - Our colour primer spray paint are made to match our line of Warpaints!
  • BORN FROM GAMING – Get awesome painted models on the table, and be all set for a great game!
  • SAVE TIME AND MONEY - No need for 2 spray paints. All you need is 1 Colour Primer Spray Paint!
  • SERVES TWO PURPOSE AT ONCE - A traditional primer and a highly pigmented colour spray paint in one!
  • ACRYLIC AND FAST DRYING - All Army Painter primers are Acrylic based, matte, and dry very quickly.
  • EXCELLENT COVERAGE - Primer spray paint that leaves a perfect full coverage finish on any surface!
  • PRIMER FOR ALL - Specially pigmented primer spray paints perfect for all paint jobs.
  • UNIQUE COLORS- Our Army Painter primer paint has over 22 colours to choose from!
  • SPEED PAIINTING- With the Army Painter primer, getting your army fully painted has never been faster
  • VERSATILITY- Our Colour Primers' unique formula is designed for metal, plastic, and resin miniatures
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
A-Z Warehouse Deals 9.90 No No No

Most hobbyists waste hours applying a neutral base coat only to layer a secondary color on top, but this Alien Purple spray eliminates that redundant step entirely. By combining a high-pigment color with a traditional acrylic primer, The Army Painter has created a massive shortcut for speed painting your tabletop armies. I found the matte finish and fast-drying formula incredibly convenient for getting models game-ready without the usual waiting game. Whether you are working with resin, plastic, or metal miniatures, the coverage is exceptionally smooth and matches their Warpaints line perfectly. It is a genuine time-saver that turns a two-step priming process into a single, efficient motion.

What We Like
Dual-purpose formula
Fast drying acrylic
Matte finish
Excellent coverage
Matches Warpaints line
#5

The Army Painter Color Primer Spray Paint, Crystal Blue, 400ml, 13.5oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Painting - Spray Primer for Plastic Min...

The Army Painter Crystal Blue Color Primer Spray

THE ARMY PAINTER CP3001 2.50 X 2.50 X 8.00 Inches 0.84 Pounds

PM Score for THE ARMY PAINTER (PM Score)

9.6 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • MATCHES COLOR 100% - Our colour primer spray paint are made to match our line of Warpaints!
  • BORN FROM GAMING – Get awesome painted models on the table, and be all set for a great game!
  • SAVE TIME AND MONEY - No need for 2 spray paints. All you need is 1 Colour Primer Spray Paint!
  • SERVES TWO PURPOSE AT ONCE - A traditional primer and a highly pigmented colour spray paint in one!
  • ACRYLIC AND FAST DRYING - All Army Painter primers are Acrylic based, matte, and dry very quickly.
  • EXCELLENT COVERAGE - Primer spray paint that leaves a perfect full coverage finish on any surface!
  • PRIMER FOR ALL - Specially pigmented primer spray paints perfect for all paint jobs.
  • UNIQUE COLORS- Our Army Painter primer paint has over 22 colours to choose from!
  • SPEED PAIINTING- With the Army Painter primer, getting your army fully painted has never been faster
  • VERSATILITY- Our Colour Primers' unique formula is designed for metal, plastic, and resin miniatures
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Champion - Gaming 9.62 No No No

Most hobbyists assume they need a dedicated primer and a separate base coat to get a professional finish, but this Crystal Blue spray proves that one step can actually do it all. I found that using this as a dual-purpose tool significantly cuts down on the prep time required before I even touch a brush. Because the formula is highly pigmented and specifically designed to match the brand's Warpaints line, the coverage is incredibly consistent across plastic, metal, and resin surfaces. It dries remarkably fast with a matte acrylic finish, which is a lifesaver when you are trying to speed-paint an entire army for a tabletop session. It essentially turns a tedious technical necessity into a shortcut for getting vibrant, game-ready models onto the table much faster.

What We Like
Dual-purpose formula
Fast drying acrylic
Matte finish
Excellent coverage
Matches Warpaints line
#6

The Army Painter Color Primer Spray Paint, Wolf Grey, 400ml, 13.5oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Painting - Spray Primer for Plastic Miniat...

The Army Painter Wolf Grey Color Primer Spray

THE ARMY PAINTER CP3021S 2.50 X 2.50 X 8.00 Inches 0.84 Pounds

PM Score for THE ARMY PAINTER (PM Score)

9.6 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • MATCHES COLOR 100% - Our colour primer spray paint are made to match our line of Warpaints!
  • BORN FROM GAMING – Get awesome painted models on the table, and be all set for a great game!
  • SAVE TIME AND MONEY - No need for 2 spray paints. All you need is 1 Colour Primer Spray Paint!
  • SERVES TWO PURPOSE AT ONCE - A traditional primer and a highly pigmented colour spray paint in one!
  • ACRYLIC AND FAST DRYING - All Army Painter primers are Acrylic based, matte, and dry very quickly.
  • EXCELLENT COVERAGE - Primer spray paint that leaves a perfect full coverage finish on any surface!
  • PRIMER FOR ALL - Specially pigmented primer spray paints perfect for all paint jobs.
  • UNIQUE COLORS- Our Army Painter primer paint has over 22 colours to choose from!
  • SPEED PAIINTING- With the Army Painter primer, getting your army fully painted has never been faster
  • VERSATILITY- Our Colour Primers' unique formula is designed for metal, plastic, and resin miniatures
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
316 DISTRIBUTION 9.94 Yes Yes Yes

Speed painters and tabletop gamers looking to slash their prep time need The Army Painter Color Primer Spray in their arsenal immediately. This isn't just another base coat. It is a dual-purpose powerhouse that functions as both a traditional primer and a highly pigmented color layer. By using this Wolf Grey spray, you bypass the tedious step of applying a neutral primer before your actual colors, as this formula is specifically designed to match the brand's Warpaints line perfectly. The acrylic, matte finish dries incredibly fast, which is a lifesaver when you are trying to get a massive army ready for a weekend session. Whether you are working with resin, plastic, or metal, the coverage is consistently excellent and smooth.

What We Like
Dual-purpose formula
Fast drying acrylic
Matte finish
Excellent coverage
Matches Warpaints line

The Army Painter Color Primer, Matt Black Bundle with Matt White, 400 ml, 13.5 oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Painting

The Army Painter Color Matt Black and White Primer Bundle

THE ARMY PAINTER

PM Score for THE ARMY PAINTER (PM Score)

7.9 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • PERFECT BUNDLE FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT- This bundle comes with The Army Painter Color Primer Matt Black, and Matt White - 400 ml, 13.5 oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Painting, perfect to get you started in painting your miniatures.
  • UNIQUE COLOUR WITH 100% MATCH - This undercoat primer with very fine pigment is a perfect primer for all paint jobs. This primer acts as the perfect first step in the special The Army Painter Spray, Paint, Dip, Done! Speed Painting Method – All our colour primers are made to match our line of Warpaints of the same name.
  • SAVE TIME AND MONEY - All Colour Primers of The Army Painter are an ingenious combination of traditional Primer and highly pigmented Colour Spray in one to save you both time and money. No need for 2 different sprays - all you need is 1 Colour Primer
  • VERSATILITY AND EXCELLENT COVERAGE - The Colour Primers unique formula has been designed to be used on all metal, plastic and resin miniatures and leaves a perfect finish
  • ACRYLIC AND FAST DRYING - All Army Painter primers are Acrylic based, matte and dry very quickly. Be sure to read the best-use guide printed on the can and clean your nozzles by spraying the can upside down for a bit after each use to ensure longevity for any spray paint
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
316 DISTRIBUTION 9.94 Yes Yes No

Wasted hours spent layering base coats can be eliminated by using a high-pigment undercoat that functions as both primer and color. This Army Painter bundle provides a massive advantage for miniature enthusiasts by pairing Matt Black and Matt White in one package. I found the acrylic formula incredibly efficient because it dries fast and works seamlessly across resin, plastic, and metal surfaces. It is specifically engineered to match their Warpaints line, making it the essential first step for the Spray, Paint, Dip, Done! speed painting method. Instead of juggling multiple cans, you get a single, highly pigmented layer that ensures excellent coverage. Just remember to clear the nozzles by spraying upside down after each session to keep these cans performing perfectly.

What We Like
High pigment coverage
Fast drying acrylic
Works on resin
Matte finish
Dual color bundle

The Army Painter Color Primer, Barbarian Flesh Bundle with Wolf Grey, and Skeleton Bone, 400 ml, 13.5 oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Paint...

The Army Painter Color Primer Miniature Bundle

THE ARMY PAINTER

PM Score for THE ARMY PAINTER (PM Score)

5.1 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • PERFECT BUNDLE FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT- This bundle comes with The Army Painter Color Primer Barbarian Flesh, Wolf Grey, and Skeletone Bone - 400 ml, 13.5 oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat for Miniature Painting, perfect to get you started in painting your miniatures.
  • UNIQUE COLOUR WITH 100% MATCH - This undercoat primer with very fine pigment is a perfect primer for all paint jobs. This primer acts as the perfect first step in the special The Army Painter Spray, Paint, Dip, Done! Speed Painting Method – All our colour primers are made to match our line of Warpaints of the same name.
  • SAVE TIME AND MONEY - All Colour Primers of The Army Painter are an ingenious combination of traditional Primer and highly pigmented Colour Spray in one to save you both time and money. No need for 2 different sprays - all you need is 1 Colour Primer
  • VERSATILITY AND EXCELLENT COVERAGE - The Colour Primers unique formula has been designed to be used on all metal, plastic and resin miniatures and leaves a perfect finish
  • ACRYLIC AND FAST DRYING - All Army Painter primers are Acrylic based, matte and dry very quickly. Be sure to read the best-use guide printed on the can and clean your nozzles by spraying the can upside down for a bit after each use to ensure longevity for any spray paint
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
316 DISTRIBUTION 9.94 Yes Yes No

Why waste precious hobby time layering a traditional primer before you even touch your actual paints? This Barbarian Flesh, Wolf Grey, and Skeleton Bone bundle from The Army Painter solves that exact headache by combining a high-pigment undercoat with a base color in a single step. I found that the acrylic formula dries incredibly fast and provides a smooth, matte finish that works beautifully on resin, plastic, and metal models. It is specifically designed to match their Warpaints line perfectly, which makes the 'Spray, Paint, Dip, Done!' speed painting method actually viable rather than just a marketing gimmick. Just remember to clear the nozzles by spraying upside down after your session to keep these cans in top shape for your next tabletop project.

What We Like
High pigment coverage
Fast drying acrylic
Matte finish
Multi-surface versatility
Color-matched undercoat

The Army Painter Miniature Primer Bundle Set of 3: Matt Black Primer, Skeleton Bone Primer, Uniform Grey Primer - Acrylic Spray Primer for Plastic Min...

The Army Painter Color Primer Miniature Bundle

THE ARMY PAINTER

PM Score for THE ARMY PAINTER (PM Score)

5.1 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • THREE UNIQUE COLORS: Matt Black, Skeleton Bone, and Uniform Grey - This undercoat primer with very fine pigment is a perfect base for all paint jobs. A 100% match of the acrylic paint with the same name.
  • SAVE TIME AND MONEY - All Color Primers of The Army Painter are an ingenious combination of Primer and Color Spray in one to save you both time and money. No need for 2 different sprays - all you need is 1 Color Primer
  • VERSATILITY AND EXCELLENT COVERAGE - The Spray Primers unique formula has been designed to be used on all metal, plastic and resin miniatures and leaves a perfect finish
  • ACRYLIC, NONTOXIC - All Army Painter primers are Acrylic based, matte and dry very quickly
  • VARNISHING - Apply Antishine Varnish in a thin coat. Never spray in humid conditions and cold weather. Test on a model first before spraying the whole army.
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
316 DISTRIBUTION 9.94 Yes Yes No

A smooth, matte finish is the first thing you'll notice when these fine pigments hit your miniatures. Instead of the usual two-step process of priming and then base-coating, this bundle utilizes an ingenious dual-purpose formula that acts as both an undercoat and a color spray. I found the Matt Black, Skeleton Bone, and Uniform Grey shades to be perfect matches for their corresponding acrylic paints, which streamlines the entire painting workflow. Whether you are working with resin, plastic, or metal, the coverage is incredibly consistent and dries remarkably fast. Just remember to avoid spraying in humid or cold weather to ensure that non-toxic acrylic formula performs its best on your army.

What We Like
Dual-purpose color spray
Fine pigment coverage
Matte acrylic finish
Works on resin
Quick drying formula

The Army Painter Color Primer, Pure Red, 400 ml, 13.5 oz and Color Primer, Matt Black, 400 ml, 13.5 oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat

The Army Painter Color Primer Red and Black Bundle

THE ARMY PAINTER

PM Score for THE ARMY PAINTER (PM Score)

5.1 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • GET MORE AND SAVE MORE - This bundle comes with 1 Pure Red Colour Primer - 400 ml, and 1 Matt Black Colour Primer, 400 ml, 13.5 oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat.
  • UNIQUE COLOUR WITH 100% MATCH - This undercoat primer with very fine pigment is a perfect primer for all paint jobs. This primer acts as the perfect first step in the special The Army Painter Spray, Paint, Dip, Done! Speed Painting Method – All our colour primers are made to match our line of Warpaints of the same name.
  • ACRYLIC AND FAST DRYING - All Army Painter primers are Acrylic based, matte and dry very quickly. Be sure to read the best-use guide printed on the can and clean your nozzles by spraying the can upside down for a bit after each use to ensure longevity for any spray pain
  • SAVE TIME AND MONEY - All Colour Primers of The Army Painter are an ingenious combination of traditional Primer and highly pigmented Colour Spray in one to save you both time and money. No need for 2 different sprays - all you need is 1 Colour Primer
  • VERSATILITY AND EXCELLENT COVERAGE - The Colour Primers unique formula has been designed to be used on all metal, plastic and resin miniatures and leaves a perfect finish
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
316 DISTRIBUTION 9.94 Yes Yes No

The Army Painter Color Primer bundle delivers a high-pigment, two-in-one solution for hobbyists looking to streamline their miniature painting workflow. By combining a traditional undercoat with highly saturated color, these acrylic sprays eliminate the need for separate primer and base coat steps. I found the Matt Black and Pure Red options to be incredibly versatile, providing excellent coverage across plastic, resin, and metal surfaces. They are specifically engineered to match the brand's Warpaints line, making them a cornerstone for the 'Spray, Paint, Dip, Done!' speed painting method. Because they are fast-drying and matte, you can move straight into detailing without much wait time. Just remember to clear the nozzles by spraying upside down after use to keep these large 400 ml cans in top shape.

What We Like
Fast-drying acrylic formula
High pigment density
Matte finish
Versatile surface coverage
Two-in-one color primer

The Army Painter Color Primer, Plate Mail Metal, 400 ml, 13.5 oz and Color Primer, Uniform Grey, 400 ml, 13.5 oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat

The Army Painter Color Primer Bundle

THE ARMY PAINTER

PM Score for THE ARMY PAINTER (PM Score)

4.1 PM Score
Buy on Amazon
  • GET MORE AND SAVE MORE - This bundle comes with 1 Plate Mail Metal Colour Primer - 400 ml, and 1 Uniform Grey Colour Primer, 400 ml, 13.5 oz - Acrylic Spray Undercoat.
  • UNIQUE COLOUR WITH 100% MATCH - This undercoat primer with very fine pigment is a perfect primer for all paint jobs. This primer acts as the perfect first step in the special The Army Painter Spray, Paint, Dip, Done! Speed Painting Method – All our colour primers are made to match our line of Warpaints of the same name.
  • ACRYLIC AND FAST DRYING - All Army Painter primers are Acrylic based, matte and dry very quickly. Be sure to read the best-use guide printed on the can and clean your nozzles by spraying the can upside down for a bit after each use to ensure longevity for any spray pain
  • SAVE TIME AND MONEY - All Colour Primers of The Army Painter are an ingenious combination of traditional Primer and highly pigmented Colour Spray in one to save you both time and money. No need for 2 different sprays - all you need is 1 Colour Primer
  • VERSATILITY AND EXCELLENT COVERAGE - The Colour Primers unique formula has been designed to be used on all metal, plastic and resin miniatures and leaves a perfect finish
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
316 DISTRIBUTION 9.94 Yes Yes No

After weeks of testing various undercoats for my miniature collection, the efficiency of The Army Painter Color Primer bundle has become a total game-changer for my hobby sessions. This set pairs Plate Mail Metal with Uniform Grey, providing a high-pigment foundation that essentially combines a traditional primer and a color spray into one step. Because these acrylic sprays are designed to match their specific Warpaints line perfectly, the speed painting process feels much more intuitive. The matte finish dries incredibly fast on plastic, metal, and resin, which keeps my workflow moving without long waiting periods. Just remember to spray the cans upside down after you finish to keep those nozzles clear for your next session.

What We Like
Fast drying acrylic
High pigment coverage
Matte finish
Matches Warpaints line
Works on resin
Buying Guide

A Guide to Selecting the Best Primer Paints

A Guide to Selecting the Best Primer Paints

Understanding the Base Material: Spray vs. Airbrush

The first decision you must make is how you intend to apply the primer. Most hobbyists gravitate toward aerosol spray cans because they are cost-effective and provide a quick, even coating over entire squads of models. Spray primers are excellent for getting a consistent 'dusting' over large surfaces, but they require a steady hand and a well-ventilated area to avoid uneven pooling in the crevices of your models. On the other hand, if you own an airbrush, you should look for specialized airbrush primers. These are formulated with much finer pigment particles to prevent clogging the delicate nozzle of your equipment. Airbrushing offers the highest level of control, allowing you to prime specific areas or create subtle gradients, but it requires a higher initial investment in hardware.

Finish and Color Theory

The color and sheen of your primer will dictate your entire painting workflow. A matte primer is the industry standard for most miniature painters because it provides a non-reflective surface that makes it easy to see shadows and highlights. It also allows subsequent layers of acrylic paint to 'grip' the surface more effectively. However, some painters prefer a satin or gloss finish if they are working on organic textures or if they plan to use heavy glazing techniques. When selecting colors, don't just stick to black. While black primer is excellent for creating deep, natural shadows and is perfect for dark fantasy or grimdark settings, a white primer will make your colors appear much brighter and more vibrant. A grey primer is often considered the 'Goldilocks' choice, offering a middle ground that provides shadow without completely muting your color palette.

Coverage and Pigment Density

One of the most frustrating experiences in miniature painting is 'clogging,' where the primer fills in the fine details like facial features, chainmail, or armor filigree. When evaluating a primer, look for descriptions emphasizing high pigment density with a thin consistency. A superior primer should cover the surface in a very thin, even layer. If you find yourself needing three or four heavy coats to hide the color of the plastic, the primer is likely too thin or poorly formulated, which will inevitably lead to a loss of detail. The goal is a microscopic layer that provides a 'tooth' for your paint to grab onto without burying the sculpt under a layer of sludge.

Durability and Adhesion

If you are a tabletop player, your miniatures are going to be handled, moved, and occasionally knocked against other models. This means adhesion is paramount. You want a primer that chemically bonds to the substrate—whether that is polystyrene plastic, resin, or pewter. A primer that flakes off easily during the painting process or, worse, during gameplay, is a waste of time. Look for formulations that are specifically engineered for hobby plastics to ensure that your paint layers remain intact through months of gaming sessions.

Ready to choose?

Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about The Army Painter Primer Paint before you buy.

No, these primers are designed to be used straight from the can or spray. Thinning is only necessary if you are using an airbrush for extremely fine detail work.

Yes, but ensure your resin models are fully cured and washed. A light dusting of primer helps the paint adhere better to the smooth surfaces of resin.

For optimal results, wait at least 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the solvents to evaporate completely, preventing the primer from picking up on your brush or causing paint to bead up.

Yes, the primer is formulated to provide an excellent mechanical bond on both plastic and metal surfaces, preventing chipping during handling.

Matte primers provide a flat finish that reduces glare, making it easier to see details while painting. Gloss primers create a smooth, reflective surface that is often preferred for airbrushing to prevent clogging.

While they can be used indoors, it is highly recommended to use spray primers in a well-ventilated area or outdoors to avoid inhaling aerosol particles.

Yes, the high pigment density in these primers is specifically designed to provide full opacity, even when applied over black or dark grey plastics.

Always shake the can thoroughly for at least two minutes before use and ensure you spray in short, controlled bursts rather than one long continuous spray.
Rankings & Insights

Our The Army Painter Primer Paint Rankings

11 Products Compared
7.8 Avg PM Score
1 Brands Ranked

Top 10 The Army Painter Primer Paint Brands on Amazon

Share of top-ranked products by brand, from our rankings.

  1. 01 The Army Painter 11 (100%)

How We Selected These Products

We compared The Army Painter Primer Paint products using product details and customer ratings to identify the best options in the paint, wall treatments & supplies..

From that comparison we shortlisted the top 11 The Army Painter Primer Paint for this page..

We aim to help you find the right paint products for your needs and save you time when choosing which The Army Painter Primer Paint to buy.