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Revolutionary acrylic paints combining basecoat and shading in single applications. Features 18ml dropper bottles from Vallejo for miniatures and scale model figures. Speed painting system delivers professional results with integrated shadows. Perfect complement to Game Color and Wash FX.
Speed painting techniques have revolutionized miniature and figure finishing by reducing painting time while maintaining professional results. The Vallejo Xpress Color collection represents the pinnacle of this approach, offering specially formulated acrylic paints that combine basecoat coverage with integrated shading in single applications. These innovative paints flow into recesses and settle around details automatically, creating depth and dimension without requiring separate washing or shading steps. The result is a painting system that dramatically accelerates figure finishing while producing tabletop-quality results suitable for gaming miniatures, display figures, and scale model personnel.
Xpress Color paints utilize unique formulation that behaves differently from traditional acrylics. The paints feature higher pigment concentration combined with specialized flow characteristics that allow them to self-shade as they dry. When applied over properly primed surfaces, the paint flows into recesses, panel lines, and around raised details, concentrating pigment in these areas to create natural shadows. Raised surfaces receive thinner paint coverage, resulting in lighter tones that simulate highlights. This automatic shading effect eliminates the need for separate wash applications, reducing multi-step painting processes to single-coat applications. The technology works across all color ranges, from skin tones and fabrics to military equipment and fantasy elements.
The collection offers 38 carefully selected colors covering essential painting needs for miniatures and figures. Military colors include Armor Green, Camouflage Green, Commando Green, and Battledress Brown for uniforms and equipment. Skin tones range from Demonic Skin for fantasy creatures to natural flesh tones for human figures. Earth tones like Desert Ochre and various browns provide groundwork and leather effects. Specialty colors such as Chameleon Orange and Black Lotus expand creative possibilities. Each color is formulated to work independently or in combination with other Xpress Colors, allowing modelers to build complete paint schemes using only this range or integrate them with Vallejo Game Color for enhanced detail work.
Successful Xpress Color application requires understanding proper technique. Surfaces must be primed with light-colored primer, preferably white or light gray, to allow the paint's transparency to create shading effects. The paint should be applied generously in single, flowing coats without excessive brushing or reworking. Loaded brushes allow paint to flow freely across surfaces and settle into details. Multiple thin coats defeat the self-shading mechanism and should be avoided. For best results, complete each section in one application, allowing the paint to level and settle naturally. Drying time is slightly longer than standard acrylics, providing extended working time for large figures or multiple miniatures in assembly-line painting approaches.
Xpress Color excels in specific modeling scenarios. Gaming miniatures benefit enormously from the speed painting approach, allowing players to field fully painted armies in fraction of traditional painting time. Scale model figures in 1/35 and larger scales achieve tabletop-quality finish quickly, making them ideal for diorama population where numerous figures require painting. Fantasy miniatures with complex details and deep recesses showcase the self-shading effect particularly well. Historical figures in military uniforms benefit from the automatic shading of fabric folds and equipment details. The paints work across all scales, though they perform best on figures with well-defined details that allow the paint to flow and settle effectively.
While Xpress Color can function as standalone painting system, it integrates seamlessly with other Vallejo ranges for enhanced results. Traditional Model Color can be used for final highlights on raised areas, adding extra dimension beyond the automatic shading. Vallejo Wash FX can deepen shadows in specific areas for dramatic effect. Metallic details can be picked out with standard metallics after Xpress Color application. This flexibility allows modelers to use Xpress Color for rapid basecoating and shading, then selectively add traditional painting techniques where desired, balancing speed with quality based on specific project requirements.
Xpress Color comes in 18ml dropper bottles that provide precise paint dispensing and extended shelf life. The dropper format prevents paint contamination, allows accurate measurement for color mixing, and eliminates waste from dried paint on bottle rims. The bottles include agitator balls that ensure thorough mixing of pigments and medium. The 18ml size provides substantial paint quantity for multiple projects while remaining economical. Dropper bottles integrate perfectly with wet palettes, allowing modelers to dispense exact amounts needed for painting sessions. The format matches other Vallejo ranges, creating uniform storage and organization across complete paint collections.
Vallejo continues to innovate in hobby paint technology, and Xpress Color represents their latest advancement in speed painting systems. The company's decades of experience in acrylic formulation enabled development of paints that behave predictably while offering unique self-shading characteristics. Vallejo's commitment to water-based, low-odor formulations makes Xpress Color suitable for indoor use without special ventilation. Their quality control ensures consistent performance across production batches, allowing modelers to reorder colors with confidence in color matching. The company's extensive product range provides complete painting solutions from primers through final varnishes.
Maximizing Xpress Color performance requires attention to several factors. Prime surfaces with light colors to enable transparency effects; white primer produces strongest shading, while light gray offers more subtle results. Shake bottles thoroughly before use to ensure proper pigment suspension. Load brushes generously and apply paint in single, confident strokes. Avoid overworking wet paint, which disrupts the settling process. Allow complete drying between coats if additional coverage is needed. Clean brushes immediately after use, as the paint's unique formulation can be difficult to remove once dried. Store bottles upright to prevent leakage. With proper technique, Xpress Color transforms figure painting from time-consuming process into efficient workflow that produces impressive results suitable for gaming tables, display cases, and diorama scenes across all modeling genres and scales.
