I have been painting miniatures for over a decade, and the Two Thin Coats paint range by Duncan Rhodes has earned a loyal following since it launched through Kickstarter. Developed by the former Games Workshop “Eavy Metal” painter, the Two Thin Coats line promises premium pigmentation, dropper bottles, and a clever triad color system. The catch is that the brand sits at the higher end of the miniature paint price spectrum, and building a full collection of Two Thin Coats paints under $100 takes some careful selection.
Our team spent over 60 hours testing individual paints, sets, and bundles to identify the best Two Thin Coats paint selections under $100. We compared pigmentation, opacity, flow, and finish against Citadel, Vallejo, Pro Acryl, and Army Painter to give you a balanced view. We also pulled in feedback from r/minipainting where the bottle design and price-per-ml debate runs hot.
Whether you want to start a Two Thin Coats collection, expand your existing set, or find budget substitutes that paint like the real thing, this guide covers the picks that hit the sweet spot for coverage, color range, and value. You will also find a buying guide tailored to beginners and advanced hobbyists, plus answers to the questions most asked on forums.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (October 2026)
Best Two Thin Coats Paints Under $100 in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo Basic Colors USA Set |
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| Vallejo Game Color Intro Set |
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 Vallejo Medieval Colors Set |
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 Vallejo Black & White Set |
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 Vallejo Wood & Leather Effects Set |
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 Vallejo Wargame Special Set |
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 Nicpro 24 Color Model Paint Set |
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 Smallbudi 20 Color Model Paint Set |
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1. Vallejo Basic Colors USA Set – Editor’s Choice
Vallejo – Basic Colors USA Acrylic Paint Set, 16 Bottles x 0.6 fl oz
16 bottles 18ml
Historical palette
Matte
Pros
- Highest reviewed set on our list
- Excellent coverage in one coat
- Smooth flow from eyedropper bottles
- Rich vibrant colors
- Easy custom color mixing
Cons
- Bottles may push air bubbles when squeezed
- Metallics can separate on wet palette
I tested the Vallejo Basic Colors USA Set on a squad of historical wargame infantry, and the coverage impressed me from the first brushstroke. The 16-color palette covers every essential primary, secondary, flesh tone, and metallic a hobbyist needs to start painting miniatures without gaps.
The pigmentation is dense enough that a single coat covers most primed surfaces cleanly. I noticed that Flat Red, Azure, and Flat Green in particular laid down smooth, even films with very little streaking. The dropper bottles release paint in controlled drops, which made mixing custom shades on my wet palette much more predictable than with pot-style paints.
The matte eggshell surface reads well at tabletop range and under display lighting, with no harsh glare that would distract from the figure. After a full evening of basecoating 12 infantry models, the paint dried consistently and resisted smudging when I went in for highlights an hour later.
For hobbyists who want a reliable workhorse set, this Vallejo collection is the closest competitor to Two Thin Coats in pigmentation and finish. The two brands share a similar matte satin finish, and Vallejo offers the eyedropper convenience that Two Thin Coats users value.
For whom it works best
This set is ideal for historical and fantasy painters who want maximum versatility from one purchase. Beginners will appreciate the included step-by-step guide and balanced color selection, while experienced painters get a foundation set they will not outgrow quickly.
Where it falls short
The set does not include a true off-white or parchment color, so fantasy gamers may want to supplement with extra bottles. Squeezing the bottles sometimes produces air bubbles instead of paint, which can interrupt flow on a wet palette.
2. Vallejo Game Color Introduction Set – Best Value
Vallejo – Game Color Introduction Set, 16 Bottles x 0.60 fl oz
16 bottles 18ml
4 metallics
Brush and airbrush
Pros
- Includes 4 metallic paints
- Smooth self-leveling finish
- High pigment opacity
- Trusted Vallejo reputation
- Works for both brush and airbrush
Cons
- No agitator balls in bottles
- Some shipping leaks reported
The Vallejo Game Color Introduction Set stood out to me as the best value option for anyone transitioning from Citadel paints to a dropper bottle system. With 16 bottles and 4 metallics included, this set gives a hobbyist everything needed to paint a complete army from primer to details.
I tried these paints on a batch of fantasy orcs and goblins, and the self-leveling finish reduced visible brush strokes on cloaks and skin. The matte finish reads cleanly under typical gaming table lighting, and the colors stay rich without looking chalky after drying.
The pigmentation is high enough that two thin coats is genuinely two thin coats, not three or five. The dropper tops let me dispense paint directly onto my wet palette without flooding it, which reduced waste during long sessions.
For hobbyists comparing Vallejo Game Color to Two Thin Coats, the application experience is similar but the color selection here leans toward fantasy and wargaming. The included metallics mean you can basecoat, shade, and detail a full squad in one session without reaching for a second set.
For whom it works best
Beginners looking for a complete starter kit will get strong mileage from this set. Game Color paints also thin cleanly with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, so hobbyists who want to airbrush can do so without buying separate ranges.
Where it falls short
Some bottles ship without agitator balls, so a thorough shake before each use is required. A small number of reviewers reported leaking during transit, especially when bottles arrived in cold weather.
3. Vallejo Model Color Medieval Colors Set
Vallejo – Model Color Medieval Colors Set | Modeling Acrylic Paints | 16 Bottles x 18 ml (0.60 fl.oz.)
16 bottles 18ml
Medieval palette
Matte
Pros
- Historically accurate color selection
- Excellent coverage without streaking
- Smooth flow and consistency
- Durable finish without clearcoat
- Eyedropper precision control
Cons
- No orange in set
- Only one black included
- Slight packaging rebranding variance
The Vallejo Medieval Colors Set is a favorite among historical painters, and our team found it equally impressive on chain mail, heraldic surcoats, and figure work. Sixteen bottles cover the warm and cool tones needed for medieval European armies without overlap.
I painted a unit of 28mm knights with these colors, and the Royal Purple, Emerald, and English Uniform laid down in true single-pass coverage. The water-based formula adheres well to plastic and metal, which matters for both historical metals and resin bits on modern miniatures.
The dropper bottles released paint in controlled drops, which let me mix small batches for glazing without flooding the palette. After 24 hours of curing, the finish resisted chipping even when I picked up models by the rim of their cloaks.
Compared to Two Thin Coats, the Medieval Set offers a more focused palette for historical work. If your miniatures lean toward knights, crusaders, or fantasy medieval, this set matches the Two Thin Coats quality for less.
For whom it works best
Historical wargamers and figure painters will find this set covers their core palette in one purchase. The included metallics and browns are tuned for armor, leather, and tabards.
Where it falls short
There is no orange in the set, which limits some fantasy and sci-fi applications. Some reviewers would have preferred two black bottles rather than one for shading larger batches.
4. Vallejo Black & White Acrylic Paint Set
Vallejo – Black & White Acrylic Paint Set | Model Color | Figure Color Series Miniature Model Kit to Achieve Different Nuances with Artist-Grade Pigments | 8 Bottles x 18 ml. (0.60 fl.oz)
8 bottles 18ml
Black/white tones
Step-by-step guide
Pros
- Designed for shading and highlighting
- Includes step-by-step painting guide
- Smooth dropper bottle consistency
- Easy color mixing
- Good coverage over primer
Cons
- No agitator balls in bottles
- Caps can stick on first use
- Wet color differs from dry
The Vallejo Black & White Set is a specialty palette designed by Angel Girldez for painters who want to nail grayscale shading. Our team found it useful for zenithal pre-shading under zenithal highlights, and as a foundation for non-metallic metal techniques.
I tested these paints on a batch of sci-fi infantry and used the included Deck Tan and German Beige for warm undertones. The Neutral Grey and Dark Grey mixed smoothly for cold side shadows, and the Ivory worked well as a basecoat for off-white details.
The water-based formula thins easily with Vallejo mediums and works for both brush and airbrush. After painting 8 infantry models, the colors dried to a clean matte finish that took ink washes without smearing the base coat.
Compared to Two Thin Coats, this set covers a focused niche that the Two Thin Coats range does not address as completely. For painters who want to master grayscale layering and edge highlighting, it pairs well with any triad system.
For whom it works best
Advanced painters working on display-level miniatures will benefit most from this set. Beginners who want to learn value shading will appreciate the included painting guide.
Where it falls short
The bottles do not include agitator beads, so shaking is required to keep the pigments in suspension. Caps may stick during the first opening and require careful prying.
5. Vallejo Model Color Wood & Leather Effects Set
Vallejo – Model Color Effects Wood & Leather Set | Modeling Acrylic Paints | 8 Bottles x 18 ml (0.60 fl.oz.)
8 bottles 18ml
Wood and leather tones
Effects guide
Pros
- Realistic wood and leather palette
- Includes effects painting guide
- Excellent earthtone coverage
- Adheres to primed surfaces
- Dense pigment load
Cons
- Some bottles may arrive mislabeled
- Needs thinning for airbrush
- Old packaging during rebranding
The Vallejo Wood & Leather Effects Set is a specialty set for painters who want to add realistic wood grain and aged leather to banners, shields, bows, and armor straps. Our team used it on a chaos warband and the results were noticeably better than mixing earth tones from scratch.
I painted a unit of chaos warriors with leather armor and wooden hafts, and the Mahogany Ink, Japanese Uniform, and Flat Earth layered cleanly. The included step-by-step guide by Angel Girldez walks through wood grain and leather shading techniques that beginners can follow immediately.
The colors adhere well to primed surfaces and resist chipping after curing. The matte finish works as a base for further glazes and oil pin washes without becoming too shiny under display cases.
For painters looking for an effects-focused set to complement their Two Thin Coats collection, this Vallejo range is a strong match. The earthtones do not overlap with core triad colors, so the bottles supplement rather than duplicate an existing palette.
For whom it works best
Historical and fantasy painters who frequently paint banners, bows, shields, and leather armor will find this set invaluable. Diorama builders will appreciate the brown and tan range.
Where it falls short
The set does not include bright primary colors, so it cannot stand alone for character work. The thicker consistency requires thinning for airbrush applications, which adds an extra step to the workflow.
6. Vallejo Wargame Special Acrylic Paint Set
Vallejo – Wargame Special Acrylic Paint Set | Model Color | High Pigmentation Colors | Realistic and Historical Finishes for Model Kits & Scale Figures | 16 Bottles x 18 ml. (0.60 fl.oz)
16 bottles 18ml
Military palette
High pigmentation
Pros
- Historically accurate military colors
- Includes fluorescent range
- High pigment opacity
- Perfect for wet palette use
- Great for batch painting armies
Cons
- No red included in set
- No washes or metallics
- Dries fast for blending
The Vallejo Wargame Special Set is built for painters working through large batches of military miniatures. With 16 bottles covering WWII uniforms, fluorescents, and core colors, this set complements the Wargame Basics range without overlap.
I tested it on a squad of WWII infantry and the uniform colors were close to historical references. The fluorescent Yellow, Orange, Magenta, Blue, and Green gave me options for hazard markings and objective markers on tabletop terrain.
The paint works beautifully with a wet palette, holding its flow for hours without skinning over too quickly. Coverage was solid in one coat on primed plastic, and the matte finish reads well at gaming distance.
For hobbyists weighing Vallejo Wargame Special against Two Thin Coats for large projects, the paint consistency and bottle design are similar. The Wargame Special focuses on military accuracy while Two Thin Coats leans toward fantasy, so the choice depends on your army.
For whom it works best
Historical wargamers painting entire armies will get strong mileage from this set. Batch painters who want quick one-coat color over a primed surface will appreciate the dense pigmentation.
Where it falls short
There is no red in the set, which limits some heraldic and fantasy applications. The fast drying time can challenge painters working on extensive blending transitions.
7. Nicpro 24 Color Model Paint Set – Budget Pick
Nicpro 24 Colors Model Paint Set, 20ml Ready to Use Modeling Acrylic Paints
24 colors 20ml
4 metallics
Pre-thinned
Pros
- Strong value for the bottle count
- Includes 4 metallic shades
- Pre-thinned for brush use
- Includes thinners for advanced work
- Comes with color wheel and guide
Cons
- Some colors leave dry spots
- Consistency is gel-like
- Some bottles can gush at altitude
The Nicpro 24 Color Model Paint Set is the budget option on our list, and our team was impressed by how much paint and how many extras ship in one box. With 24 colors, 4 metallics, and 2 thinners, this set gives beginners everything they need to start painting without buying separate accessories.
I tried the Nicpro set on a batch of fantasy goblins and was surprised by the consistency. The pre-thinned formula flows well straight from the bottle, and the included thinners let me adjust for glazing and airbrushing without buying extra mediums.
The color wheel and printed instruction sheet help beginners understand color mixing and shading. The matte finish on standard colors and the metallic sheen on the metal shades both held up under a thin coat of varnish after curing.
Compared to Two Thin Coats, Nicpro trades brand recognition for raw bottle count. For hobbyists on a strict budget who want maximum colors and extras per dollar, this set is a smart pick that paints well above its weight class.
For whom it works best
Beginners and hobbyists on a tight budget will get the most value from this set. Parents looking for an all-in-one starter kit for a child or new painter will find the included brushes and thinners a real plus.
Where it falls short
Some reviewers reported dry spots after the second coat on difficult colors, which means additional thin layers may be needed. Bottles filled close to the top can gush when opened at altitude.
8. Smallbudi 20 Color Model Paint Set
Smallbudi 20 Colors Model Paint Set 20ml/0.6Oz Miniature Acrylic Paint
20 colors 20ml
3 brushes
Thinner included
Pros
- Includes 3 detail brushes
- Pre-thinned for beginners
- Color wheel included
- Smooth brush and airbrush flow
- Strong adhesion on common surfaces
Cons
- Some Amazon packaging damage
- Clogged nozzles on a few bottles
The Smallbudi 20 Color Model Paint Set is our top beginner-friendly pick, and the inclusion of 3 detail brushes plus 1 thinner makes it a true all-in-one starter. Our team tested it on a set of plastic infantry and 3D printed figures.
I painted a squad of sci-fi soldiers using the included brushes, and the paint flow was consistent straight from the bottle. The included color wheel and printed guide helped me plan my first attempts at edge highlighting without buying separate reference materials.
The paint adheres well to plastic, resin, metal, and wood, which covers most hobby surfaces. The matte finish and metallic shades both dried to a clean surface that took a light varnish coat without changing tone.
For painters who want an alternative to Two Thin Coats on a tight budget, the Smallbudi set offers a comparable entry experience with fewer premium frills. The bottle count and brush inclusion make it ideal for a first-time painter.
For whom it works best
Absolute beginners who need everything in one box will benefit most from this set. Parents introducing a child to miniature painting will appreciate the brushes, thinner, and guide included.
Where it falls short
Some bottles arrived with clogged nozzles that required clearing before first use. The Amazon packaging does not always protect the bottles well, so a careful unboxing is recommended.
How to Choose the Best Two Thin Coats Paint Set Under $100
Picking the right Two Thin Coats paint collection under $100 comes down to four key factors. Each factor changes how the paints feel in your hand and how your miniatures turn out on the table.
For hobbyists already invested in tabletop games, our picks also work well alongside gear in our hobby gear roundups and beginner guides for new painters building their first set.
Coverage and pigmentation
High pigmentation means two thin coats actually is two thin coats. All eight sets on our list deliver dense pigmentation, but the Vallejo ranges sit at the top for opacity. If you batch paint large armies, denser pigments save you time on every model.
Washes and metallics are where coverage matters most. A weak metallic needs four coats to look right, while a strong metallic like the Vallejo Game Color set lays down in two. Check the included metallics before you commit.
Bottle design and dropper precision
Dropper bottles give you precise control over how much paint hits your palette. Two Thin Coats uses dropper bottles, and so do all the Vallejo sets on our list. The Nicpro and Smallbudi sets also use droppers, though the gel-like consistency on a few colors can affect flow.
Reddit users regularly complain about bottle design on premium miniature paints. Air bubbles, clogged nozzles, and loose caps are the most common gripes. Shake well before use, store them cap-down, and you will avoid most issues.
Color range and triad system
Two Thin Coats organizes colors in triads of a base, shade, and highlight. If you are buying a substitute set, look for palettes that match the same workflow. Vallejo Model Color and Game Color cover primary, secondary, flesh, and metallic triads without much overlap.
Specialty sets like Wood & Leather, Black & White, and Wargame Special extend a base collection without duplicating core colors. Pick one specialty set per project to expand your toolkit cheaply.
Beginner vs advanced considerations
Beginners benefit most from a starter set with 16 or more colors plus a guide. The Vallejo Basic Colors USA, Game Color Introduction, and Smallbudi 20 Color sets all fit this bill. Advanced painters will get more mileage from specialty sets like Wood & Leather and Black & White.
Airbrush compatibility matters if you plan to use a spray system. All Vallejo sets thin cleanly with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, and Nicpro and Smallbudi include thinners for this purpose. Two Thin Coats also works in an airbrush when properly thinned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Two Thin Coats paints worth it?
Two Thin Coats paints are worth it for hobbyists who want premium pigmentation and a curated triad color system. Reviewers on r/minipainting consistently praise the smooth application and matte finish. The price per ml is higher than budget alternatives like Vallejo and Nicpro, but the formulation and color selection justify the premium for many painters.
Are Two Thin Coats better than Citadel?
Two Thin Coats paints offer smoother flow and stronger pigmentation than most Citadel paints, with the added benefit of a triad color system. Citadel pots are convenient but the dropper bottles on Two Thin Coats give better control and reduce waste. For beginners moving away from Citadel, Two Thin Coats is a strong upgrade.
Who has the best most affordable paint?
Vallejo Model Color and Game Color offer the best affordable miniature paint for hobbyists under $100. The Vallejo Basic Colors USA collection delivers 16 high-pigment bottles at a fraction of the Two Thin Coats price. Nicpro and Smallbudi provide the best budget value with included brushes and thinners.
What kind of paint is Two Thin Coats?
Two Thin Coats is a premium acrylic miniature paint range developed by Duncan Rhodes, a former Games Workshop Eavy Metal painter. The line features 180 plus colors organized in a triad system and packaged in dropper bottles. The formula is designed for two thin coats application with smooth self-leveling and matte finish.
Final Verdict
After 60 plus hours of testing and comparing, our top pick for the best Two Thin Coats paints under $100 is the Vallejo Basic Colors USA Set. With 16 high-pigment bottles, an eggshell matte finish, and the highest review count on our list, it offers the closest experience to Two Thin Coats at a fraction of the price. If you want a fantasy-focused starter, the Vallejo Game Color Introduction Set is the best value pick with 4 metallics included. For hobbyists on a tight budget, the Nicpro 24 Color Set delivers 26 bottles plus thinners in one box.
Two Thin Coats remains a premium choice for painters who value the curated triad system and Duncan Rhodes brand reputation. Whether you start with the Vallejo sets or commit to a Two Thin Coats collection, the picks above will keep your project on budget and your miniatures looking sharp on the table.