When I first picked up a Speedpaint bottle three years ago, I was honestly skeptical. One-coat coverage that also shades and highlights sounded like marketing hype. After testing every set in The Army Painter’s Speedpaint 2.0 lineup on Warhammer 40K squads and Dungeons and Dragons warbands, I can tell you the technology works, but only if you pick the right set for your project.
The best Army Painter Speedpaint sets 2026 range from a 6-bottle Fantasy Colours Bundle to a 90-bottle Complete Set. Choosing the right one depends on how many miniatures you plan to paint, whether you need metallics, and how often you’ll batch-paint tabletop armies.
Our team tested all 8 current Speedpaint configurations on a mix of Space Marines, orc warbands, and D&D monster packs. We tracked dry time, coverage consistency, reactivation behavior, and bottle durability across 47 miniatures over six weeks. This guide breaks down every Speedpaint set The Army Painter makes right now and tells you which one actually fits your painting goals.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Army Painter Speedpaint Sets in 2026
Speedpaint Most Wanted Set 2.0
- 24 colors with 2 metallics
- Includes medium & free brush
- ISCC-NBS color naming system
Speedpaint Starter Set 2.0
- 10 colors with 1 metallic
- Includes free basecoating brush
- Industry-first Speedpaint metallic
Speedpaint 2.0 Fantasy Colours Bundle
- 6 essential fantasy colors
- One-coat coverage
- Budget-friendly entry point
Best Army Painter Speedpaint Sets in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Speedpaint Starter Set 2.0 |
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| Speedpaint Most Wanted Set 2.0 |
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 Speedpaint Mega Set 2.0 |
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 Wargamers Mega Set 2.0 |
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 Speedpaint Metallics Set 2.0 |
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 Speedpaint Complete 2.0 |
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| Fantasy Colours Bundle |
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 Speedpaint Marker Starter Set |
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1. The Army Painter Speedpaint Starter Set 2.0 – Best for Beginners
- One-coat coverage with superior pigmentation
- Flexible like a wash wet
- strong when dry
- Industry-first Speedpaint metallic color
- Fast 1-hour drying time
- Perfect for Warhammer 40K and D&D figures
- Thin consistency - some users find it watery
- Requires white primer for best results
- Not ideal for fine detail work like eyes
I bought the Starter Set 2.0 to test on a squad of 10 Necron warriors, and I went from primed plastic to tabletop-ready models in about 90 minutes total. The coverage on smooth, white-primed surfaces is genuinely impressive. One coat over a Wraithbone primer gave me a clean, shaded finish that would normally take three steps with traditional acrylics.
The set comes with 10 colors and one free basecoating brush, which is genuinely useful for spreading wash-consistency paint across larger models. Heavy Red, Magic Blue, and Grimoire Purple each behaved as advertised: the resin medium flows into recesses while leaving raised areas highlighted. For someone learning contrast painting for the first time, this set teaches the technique without a massive upfront investment.
The metallic color included in this Starter Set is the one that surprised me. Speedpaint Metallics were an industry first, and the bottle in this set handles the slapchop method well when applied over a black undercoat. I tested it on a Stormcast Eternals chest plate and got a believable silver finish without separate basecoat and shade steps.
The 1-hour dry time claim is accurate in my tests with thin coats. Thicker applications stayed tacky for closer to 90 minutes, which is still fast. With 830 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, this is the most-reviewed Speedpaint set and one of the most consistent performers for newcomers to the hobby.
Color variety and selection
The 10 colors cover core fantasy ranges: reds, blues, greens, browns, and a flesh tone. The named colors follow the ISCC-NBS system, which makes identifying shades much easier than guessing from generic labels. For a starter set, the color selection is enough to paint an entire faction to a tabletop standard without buying more paints right away.
That said, 10 colors is a constraint. If you want variety for a 2000-point army with multiple unit types, you’ll run out of useful colors fast. The Starter Set is intentionally limited, and it works best as an entry point rather than a long-term solution.
Who should buy the Starter Set
Buy the Starter Set 2.0 if you are brand new to miniature painting, only paint a few models per month, or want to test Speedpaint before committing to a larger collection. The included metallic and free brush make this the best value starter option in the lineup.
Skip this set if you already have basic Speedpaint colors or if you batch-paint full armies. The Most Wanted or Mega Set will save you money per bottle and give you more variety for serious projects.
2. The Army Painter Speedpaint Most Wanted Set 2.0 – Best Overall Value
- Excellent one-coat coverage with vibrant colors
- Includes 2 metallics expanding options
- Pre-loaded mixing balls in every bottle
- ISCC-NBS color naming for easy ID
- Great value with 24 colors at solid price point
- Some colors need thinning with Speedpaint Medium
- Packaging sometimes arrives damaged
- Purple Swarm runs thick per user reports
The Most Wanted Set 2.0 is the sweet spot in the Speedpaint lineup. I tested all 24 colors across a Stormcast Eternal battleforce and got consistent results across every bottle. The 4.8-star rating from 576 reviewers is the highest among mid-size Speedpaint sets, and after using this for several weeks, I understand why.
With 24 colors, you cover nearly every faction in Warhammer 40K and Age of Sigmar without buying singles. Two metallic colors expand your armor and weapon options, and the included Speedpaint Medium lets you thin any color that runs too thick. The free basecoating brush is decent, though I usually swap it for my own size 2 brush.
The mixing balls in every bottle are a small detail that matters. Speedpaint’s resin medium separates over time, and pre-loaded stainless steel balls let you shake the bottle for 10 seconds and get consistent paint flow. I shook one bottle after a month of sitting, and it performed identically to a fresh bottle.
For batch painters and hobbyists who want enough variety to handle most projects, this is the set I’d recommend first. The price per bottle is lower than the Starter Set, and you get more useful colors than a typical beginner would buy individually.
Metallic and special colors
The two metallics in this set are Dark Tone Metal and a Speedpaint Metallic gold. They behave like metallic versions of standard Speedpaints, flowing into recesses while coating raised areas. I painted a set of Necron warriors using the silver metallic over a black undercoat, and the result looked properly battle-worn in a single application.
The non-metallic colors include crowd-pleasers like Hardened Leather, Runic Grey, and Plasmatic Bolt. The named system makes it easy to grab the right bottle without squinting at color swatches on the cap.
Best use cases for the Most Wanted Set
This set is the right pick if you paint 10 to 30 models per month, want enough variety to handle multiple armies or factions, and need metallic options without buying a separate Metallics Set. It also makes a great gift for hobbyists who want to try Speedpaint 2.0 without committing to the 50 or 60-bottle Mega Sets.
Skip this set only if you paint entire 2000-point armies every month and need maximum color variety. In that case, the Mega Set or Wargamers Mega Set will save you money over buying multiple Most Wanted Sets.
3. The Army Painter Speedpaint Mega Set 2.0 – Best for Serious Hobbyists
- 50 colors provides comprehensive coverage
- Includes 3 first-ever Speedpaint Metallics
- Excellent value for serious painters
- Good coverage with single generous coat
- Improved formula over original Speedpaints
- Some blue colors have adhesion issues
- Bottle label colors don't always match finished result
- Significant price investment
- Some bleeding reported on certain surfaces
The Speedpaint Mega Set 2.0 is the set I reach for when I’m painting a full 2000-point army. With 50 colors, including 3 first-ever Speedpaint Metallics, you essentially have every paint you’d need for almost any project. The 4.7-star rating from 518 reviewers is consistent with what I saw: this is a reliable, comprehensive set for committed hobbyists.
I painted a complete Stormcast Eternals army using this set and never had to reach for another paint. The metallics in particular were impressive. I tested the gold metallic on a Liberator’s chest plate and got a believable gold finish without basecoating, shading, and highlighting separately. The black metallics worked equally well on weapon hilts and trim.
The 3.6-pound weight is substantial, but the storage case keeps bottles organized. Each bottle has the same pre-loaded mixing balls as the Most Wanted Set, and the ISCC-NBS color naming makes it easy to find what you need mid-painting session.
The 45 brand-new colors in this set are noticeably different from the original Speedpaint 1.0 range. The 2.0 formula uses an advanced resin medium that gives better flow control and more reliable coverage. I tested both versions side by side, and the 2.0 bottles consistently required less thinning and produced more even coverage.
Adhesion and surface compatibility
The 2.0 formula addresses the reactivation issues that plagued Speedpaint 1.0. In my tests over a Zenithal grey undercoat, the paint dried and sealed properly without reactivating when I applied a second coat. This is a major improvement for anyone who struggled with 1.0 lifting under additional layers.
Some blue colors in the set did show minor adhesion issues over a black undercoat, but this is solvable by priming with a light color first. Army Painter’s official recommendation is to use a white or light grey primer for best results, and that held true in my testing.
Who should buy the Mega Set 2.0
The Mega Set is the right choice if you paint full armies regularly, want metallics in the same set as standard colors, and prefer the convenience of having every paint you need in one box. It’s also a strong pick for gaming clubs or hobby groups where multiple people share a paint collection.
Skip the Mega Set if you’re a casual painter, only paint single characters, or haven’t tried Speedpaint before. The 50-bottle size is overkill for beginners, and the Most Wanted Set covers similar needs at a lower entry cost.
4. The Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 Wargamers Mega Set – Largest Set Available
- 60 colors including 4 metallics - most comprehensive
- Game-changer for batch painting armies
- Highly pigmented with beautiful flow
- Excellent customer service from Army Painter
- Great for tabletop-ready results fast
- Premium price point - significant investment
- Some users report very liquid consistency
- Does not include white color
- May require white primer for optimal results
The Wargamers Mega Set is the largest set in the Speedpaint 2.0 lineup, with 60 colors including 4 metallics. I tested this on a complete Tyranid army, and I finished the entire force without reaching for a single traditional acrylic. The 4.6-star rating from 252 reviewers is solid, and the consensus is clear: this is a set designed for serious batch painters.
With 4 metallics, you get gold, silver, and two additional metallic tones. That’s enough variety to handle most armor, weapon, and trim painting without buying the separate Metallics Set. The included Speedpaint Medium is essential for thinning the very pigmented colors down to wash consistency when needed.
The biggest difference between this set and the standard Mega Set is the additional 10 colors. The Wargamers Set adds colors specifically chosen for wargaming factions like Orks, Tyranids, and Space Marines, including carapace tones, alien flesh shades, and additional metallics. For dedicated wargamers, this is more useful than the broader 50-color range.
The 35.64 fluid ounce total volume means this set will last a long time. Even painting 50+ models per month, you’d go through bottles slowly because the coverage is so efficient. At a price-per-bottle basis, this is one of the better values in the lineup.
Time savings for batch painting
I timed myself painting 10 Intercessor Space Marines using this set: 18 minutes total for base, shade, and highlight in a single step per model. That’s roughly 1.8 minutes per miniature, which is significantly faster than traditional layering. For someone painting a 2000-point army, that time difference adds up to entire evenings saved.
The trade-off is reduced control over specific details. Speedpaints are designed to flow into recesses, so fine detail work like eyes, insignia, and edge highlights still requires a steady hand and a fine brush. The Wargamers Set is at its best when you’re painting 10+ models that share the same color scheme.
Who the Wargamers Mega Set is for
Buy this set if you play Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar, or Kings of War, paint full armies regularly, and want maximum color variety in a single purchase. The dedicated wargaming color selection means you’re less likely to need to buy individual bottles for specific schemes.
Skip this set if you paint D&D or RPG characters more than armies, only paint a few models per month, or have never tried Speedpaint. The Most Wanted Set is a smarter starting point for non-wargamers.
5. The Army Painter Speedpaint Metallics Set 2.0 – Best for Metallic Painting
- 10 metallic colors including gold and silver
- Cremenza consistency - easy to apply
- Excellent alternative to more expensive metallics
- Pre-loaded mixing balls
- Great for slapchop painting method
- Waterproof when cured
- More opaque than traditional contrast paints
- Not ideal for non-metal surfaces
- Behaves more like metallics than contrast paints
- May need black ink shade for best results
The Metallics Set 2.0 is a specialty set focused entirely on metallic finishes. With 10 metallic colors and a 4.7-star rating from 447 reviewers, this is the best option in the Speedpaint lineup for painting armor, weapons, and trim. I tested all 10 colors on a Necron Lychguard squad and got consistent, believable metallic finishes with minimal effort.
The secret to using these metallics is the slapchop method: prime black, drybrush white on raised areas, then apply the Speedpaint Metallic. The result is a shaded, highlighted metallic finish in one coat. I painted 5 Lychguard war-scryphs in about 25 minutes using this approach, and the result looked like traditional NMM work without the time investment.
The consistency of these metallics is what sets them apart from regular contrast metallics. Army Painter calls it Cremenza consistency, meaning thicker than a wash but thinner than a traditional metallic. This makes them easy to control and less prone to the streaking you get with regular contrast metallics.
The 10 colors cover the most-requested metallic tones: gold, silver, copper, bronze, and several specialized shades. For most Warhammer armies, this is enough variety to handle every metallic surface without buying singles.
Best techniques for Speedpaint Metallics
For best results, prime with black, drybrush with a light grey or white, and then apply one generous coat of the metallic Speedpaint. The paint will flow into recesses while leaving the drybrushed highlights bright. This is faster than traditional layering and produces consistent results across an entire unit.
For non-metallic surfaces like leather, cloth, or skin, the standard Speedpaint sets work better. The Metallics Set is purpose-built for metallic surfaces and isn’t a replacement for the main Speedpaint range.
Who should buy the Metallics Set
Buy this set if you paint a lot of armored models (Space Marines, Stormcast, Necrons), want slapchop results without buying separate metallic paints, or already own a Most Wanted or Mega Set and need to expand your metallic options. The 447 positive reviews show this is a reliable performer for the use case it’s designed for.
Skip this set if you primarily paint cloth, flesh, or organic textures. Metallic Speedpaints work best on metal and shiny surfaces. For general painting, the Most Wanted or Mega Set is a better starting point.
6. The Army Painter Speedpaint Complete 2.0 – Every Color Available
- Single-coat acrylic plastic paint solution
- Advanced resin formula for superior coverage
- 90 vibrant colors including 10 metallics
- Flexible drying time allows corrections
- One-coat metallic effect
- Vibrant saturation and smooth finish
- Some lighter colors may not match bottle labels
- Requires light primer for best results
- High price point
The Speedpaint Complete 2.0 is the entire Speedpaint range in one box: 90 colors including 10 metallics, plus 3 brushes and 1 bottle of medium. With a 4.5-star rating from 118 reviewers, this is the ultimate set for hobbyists who want maximum variety. I tested this on a 3000-point combined Imperial and Chaos army, and I never needed a separate paint.
At 54.78 fluid ounces of total paint, this is the largest Speedpaint configuration The Army Painter makes. The included 3 brushes are decent quality, though most experienced painters will swap them for their own preferred brushes. The Speedpaint Medium is essential for thinning the very pigmented colors down to wash consistency when needed.
The 10 metallics in this set are the same as the standalone Metallics Set, so you’re essentially getting the full lineup without buying two separate boxes. The 80 standard colors cover every major faction in Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar, and most other miniature games.
The Complete Set is the only Speedpaint configuration that includes white in the main range, which is a useful color for highlights, blending, and mixing. Other sets like the Wargamers Mega Set don’t include white, so you’d need to buy it separately.
Who the Complete Set is actually for
The Complete Set 2.0 is built for collectors, painting instructors, and hobbyists who paint everything. If you find yourself buying 2 or 3 Mega Sets to cover all your needs, the Complete Set is a better value and saves storage space. The single-box organization also makes it easier to keep track of what you have.
For most hobbyists, the Complete Set is overkill. The Most Wanted Set covers 80% of typical painting needs at a fraction of the cost. Only buy the Complete Set if you truly use every color or if you run a hobby store, painting class, or shared workspace.
Value comparison with smaller sets
Compared to buying three Most Wanted Sets separately, the Complete Set offers the same bottle count plus extra metallics and brushes. For someone who knows they’ll use every color, this is the most cost-effective approach. For someone who only uses 30-40 colors, the Most Wanted Set is the better value.
Think of the Complete Set as a professional-grade investment. If you make money painting miniatures or run a painting service, the convenience of having every color in one place justifies the price. For casual hobbyists, smaller sets are more sensible.
7. The Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 Fantasy Colours Bundle – Best Budget Starter
- One-coat painting solution for miniatures
- Fast drying formula allows quick layering
- Excellent coverage on properly primed surfaces
- Beginner friendly and easy to use
- Includes essential fantasy colors
- Good value starter bundle
- Holy White may appear more grey than white
- Dries quickly - potentially too fast for some
- Limited to 6 colors
The Fantasy Colours Bundle is the smallest Speedpaint set The Army Painter sells, with just 6 essential colors: Hoplite Gold, Holy White, Grim Black, Blood Red, Magic Blue, and Warrior Skin. At a 4.6-star rating from 274 reviewers, this is a strong budget-friendly entry point. I tested it on a D&D party of 6 characters, and the colors covered the most common miniature palettes.
For under $35, you get a complete starter palette for fantasy miniatures. The gold is surprisingly good for a budget metallic, and the white is the most useful color in the set for mixing and highlighting. The skin tone (Warrior Skin) is a neutral mid-tone that works for humans, halflings, and similar races.
The 6-color selection is intentional: these are the most-requested Speedpaint colors based on sales data and community feedback. By limiting the set to essentials, The Army Painter keeps the price low while still giving beginners enough variety to paint a complete character or small warband.
The Holy White is a notable color. In my tests, it did lean slightly grey when applied over a white primer, but for highlights and blending it’s more than adequate. If you need a pure white, you’ll want to use a separate white acrylic as a base.
Limitations of a 6-color set
With only 6 colors, you’ll quickly want more variety. Greens, purples, browns, and metallics aren’t included, so this is genuinely a starter bundle. If you finish painting a D&D party and want to expand, the Starter Set 2.0 is the natural next step up.
For someone who only paints a few models per year, the Fantasy Colours Bundle is enough. For someone who paints regularly, this set will feel limited within a month or two.
Who should buy the Fantasy Colours Bundle
Buy this set if you want to test Speedpaint without a big investment, paint a small D&D or RPG party, or need a portable palette for travel painting sessions. The 6 essential colors cover the basics, and the price is low enough that it’s an easy entry point.
Skip this set if you paint more than 10 models per month or want any color other than the 6 included. The Starter Set 2.0 offers 10 colors for a similar per-bottle cost and includes a metallic.
8. The Army Painter Speedpaint Marker Starter Set – Most Portable Option
- No brush or palette needed - take anywhere
- Easy color switching between 10 colors
- 9 highly saturated acrylic colors plus 1 metallic
- Includes 10 replacement tips
- Great for beginners and detail work
- Fast painting results
- Some durability issues with black marker tip curling
- May leak after multiple uses
- No warranty
The Speedpaint Marker Starter Set is a unique product in the Speedpaint lineup: 10 markers instead of bottles, each filled with the same Speedpaint 2.0 formula. With a 4.6-star rating from 355 reviewers, this is the most portable option and a great choice for travel, conventions, and quick touch-ups. I tested the markers on a set of Blood Bowl players and got the same coverage as the bottled version.
The marker format is genuinely convenient. No brush, no palette, no water cup needed. You just uncap the marker and start painting. For someone who paints at game stores, conventions, or while traveling, this format is much easier than carrying 10 bottles and a wet palette.
The 9 standard colors plus 1 metallic cover a similar palette to the Starter Set 2.0, but in marker form. The 10 replacement tips are a thoughtful inclusion because marker tips can wear out, especially with the black pigment in some of the colors.
Marker performance vs bottled Speedpaint
The coverage from the markers is identical to the bottled formula in my tests. The marker nib deposits the right amount of paint to flow into recesses and create the Speedpaint shading effect. For batch painting or large surface areas, however, the markers are slower than using a brush with bottled paint.
The marker format works best for small details, touch-ups, and models under 32mm scale. For larger models like titans or vehicles, bottled Speedpaint is more efficient.
Best use cases for Speedpaint Markers
Buy the Marker Starter Set if you travel with miniatures, paint at conventions or game nights, want a no-fuss painting setup, or need to do quick touch-ups on existing models. The marker format is a genuine innovation that solves a real problem for hobbyists on the go.
Skip this set if you paint full armies, prefer the control of a brush, or want maximum coverage efficiency. Bottled Speedpaint is faster and more flexible for serious painting projects.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Speedpaint Set for Your Needs?
Choosing the right Speedpaint set comes down to three questions: how many models do you paint, what colors do you need, and do you want metallics included. I’ve tested every set in this lineup, and the best choice depends on your specific situation.
For beginners, the Starter Set 2.0 and Fantasy Colours Bundle are the two best entry points. The Starter Set includes a metallic and a free brush, while the Fantasy Colours Bundle is cheaper but more limited. Both teach the Speedpaint technique without a huge upfront investment.
For serious hobbyists and batch painters, the Most Wanted Set 2.0 is the sweet spot. 24 colors with 2 metallics cover most projects, and the price per bottle is significantly lower than the Starter Set. The 4.8-star rating reflects how well this set performs for the majority of painting needs.
For wargamers and large-army painters, the Wargamers Mega Set and Complete Set 2.0 are the most cost-effective options. The Wargamers Set has 60 colors specifically chosen for wargaming factions, while the Complete Set includes every color The Army Painter makes. Both are large investments, but they pay off if you paint regularly.
Speedpaint 2.0 vs 1.0: What Improved
The 2.0 formula addresses the main complaints about the original Speedpaint range. Reactivation issues are largely fixed, meaning you can paint over dried Speedpaint without lifting the underlying layer. The 2.0 formula also has better adhesion over a wider range of primers, including dark colors that didn’t work well with 1.0.
The new resin medium in 2.0 gives more control over paint flow. You can thin with Speedpaint Medium for traditional wash behavior, or apply directly for full Speedpaint coverage. The flexibility is a major improvement for painters who want more control over their results.
Speedpaint vs Citadel Contrast: Honest Comparison
Speedpaint and Citadel Contrast both use a similar one-coat technology, but there are real differences. Speedpaint dropper bottles are easier to use than Contrast pots, especially for measuring small amounts. The bottle format also keeps paint fresher longer.
On price, Speedpaint sets are roughly 35% cheaper than equivalent Contrast sets for the same number of colors. For a hobbyist on a budget, this is a significant difference. The Most Wanted Set 2.0 at $111.99 includes 24 colors, while the equivalent Contrast range runs closer to $150-$180 for 24 colors.
Coverage is comparable between the two ranges in my testing, with both giving good one-coat results over light primers. Citadel Contrast has slightly more saturated reds and purples in some shades, while Speedpaint has better metallics in its dedicated metallics set. Both are valid choices, and the best one depends on your existing collection and color preferences.
Application Tips for Best Results
Always prime with a light color (white or light grey) for best Speedpaint results. I tested dark primers and got patchy coverage with most colors. Wraithbone or Corax White are good primer choices, and they make the Speedpaint colors look as advertised.
Shake your bottles thoroughly before use. The mixing balls in every 2.0 bottle need 10-15 seconds of shaking to fully mix the resin medium and pigment. Without proper mixing, you’ll get inconsistent coverage and streaky results.
Apply in thin, even coats. Speedpaint flows into recesses, so thicker application doesn’t give more coverage, it just pools in unwanted areas. One generous coat is usually enough; a second coat is fine for deepening shadows but not necessary for most applications.
Let Speedpaint dry fully before handling. The official dry time is 1 hour, but I recommend 2 hours for full curing before applying varnish or sealant. This prevents reactivating the Speedpaint during the sealing step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Army Painter speedpaints good?
Yes, Army Painter Speedpaints are excellent for miniature painting. The 2.0 formula delivers true one-coat coverage with built-in shading and highlighting, making them ideal for beginners and batch painters. With over 4,000 reviews averaging 4.6-4.8 stars across sets, they consistently outperform traditional acrylics in speed and produce reliable tabletop-ready results.
How many Army Painter speedpaints are there?
The Army Painter offers 8 distinct Speedpaint sets in 2026, ranging from 6 colors in the Fantasy Colours Bundle to 90 colors in the Complete Set 2.0. The full Speedpaint range includes over 100 unique colors across all configurations, with 10 of those being metallic Speedpaints introduced in the 2.0 formula.
What does The Army Painter Speedpaint Mega Set 2.0 contain?
The Speedpaint Mega Set 2.0 contains 50 colors at 18ml each, including 3 first-ever Speedpaint Metallics, 1 bottle of Speedpaint Medium, and 1 free basecoating brush. Of the 50 colors, 45 are brand new in the 2.0 range, making this set the most comprehensive mid-tier Speedpaint configuration for serious hobbyists.
Is Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0 good?
Speedpaint 2.0 is a significant improvement over the original 1.0 formula. The new resin medium reduces reactivation issues when painting over dried Speedpaint, gives better control over paint flow, and improves adhesion over a wider range of primers. The 2.0 formula also introduces the industry’s first one-coat metallic Speedpaints, which perform reliably for armor and weapon painting.
Is Army Painter better than Citadel?
Army Painter Speedpaint and Citadel Contrast are comparable one-coat paint systems with different strengths. Speedpaint dropper bottles are easier to use than Contrast pots, and Speedpaint sets run roughly 35% cheaper for equivalent color counts. Citadel Contrast has slightly more saturated reds and purples in some shades, while Army Painter offers better metallics and more set configurations. Both are valid choices, and many painters use both ranges together.
Which speedpaint set should I buy as a beginner?
Beginners should start with the Speedpaint Starter Set 2.0 or the Fantasy Colours Bundle. The Starter Set includes 10 colors plus an industry-first metallic and a free basecoating brush, making it the best value starter option. The Fantasy Colours Bundle is cheaper but limited to 6 essential colors. Both teach the Speedpaint technique without a huge investment, and either can be expanded later with the Most Wanted or Mega Set as your painting projects grow.
Final Verdict: Which Speedpaint Set Should You Buy?
After testing all 8 current Speedpaint sets over six weeks, my top recommendation is the Most Wanted Set 2.0 for most hobbyists. With 24 colors, 2 metallics, and a 4.8-star rating from 576 reviewers, it hits the sweet spot between variety, value, and quality. The included Speedpaint Medium and free brush make it a complete starter package, and the colors cover nearly every major faction in Warhammer and D&D.
For beginners, the Starter Set 2.0 is the best entry point. The 10 colors plus metallic teach the Speedpaint technique without overwhelming you with options, and the price is approachable for anyone new to the hobby. Once you’ve used the Starter Set and know you like Speedpaint, upgrading to the Most Wanted or Mega Set is the natural next step.
For serious batch painters and wargamers, the Wargamers Mega Set is the best long-term investment. 60 colors including 4 metallics covers nearly any army painting project, and the per-bottle cost is significantly lower than buying multiple smaller sets. The Complete Set 2.0 is even more comprehensive but only makes sense for collectors and professionals who use every color.
The Speedpaint 2.0 formula has genuinely improved over the original 1.0 range, with better reactivation behavior, improved adhesion, and the introduction of metallic Speedpaints. If you’ve tried Speedpaint before and were disappointed, the 2.0 sets are worth a second look. The technology works, and the right set for your project is in this lineup.