The Army Painter Speedpaint Marker Introductory Set – Review 2026

It feels like every time I turn around, there’s a new art supply vying for a place on my shelves, and if you’re anything like me (with paint-stained fingers and a mini-project forever on the go), that’s part of the thrill. Over the years, I’ve bounced between all sorts of paint pens and acrylic paint markers, from the graffiti-laden Montana classics to whatever looked promising on the clearance rack. Still, nothing had quite lured me away from my tried-and-true brush… until The Army Painter Speedpaint Marker Introductory Set landed on my desk. Okay, let’s be honest, when the kids and I unboxed these, we may have done a little happy dance.

If you’ve already dipped your toe into the quick-paint revolution or dabble in minis with acrylic paint pens, you’ll understand that feeling of wanting something snappy, portable, and -dare I say- kidproof. I’ll walk you through these Speedpaint Markers from both a parent’s and a hobbyist’s point of view, highlighting exactly what worked, where they outshone classic acrylic paint markers and even some Montana graffiti pens, and where they left a little to be desired. Let’s jump right in.

Product Overview

After spending a solid week putting the Speedpaint Marker Introductory Set through its paces, with miniatures, 3D prints, and even a couple of bold sketches in the margins of homework, it’s clear The Army Painter didn’t just toss their name on a generic marker. Here’s what stands out:

You see, these are pitched as a kind of crossover between the laid-back utility of graffiti pens (like Montana) and the flexibility you’d expect from higher end acrylic paint pens. Using the actual Speedpaint 2.0 formula, the same stuff that made their brush-on paints a cult classic in tabletop circles, means the effect is genuinely next-level for markers.

Product Specs

My Personal Experience

There’s no substitute for real-life testing. Between my own various art sessions and a couple of paint-fueled Saturday mornings with the kids, I got a clear sense of how these stack up.

Pros

• Unmatched Convenience: The headline here is speed and ease. Whether it was my hands or a pair of little ones, we could just grab a Speedpaint Marker, prime it, and leap into painting, no setup, no water cup, no frantic towel dabbing after someone (always me) tips over a paint pot. I found the immediate activation a genuine game changer.
• Crisp Edges and Control: Most acrylic paint markers I’ve tried, even the crowd-favorite graffiti pens, can bleed or get blobby, especially on fine model details. The Felt-Tech tips on The Army Painter’s pens deliver a surprising sharpness, letting me tackle armor panels, weapon edges, or capes without overpainting. I even managed tidy shields, something my kids always point out as a weak spot when I’m rushing!
• Speedpaint Effect, In Marker Form: This is honestly impressive. The Army Painter formula does its magic, flowing into creases for natural shading and leaving highlights untouched atop the surface. With one coat, I watched Orc Skin leap to life, with that signature depth and vibrancy normally only possible with careful brushwork (or a multi-step contrast technique).
• Vivid, Bold Colors: Even after multiple uses, the colors stayed popping, especially over a white primed surface (a must, in my opinion, if you want max impact with any paint pens). Zealot Yellow and Blood Red came out clean, no streaks, no weird undertones. Good news for those used to Montana graffiti pens as well: the vibrancy holds up in direct lighting.
• Kid-and-Hobbyist-Approved: My kids, six and nine, loved being able to paint indie monsters and space marines without help. There were giggles, a few accidental green streaks across the bin lid, but nothing a baby wipe couldn’t handle. If you’re a parent who likes to craft together, this is a welcome feature.
• No Setup or Cleanup: Working at the kitchen island, in the backyard, or even during a car ride (they really are that portable!). No brushes, no palette, just grab and go. Even the dog survived unscathed.
• Easy to Mix & Maintain: The mixing ball inside each pen makes it almost impossible for the pigment to settle in odd ways. A couple of shakes, a click or two on the tip in the lid, and you’re ready.
• Fits in with Other Paints: These markers don’t ask you to give up your classic acrylic paint markers or brushes; instead, they’re the perfect complement, excellent for touch-ups, quick edits, or establishing your main palette before going back in with other tools.
• Replaceable Tips: After a particularly wild session on some rough 3D-printed terrain, a tip started looking frazzled. Luckily, swapping it for a new one restored performance right away (though I did have to order replacements separately).
• Consistent Output: Even after a week, I didn’t notice any loss in flow or color integrity, which for hobby pens, is actually pretty uncommon.
• Intuitive Naming: Not once did I have to Google which color was which. Bless the practical names, especially for beginners or painting alongside kids.
• Great for Testing Schemes: Quickly mocked up some color schemes for an upcoming army, and being able to switch and swap colors (without having to scrub and rinse every time) made experimenting easy.
• Transparency for Layering: Since it’s Speedpaint formula, there’s some transparency to the effect, layering works well for depth, but you can also achieve darker hues with double coats. That’s something classic Montana and graffiti pens don’t manage as smoothly.
• Sturdy Build Quality: Holding these pens felt reassuringly solid, unlike some sculpting acrylic paint markers that feel half-empty or rattly right out of the package.

Cons

• Limited Fine Detail: For ultra-tiny spots, like eyes or thin buckles, the tip still felt a shade too chunky. I always ended up reaching for a classic fine detail brush or ultra-fine acrylic paint pen. If you need pin-perfect lines, these will leave you wanting.
• Can Fray on Rough Surfaces: My 3D-printed pieces have the occasional rough patch, and pushing hard on those areas started to fray the marker tip. With smoother plastic or primed resin, this wasn’t an issue, but I’d suggest a gentle touch if your model’s surface is gritty.
• Pricey Compared to Non-Brands: Honestly, you’re paying for that Speedpaint formula and Army Painter consistency. The set isn’t cheap, especially versus big packs of off-brand acrylic paint pens or drawing markers. If you’re stocking up just for kids’ crafts, it might sting a bit.
• Opaque Coverage Relies on Primer: They’ll look their best over a white primer, anything darker and you lose a bit of that signature oomph. Typical for Speedpaints, but it’s worth noting if you’re in a rush or not a fan of priming.
• Awkward Initial Priming: There’s a learning curve the first time, a bit of pressing and patience to get the paint flowing. My youngest lost interest after a minute or two, but older kids and adults will be fine after the first go.
• No Spare Nibs Included: While the marker’s tips are replaceable, none are included with the Introductory Set. If you’re hard on your tips or want a sharper edge after a while, you’ll need to purchase replacements separately.
• Small Intro Set Palette: With only three colors, Orc Skin Green, Zealot Yellow, and Blood Red, the Intro Set feels more like a sampler than a complete tool for larger projects. I definitely wished for a blue, or something metallic, when working through color schemes.
• Thinner than Regular Acrylics: The paint is intentionally more translucent, giving that Speedpaint effect, but it means you might find yourself going over with another coat if you want complete opacity. Patience or layering is required.
• Overlap Lines with Markers: If you’re not careful, you’ll get visible overlap lines where sections meet, especially if you try to go back in before the first layer is fully dry. Something to be aware of if you’re chasing that smooth, classic brush look.
• Not a Brush Replacement: In my opinion, these shine as a complement, not a substitute, for brush painting. You’ll still need brushes for big, broad basecoats or ultra-fine details if you’re after perfect results.
• Limited Techniques (for Now): Unlike some dual-tip acrylic paint markers or even certain Montana graffiti pens, these don’t offer multiple nib widths in one pen. The line-up is evolving, but for now, variety lovers may feel boxed in.
• Longer Dry Time Than Expected: The paint isn’t instant-dry; apply another coat too soon and it’ll drag the previous one. I learned the hard way after fingerprinting an otherwise glorious Zealot Yellow helmet.
• Colors Not Easily Mixed: With classic paint pots or some acrylic paint pens you can blend on a palette. Here, it’s much harder to mix custom tones directly unless you’re feeling experimental.

In-depth Analysis

Quick Setup and Instantly Vibrant Color

Diving into The Army Painter Speedpaint Markers honestly felt like stumbling upon a game-changing shortcut, everything is just simpler, cleaner, and surprisingly fun if you’re used to fussing with traditional acrylic paint markers, brushes, or even Montana graffiti pens. The very first time I tested these paint pens with my kids, the appeal was obvious: shake, prime, and color. Hearing the click as the paint loaded into the Felt-Tech tip had us grinning, and watching the bold colors burst onto white primer made all the difference. I found the vibrancy truly unmatched, especially considering the mess-free approach.

Effortless Shading and Kid-Friendly Results

I noticed the real magic comes from the Speedpaint formula itself. Where most acrylic paint markers or graffiti pens need a few passes for depth, these markers settled neatly into the recesses, providing shading and highlights in just one swipe. Painting panels, cloaks, or bigger areas with my kids was not only less stressful, but results came fast enough to keep everyone excited. In my opinion, that instant satisfaction is a huge win, whether for solo hobbying or creative time with little ones.

Control and Convenience—But Not for Detail Lovers

In my own projects, the precision tip stood out for clear, clean edges, and I genuinely appreciated not having to hunt for a clean brush or worry about streaky paint lines. Still, the tip’s size was a limitation whenever I tackled tiny details. Whenever I tried hitting mini buckles or drawing precise edges, I inevitably reached for a classic brush or a fine-point acrylic pen instead. To be fair, I think it’s smart to know the marker’s strengths and accept that it’s not a do-it-all tool, for broad coverage, it shines; for pin-precise spots, not so much.

Tip Durability and Mixing—Real-World Impressions

Speaking of longevity, the replaceable tip option saved the day during a rough painting session on bumpy 3D-printed scenery. One tip got chewed up, but dropping in a new one kept the marker flowing beautifully, which is something I’ve rarely enjoyed with other art supplies. That being said, if you (or your kids) press too hard, especially on rough or rugged surfaces, you’ll find these tips wear faster than you’d expect. It’s a small price for the versatility and peace of mind on smoother models.

Minor Gripes—Palette Size and Finish

Every time I opened the kit, I wished for a bigger palette. The three-color starter didn’t quite cover the variety I craved, especially lacking a blue or metallic option. If you’re in love with the bright, comic edge of some classic Montana pens, you may also notice that overlap lines show up if you’re impatient between layers. I learned quickly to slow down and let each layer dry to avoid streaks or lifting the previous color. It wasn’t a deal-breaker for me, but something to remember.

All About Speed, Fun, and Mess-Free Painting

All things considered, these Speedpaint markers have become a go-to for me, especially as a parent and content creator. They’re fast, travel-friendly, and bring a spark back to painting blocky shapes or even quick concept models for work. Whether you’re speeding through tabletop minis or letting your kids join the fun, I honestly think The Army Painter nailed the formula for quick, enthusiastic, and dare I say, joyful, painting.

Video Review

Checkout this video from Stahly, he tested those markers thoroughly. It’s a helpful preview before making a purchase.

Ratings

Final Thoughts

All in all, The Army Painter Speedpaint Marker Introductory Set manages to fill a unique niche in the world of acrylic paint markers and paint pens. For quick, travel-friendly, and surprisingly precise detail work, these small wonders truly speed up the painting process without ransacking your brush collection. They fit in seamlessly with a Montana, graffiti pen, or any acrylic paint pen arsenal, the effect is that blend of comic-book vibrance and painterly depth you rarely get from a marker.

If you’re a hobbyist parent, you’ll love the mess-free design (though keep an eye on those tips if your crew is rough). Artists accustomed to the tactile feel and flexibility of a classic brush will still need to keep those handy, especially for the tiniest fiddly spots. But for blocking in color, experimenting with schemes, or tackling details that used to take forever, these are a genuine upgrade. They aren’t cheap, and you’ll want to budget for replacement tips, but the amount of time and frustration saved (and the “look what I did!” moments with the kids) are more than worth it.

The only real pain point is the tiny starting palette. All I can say is, I, for one, can’t wait to see what’s coming next from The Army Painter in their Speedpaint Marker lineup. Here’s hoping for a broader color range and maybe a dual-tip option. Until then, these markers have more than earned their spot in my everyday paint kit.

FAQs

• What colors are included in The Army Painter Speedpaint Marker Introductory Set?

  The Introductory Set contains three vibrant markers: Orc Skin Green, Blood Red, and Zealot Yellow, perfect for exploring the Speedpaint 2.0 formula.

• Is it necessary to prime models before using these markers?

  For the best results and vibrant color payoff, using a white or light-colored primer is recommended to enhance the Speedpaint shading and highlighting effects.

• Can the marker tips be replaced or refilled?

  Yes, the Felt-Tech tips are replaceable and can be purchased separately. While refilling is possible, it requires careful handling and is not commonly practiced.

• Are these markers suitable for detailed fine work?

  While great for broader areas and shading, the tips are a bit too thick for extremely fine details like eyes or thin trims, where a brush or fine acrylic pen is preferred.

• Are these markers beginner and kid-friendly?

  Absolutely! The markers require no setup or cleanup beyond shaking and priming, making them very accessible for beginners and kids looking to paint with little mess or fuss.