Total noob needs paint set to start

Hello, Stav, glad you made the decision. It's a great time to be building scale models. The selection of kits, the quality of kits, and the amazing amount of modeling supplies will keep you enjoying the hobby all your days. Like others have said, just buy the paints your kit calls for. Since this is your first effort, I suggest that you keep it simple. Just try to build your plane well and take your time on the painting. I suggest not trying to get fancy with weathering and all the other stuff till you have this model under your belt. Finishing is the most important goal for you right now. 1. Be aware that most paints nowadays are acrylic, or water-based paints. The days of the old oil-based paints are quickly fading. I suggest that you just accept that fact and learn to paint with acrylics. Since you're going to use a brush rather than airbrush, I suggest that you stay away from Tamiya paints. They can be very hard to hand brush over large surfaces. Model Master acrylics would be better, and easy to find. If you have access to a decent hobby store or are willing to buy over the internet, you could also get Vallejo paint. It hand brushes very well. Probably, your kit will name some paint brand selections. Sometimes, they are hard to find. There are plenty of guys here who can tell you what colors you need in the brand of your choice that will come close enough to matching the recommended colors. Don't get bogged down in trying to be perfectly historically accurate with colors. Close enough is good enough, for now. 2. Only prime the surfaces you are going to paint. I suggest that you wash the plastic with some soapy water first to help remove any mold-release chemical still on the plastic. I actually wipe pieces down with alcohol to be sure, but that is overkill most of the time. You don't need a thick coat of primer. 3. If you have a Michael's or Hobby Lobby nearby, just go to their paint brush section and buy a few medium price paint brushes for acrylic paints, or oil-based if you decide to go that way.

Remember, perfection is a journey, not a destination. It will always be elusive. Take your time and have fun, and you'll do this the rest of your life. Happy modeling. Barrett

I definitely prefer enamels for hand brushing.  I use Testors stuff.  While the MM military colors are getting hard to find, I find their general craft colors quite available.

There was a rumor that Testors was discontinuing enamels.  That seems to be untrue, as they have even added some colors.  I find Hobby Lobby has a good selection if you do not have a good hobby shop nearby.

     Start with paints your kit calls out for. If you do not have an airbrush set up be mindful of the paint you purchase. Some will be " airbrush ready" which is to say they are very thin and may not hand brush well. 

       Acrylics play different than enamels, the enamals generally brush smoother and can be easier to blend. Acrylics on the other hand tend to be quick drying and can result in brush strokes or even splotchy coverage. Which ever you choose be sure to use the correct thinner and clean up after...it will save you headaches later.

    When you do move up to an airbrush don't hesitate to ask for advice befor purchase. It will be a "big" purchase and having knowledge about how they work will save you money in the long run.

You don't need a set.Tamiya will call out exactly what colors you need in the kit instructions,just get them along with thinner.

Tamiya has a nice rattlecan primer called Tamiya extra fine,it levels out nicely,it will help with coverage and paint adhesion.

Enjoy

I believe airbrush paint is designed for the ab. However on many occasions i have brushed well thinned ab paint on small parts.  A few times it was a waste as the more I messed with it the worse it looked.  Few times it turned out.  Never have I tried to used ab paint on a surface of say body panels. 

Maybe someone else can tell you what brands do work well with a brush.

Welcome and good luck! 

T e d