In addition to producing some wonderful model kits of a plethora of subjects, ICM has also added a line of acrylic paints, some of which have been reviewed here in the past. This set contains basic colors, which are good for adding details to nearly any subject, and can be mixed as needed to create any color you can imagine. Modelers who are familiar with water-based acrylic paints will have no issues with using this set.

When inspecting the box for this set you will see the six colors included as well as a chart showing basic colors that can be mixed by using the paints provided. While this is a limited example of colors that can be created, if you are unfamiliar with creating new colors, this set is a good starting point. Included in the set are White (item 1001), Black (1002), Deep Yellow (1003), Deep Red (1007), Dark Blue (1077), and Deep Green (1009). The paints are prepared for application with a brush and can be thinned for use in an airbrush.

For this review I applied each of the six colors on bare Tamiya sprue using a paint brush and I also thinned and applied the Black paint using an airbrush. In my sample the paints were thick with the White being comparable to Andrea paints, if you have used them before, while the other colors were slightly thinner. I wanted to see how the paint would brush on without the use of any thinner and all dried flat with some brush marks being visible. I applied a single coat for this experiment, but I would recommend thinning the paint slightly with water, or your product of choice, and applying more than one coat.

I used an airbrush to apply the Black paint alone to a spare part that was a black plastic with one side having a black primer applied, the other being bare. I thinned the paint close to a consistency of 40% paint, 60% thinner using Vallejo Airbrush Thinner. The paint applied smoothly and dried flat in a manner of minutes. After waiting an hour or so, I conducted a scratch test using my fingernail. The paint easily lifted to expose bare plastic on the bare side but held up better on the primed side. I will point out that the instructions on the box mentioned twice to use a primer when applying the paints with an airbrush.

My hits for this set are the inclusion of six primary colors along with a simple chart to help mix them to create additional colors. While the paints are 12 ml, there is enough space to add thinner if you want to make them airbrush ready. I have no misses for this paint set. While the box mentions shaking the paints well before use, the thickness really requires the use of a stirring stick to completely mix them in my opinion.

I recommend this paint set to any modeler looking to add a set of water-based acrylic primary colors to their paint selection. The color chart will be useful for individuals who are new to mixing colors, and the colors themselves are useful for any modeler. My appreciation to the folks at ICM for providing this set to the IPMS/USA Review Corps at the 2026 Nationals!