Does anyone know if there is a cross-reference to these paint lines, and are they compatible with each other?
I have learned that just because the containers look alike doesn't mean paints are intermixable...
I think I'm about to make the plunge, and don't know if I should use one over the other, or just use both.
Years ago I used acrylics, and all the figure guys I spoke to said "no, use oils, or at the least enamels" NOW of course, they say "aren't you using acrylics yet?
LOL - always figures...

I use Vallejo paints. Absolutely marvellous. Never used Andrea. As to your comment about acrylics v enamels, I still use enamels for faces, hands etc...

I have used the acrylics for about five years now, and have had no mixing issues with these brands. I have heard that the formula is actually from the same supplier, but there was a falling out between Vallejo and Andrea, so Andrea dove into the paint market.
Mix away!

At least at one time Vallejo made paint for Andrea and it was the same paint in a different jar. I think now Andrea makes it themselves. The paints are still essentially identical.

I find that the Andrea line is basically a truncated version of the full Vallejo line. For example, Vallejo makes several Prussian Blues, but Andrea makes only one, and it mathes one of the Vallejo shades.

From what I've read, it seems to depend on the source of the information. Some say that they are basically the same paint, others claim that Vallejo paints have a dead flat finish while Andrea paints have a satin finish that is great for flesh tones, leathers and so on. I don't know if this is true of all Andrea paints, though, or just certain ones.

I can't really compare them as I haven't tried the Vallejo line (although I've heard nothing but good reports about them). The Andrea Flesh Paint Set does have a nice satin finish to it and is a nice way to get started. It has 2 base colors, 2 highlight colors and 2 shadow colors. This isn't meant to be a product endorsement, just what has worked for me. They're great for smaller scales. When working with larger scale figures, however, I still prefer wrking with oils over an acrylic base. In my opinion, nothing is quite as rich as oil colors and nothing blends as smoothly as oils.

Steve K

I want to paint 1:48 figures for a model railroad and recently heard about Andrea and Vallejo Paints. I'm not finding a source for these in the U.S. Can someone tell me when I can buy them? I found a source with pricing in British pounds and that doesn't help me much.

Thanks very much. The best price, would also be helpful.

What place has the best selection of paints to purchase in the USA - bearing in mind that I model in 1/4 scale for model railroading and do not want just military colors. I have not used either brand of paints but would like to get some to paint the population of the towns etc for the model railroad layout. I am interested in a minimum sort of set of colors to start with that would give me a good range and would appreciate any suggestions.
Thank you
Angela