AK Interactive Quick Gen – First impressions of contrast painting

AK Interactive has entered the competitive arena against Contrast paints and Speedpaints with their new Quick Gen paints. These are contrast paints for miniatures that create both base coats and shadows in a single layer, resulting in greater depth and a more vibrant look for your figures.

The Quick Gen Starter Set includes eight shades, a medium, and a brush, making it a great starter kit for anyone looking to dive into speed painting. It looks promising on paper – but how does it perform in reality?

The paints are thick and pigmented, labeled by coverage intensity. You need to thin them more or less to achieve the desired "shade." Fortunately, the set includes a medium. My test using the slap-chop technique on Star Wars Legion miniatures went well – the paints flowed exactly where they were supposed to. The final effect was achieved, though it appeared a bit dark. Compared to Speedpaints, AK Quick Gen feels thicker, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. The shades would likely stand out more on a white base coat.

A big plus is the included brush, which is a real pleasure to work with. It is flexible, holds its shape, and is easy to clean. You can also buy it separately, and I have to say that the brush actually left the best impression on me out of the entire set. Conversely, the packaging feels unnecessarily oversized – part of the box is empty and serves no practical purpose. Overall, the set offers a decent alternative to established brands, but it doesn't feel revolutionary.

Verdict: I rate the Quick Starter Set from AK Interactive at 70% out of 100%. It is a solid choice that impresses with its price, comprehensive content with multiple colors, and a high-quality brush ideal for Quick Gen. Rather than a breakthrough in speed painting, it is a new option on the market that will find its place, especially among those who want to try something new without a large investment.

author Eva Lassler