For miniature collectors and painters, few names carry the same reverence as P3 Paints. Long hailed for their buttery-smooth texture and rich pigmentation, these paints weren’t just another product line—they were a cornerstone of the miniature painting hobby. Now, after years in limbo, P3 Paints have officially returned, reimagined and revitalized under Steamforged Games, and collectors everywhere are taking notice.
A Classic Reborn
The original P3 line, developed in collaboration with hobby legend Mike McVey, first hit the scene in 2006. What set it apart wasn’t just its colors—it was the formula itself. P3 paints blended like a dream, allowing hobbyists to achieve lifelike tones, smooth transitions, and artistic effects that few other lines could match.
Now, nearly two decades later, Steamforged Games has brought this beloved brand back to life. Their P3 Paint: Starter Set features ten foundational colors—some fan favorites, others completely new—crafted with modern production techniques that enhance pigment load, consistency, and coverage while maintaining that signature creamy flow.
For collectors, this return isn’t merely about function; it’s about heritage. Each bottle represents a continuation of a legacy that helped shape the golden age of tabletop painting.
Why Collectors Care
Collectors of classic hobby materials understand the value of owning something that represents both art and history. Original P3 bottles—especially limited-run shades and early Privateer Press labels—have become sought-after items on secondary markets. The new relaunch presents an opportunity to start fresh with a line that honors that past while introducing refinements for the next generation.
What makes this re-release especially appealing to collectors:
– Consistency across eras – the paints still behave like the originals, allowing old and new sets to mix seamlessly.
– Improved packaging and formulation – ideal for long-term storage and display.
– Historical significance – part of the evolving story of miniature artistry, from Privateer Press to Steamforged stewardship.
Whether you paint your miniatures or simply curate the tools of the craft, these paints represent a bridge between the pioneering hobby culture of the 2000s and today’s renaissance of high-quality miniature production.
Looking Ahead
Steamforged has confirmed that Wave 2 of the P3 revival will include classic favorites like Coal Black and Murderous Magenta, along with new metallics and sprays. For collectors, that means the line will once again become a full-spectrum system—perfect for display, archival, or use in restoration projects involving vintage Privateer Press models.
As someone who’s collected paints, pigments, and hobby materials for over two decades, I can confidently say: this is the comeback to watch. Whether you buy them to use, display, or preserve, these bottles belong in any serious collector’s workspace.
Final Thoughts
P3’s return is more than a reprint—it’s a restoration. It’s proof that craftsmanship, creativity, and community still drive our hobby forward. For collectors, this is your chance to be part of that story again.
You can find the P3 Paint: Starter Set now at The Hidden Lair.
Because some things aren’t just paint—they’re pieces of hobby history.
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