This question has come up a few times, especially since some older dollhouse kits still suggest using enamel paint. But is that actually a good idea today?
The general answer is clear: enamel paints are rarely the best choice for dollhouse miniatures anymore.
Why Most Miniaturists Avoid Enamel Paint
Too shiny for small-scale
Enamel paints often dry to a semi-gloss or glossy finish. That can look unrealistic in miniature scale, especially on furniture, walls, or trim. Instead of blending into the scene, enamel-painted items can end up looking plasticky or toy-like.
BUT: it works pretty well on creating shiny dollhouse tiles!
Long drying time
Enamel takes hours—sometimes days—to fully dry and cure. That slows down your project and increases the chances of smudging or dust sticking to the surface. If you’re doing multiple coats or need to handle the piece, you’ll have to wait quite a while.
Strong fumes and cleanup hassle
Traditional enamel paints are solvent-based, which means they give off strong fumes and require turpentine or mineral spirits for cleanup. You’ll need good ventilation (or to work outdoors), and brushes can’t just be rinsed in water.
Not always suited to common materials
While enamel sticks well to plastic or metal, it’s less ideal for wood or porous surfaces—materials that are common in many dollhouses and miniatures.
What Most Miniature Hobbyists Recommend Instead
Most miniaturists today use water-based acrylics or interior latex paints. These have become the go-to options for good reasons:
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Dries quickly – Thin coats are usually dry within minutes.
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Low odor and easy cleanup – Just rinse brushes with water. No solvents needed.
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Realistic finish – Matte or satin acrylics help keep the illusion of real materials at a small scale.
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Flexible and forgiving – Acrylics are easier to work with, especially for layering and touch-ups.
Even for glossy finishes (like bathroom fixtures or shiny tiles), many crafters simply use a clear gloss varnish over acrylic paint. That gives you more control without dealing with the drawbacks of enamel.
So, Is There Ever a Reason to Use Enamel?
In very specific cases, yes. If you’re painting a plastic or metal piece that will be handled a lot (like a mini stove or a door handle), enamel can provide a hard, durable finish. But even then, most miniaturists will still reach for a primer and use acrylic with a sealer instead.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just starting out, or even if you’ve been doing this for years, you’ll likely get better results by using acrylic paints for your dollhouse projects.
They’re easier to find, easier to use, and far more suited to the kind of detail work most of us are doing. Enamel still has its place in the hobby world, but for most of our miniatures, it’s mostly a thing of the past.
What paints do you prefer? Have you ever used enamel, and if so, how did it go? I’d love to hear your experience.
Kind regards,
Lizzy
