Bring your creations to life with vibrant colours and precision tools.
Whether you're adding weathered details to a scale model or painting fantasy
miniatures, paints and brushes let you express your vision with every stroke.
It's where imagination meets fine detail.
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MORE ABOUT HOBBY SUPPLIES
I am new to model kits. What tools do I need?
If you are starting out in model building, the essential tools you will need are nippers, a hobby knife, sanding sticks and tweezers. Nippers allow you to cleanly cut parts from the plastic sprue without damaging the model. A hobby knife helps you remove excess plastic and trim mould lines for a smooth finish. Sanding sticks or fine-grit sandpaper are used to smooth surfaces and prepare them for painting or assembly. Tweezers are invaluable for handling very small parts, especially in intricate kits. As you progress, you may want to invest in files, clamps, precision rulers, and scribing tools to improve accuracy, detailing and overall build quality.
Where can I find hobby supplies in Australia?
Hobbyco is Australia’s most trusted hobby store, proudly serving enthusiasts since 1935. You can shop for all your hobby needs through our online store, with fast and reliable delivery Australia-wide, or visit one of our physical stores in Sydney, located in QVB, Burwood, Macquarie, Rhodes, and Liverpool. We offer a wide selection of paints, tools, adhesives, and modelling accessories across multiple hobby categories, so you can find everything you need in one place without the inconvenience of sourcing from multiple stores or dealing with costly international shipping.
Why should I choose high quality hobby tools?
Using high quality tools can make a significant difference to your modelling experience. Premium tools last longer, provide greater comfort and precision, and reduce the likelihood of mistakes that could damage your model. For example, a sharp, well-made nipper will produce a cleaner cut, meaning less sanding and less risk of stress marks on the plastic. High quality files and sanding tools give you more control over surface preparation, and precision tweezers or clamps ensure that delicate parts are handled without bending or breaking. While cheaper tools may seem appealing at first, they often wear out quickly or cause avoidable errors that can affect the final result.
What paints and finishing products do you recommend?
The right paint can completely transform the appearance of your model. Hobbyco offers a full range of acrylic, enamel, and lacquer paints to suit different applications and builder preferences. Acrylic paints, such as those from Tamiya and Vallejo, are easy to work with, quick-drying, and can be cleaned with water. Enamel paints, like Humbrol, provide a durable, glossy finish and are excellent for fine detail work. Lacquer paints from brands like GSI Creos (Mr. Hobby) offer exceptional durability and vibrant colour but require proper ventilation. In addition to paints, we stock primers to improve paint adhesion, varnishes to protect and seal your work, and weathering products like washes and pigments to add realism. We also carry masking tapes for crisp paint lines and airbrush kits for those who want a professional-grade finish.
What adhesives, fillers and scenery materials are available?
Hobbyco stocks a wide range of adhesives to suit different materials and modelling techniques. Plastic cement chemically bonds plastic parts together, creating an almost invisible seam. Super glue is ideal for quick repairs or bonding dissimilar materials such as resin, metal, or photo-etched parts. For gap-filling or sculpting, epoxy putty and hobby fillers provide a smooth surface that can be sanded and painted. If you are working on dioramas or model rail layouts, you can choose from scenic materials such as static grass, ballast, ground cover, foliage, resin water, and model trees to create realistic environments. These products allow you to bring your models to life with immersive, detailed backdrops.
How can I store and look after my hobby tools?
Proper care and storage of your tools ensures they remain sharp, functional, and safe to use. Always replace hobby knife blades regularly to maintain clean, precise cuts. Store nippers, files, and other metal tools in a dry environment to prevent rusting, and consider using a dedicated tool organiser or storage box to keep everything tidy and easy to find. A cutting mat not only protects your work surface but also prolongs the life of your blades by reducing wear. Good lighting is essential for accurate work, and magnifying lamps can make handling small parts much easier. Taking the time to clean and maintain your tools after each session will help them last for years.
Which paint brands can I buy from Hobbyco?
Tamiya – A trusted brand for decades, offering a wide range of acrylic, enamel, and spray paints with consistent colour quality and excellent coverage.
Vallejo – Highly pigmented acrylic paints suitable for both brush and airbrush application, known for their smooth finish and extensive colour range.
GSI Creos (Mr. Hobby) – Professional-grade lacquer paints, primers, and weathering products designed for exceptional durability and detail work.
Humbrol – A long-standing name in modelling, offering reliable enamel and acrylic paints that are perfect for both beginners and experienced builders.
Which tool brands are available at Hobbyco?
Mineshima – Specialising in precision tools for fine modelling work, offering high-quality nippers, files, and tweezers.
GodHand – Famous for ultra-sharp nippers and professional-grade cutters that deliver extremely clean cuts with minimal stress marks.
Bandai Spirits – Tools designed specifically for Gunpla and plastic model kits, offering user-friendly designs for builders of all skill levels.
Tamiya – Known for durable, ergonomic hobby tools such as craft knives, files, and cutting mats, trusted by modellers worldwide.