Top 5 Paint Organization Systems for Serious Model Makers

By Yau Suet, Senior Model Painter at UFM Design

As promised in my previous article about choosing your first paint station, today I'm diving deep into what might be the most transformative aspect of any painting setup: paint organization systems. After spending countless hours at UFM Design testing different organizational methods with our team of professional painters, I've identified the top five systems that genuinely elevate the painting experience for serious model makers.

Why Proper Paint Organization Matters

Let me share a quick story. Last year, during a time-sensitive project for a major gaming convention, I watched one of our newer team members spend nearly 15 minutes searching for a specific shade of blue among his disorganized collection. Meanwhile, our senior painter completed the same detail work in under 3 minutes—not because she was faster with the brush, but because she knew exactly where every paint was located in her methodically organized system.

The right organization system delivers:

• Time efficiency: No more hunting for colors
• Color selection accuracy: Better visibility means better color choices
• Extended paint life: Proper storage prevents premature drying
• Inventory management: Easy identification of paints that need replacement
• Workflow enhancement: Logical groupings support painting techniques

The Top 5 Systems Worth Your Investment

1. Tiered Front-Facing Racks

Best for: Collections of 50-200 paint bottles, especially dropper-style bottles

After testing dozens of systems at UFM Design, we've found that tiered, front-facing racks consistently outperform other organizational methods for active painters.

Key advantages:

• Full label visibility without moving bottles
• Space efficiency—can fit 100+ paints in a 24" × 12" footprint
• Easy access during painting sessions
• Available in various materials (acrylic, wood, 3D-printed)

Recommended options:

• Custom UFM Design Tiered Racks: Our in-house solution accommodates multiple paint brands with adjustable tiers
• Nail Polish Display Racks: Affordable alternative with similar benefits
• HobbyZone Paint Modules: Beautiful wooden construction with customizable arrangements

Pro tip: Opt for racks with at least 4-5 tiers and sufficient depth to ensure bottles don't tip forward when nearly empty.

2. Color-Wheel Organized Carousel Systems

Best for: Process painters who work through specific color sequences

At UFM Design, we've observed that painters who work methodically through color transitions benefit tremendously from carousel-style organizers arranged by color wheel principles.

Key advantages:

• Logical color progression supports technique
• Rotating access without reaching across the workspace
• Compact footprint ideal for limited space
• Excellent for wet palette users who mix frequently

Recommended options:

• Rotating Art Supply Organizers: Can be adapted for model paints
• Modified Spice Carousels: Budget-friendly DIY option
• UFM Design Color Wheel Station: Our specialized carousel with integrated color theory guides

Pro tip: Arrange your paints following color wheel theory—place complementary colors opposite each other for easier color mixing decisions.

3. Drawer-Based Paint Libraries

Best for: Extensive collections (200+ paints) or limited desk space situations

When we designed our larger UFM Design studio space, we opted for drawer-based systems for our comprehensive paint collection used across multiple projects.

Key advantages:

• Protection from light and dust
• Maximizes storage in minimal space
• Can be organized by multiple systems (color, brand, project)
• Accommodates odd-shaped containers and accessories

Recommended options:

• Alex Drawers (IKEA) with custom inserts
• Modular Plastic Drawer Systems with adjustable dividers
• Metal Drawer Cabinets with foam inserts (professional option)

Pro tip: Invest in drawer-top labels and consistent internal organization—the main drawback of drawer systems is "out of sight, out of mind," so clear labeling is essential.

4. Wall-Mounted Display Systems

Best for: Dedicated hobby rooms where wall space exceeds desk space

Our UFM Design testing studio features an impressive wall-mounted system that doubles as both functional storage and inspirational display.

Key advantages:

• Transforms paint collection into visual inspiration
• Frees valuable desk space
• Excellent for quick color selection and comparison
• Creates an immersive hobby environment

Recommended options:

• Pegboard Systems with custom holders (budget-friendly)
• Floating Shelves with acrylic risers
• Custom Wall Units with integrated lighting (premium option)
• UFM Design WallTrack System: Our modular solution designed specifically for model paint bottles

Pro tip: Install your wall system within arm's reach of your painting position—walking across the room to retrieve paints disrupts workflow.

5. Integrated All-in-One Stations

Best for: Serious hobbyists ready for a comprehensive solution

The pinnacle of paint organization comes in the form of purpose-built stations that integrate storage with workspace functionality. At UFM Design, our newest PaintStation represents years of research into this concept.

Key advantages:

• Unified design aesthetic
• Optimized ergonomics for paint access
• Integrated lighting and tool storage
• Complete workspace solution

Recommended options:

• Hobby Zone Complete Workshop: Wooden modular system
• Painting Station Pro Setups: Custom-built solutions
• UFM Design PaintStation: Our flagship integrated system with paint organization at its core

Pro tip: All-in-one stations represent a significant investment; consider starting with a quality paint rack and gradually building toward a complete system as your needs evolve.

Organization Principles That Work Across Systems

Regardless of which physical system you choose, these organizing principles will maximize its effectiveness:

By Color Family

Our UFM Design painters typically organize by:

1. Metallics (silvers, golds, bronzes)
2. Whites and off-whites
3. Yellows and ochres
4. Oranges and browns
5. Reds and pinks
6. Purples and violets
7. Blues (light to dark)
8. Greens (light to dark)
9. Grays
10. Blacks and very dark shades

By Painting Function

Alternatively, organize by purpose:

• Base colors
• Layer paints
• Washes and shades
• Highlights
• Effects paints (fluorescent, color-shifting)
• Technical paints (textures, crackle effects)

By Project Requirements

For commission painters like our UFM Design team, project-based organization often makes sense:

• Fantasy army paint sets
• Sci-fi vehicle palettes
• Historical figure collections
• Commission-specific palettes

Implementation Strategy: The 3-Phase Approach

At UFM Design, we recommend a three-phase approach to transforming your paint organization:

Phase 1: Audit and Purge (1-2 Days)

1. Gather ALL your paints in one location
2. Test each for viability (discard dried or separated paints)
3. Identify duplicates and near-duplicates
4. Create an inventory list (spreadsheet or hobby app)

Phase 2: Temporary Organization (1 Week)

1. Group paints by your chosen system
2. Use temporary containers (egg cartons, plastic bins)
3. Work with this system for one week to identify needs
4. Note what works and what doesn't

Phase 3: Permanent Implementation

1. Purchase or build your chosen organization system
2. Set up according to your tested grouping method
3. Label sections clearly
4. Create a maintenance routine (weekly touch-ups)

Recommendations Based on Collection Size

Based on our experiences with varied collection sizes at UFM Design:

50-75 Paints: Start with a basic tiered rack or wall-mounted solution
75-150 Paints: Consider dual-purpose systems that combine different organizational styles
150-300 Paints: Invest in modular systems that can expand
300+ Paints: Look at comprehensive drawer-based or integrated stations (like our PaintStation)

The UFM Design PaintStation Advantage

I would be remiss not to highlight how our newly launched PaintStation addresses the challenges discussed in this article:

• Multi-tier front-facing racks with adjustable spacing for different bottle types
• Color-coded organizational sections with customizable dividers
• Integrated lighting positioned to eliminate shadows on paint labels
• Quick-access working palette for frequently used colors
• Inventory management system with optional digital tracking

While designed as a complete painting workstation, the organization system alone makes it worth consideration for serious model painters.

kickstarter pre-order link for PaintStation : 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ufmdesign/paintstation/edit/preview?ref=project_build

Conclusion

The perfect paint organization system transforms frustration into flow. Whether you're building terrain for wargames, painting character miniatures, or working on scale models, the time invested in organizing your paints pays dividends in creativity and efficiency.

Next week, I'll be exploring "Why a Proper Paint Station Changed My Hobby Life," sharing personal testimonials from the UFM Design team and our community of professional painters. Until then, I'd love to hear about your current organization methods and challenges in the comments below!