At Lightspeed Global (LSG), we understand that your customers demand products that are both innovative and accessible. That’s why we proudly distribute AK Interactive Playmarkers, a top-tier paint solution designed for scale modelers, miniature painters, and tabletop enthusiasts. These brush-tip acrylic paint markers offer a unique way to apply paint: just uncap and draw onto the model. They aren’t just another product on the shelf – they’re a proven solution that helps hobbyists achieve professional-quality results with ease, while offering retailers an easy upsell opportunity that appeals to beginners and advanced users alike. In this comprehensive report, we’ll delve into what makes AK Interactive Playmarkers special, how to sell them, and why they belong in every hobby store’s paint lineup.
AK Interactive’s Playmarkers come in a deluxe set of 34 colors, packaged in an elegant case. Each marker contains high-quality acrylic paint and features a durable brush tip for precision.
What Are AK Interactive Playmarkers?
AK Interactive Playmarkers are acrylic paint markers with brush tips that make painting miniatures and models as simple as drawing with a pen. Each marker is filled with AK Interactive’s exclusive water-based acrylic paint formula, which is ultra-fast drying, high-coverage, and low-mess. The paint flows through a flexible brush-like nib, allowing both fine detail work and broader strokes. Unlike traditional paint pots and brushes, these markers require minimal setup or cleanup – no palettes, no water cups, no brushes to wash. A hobbyist can literally pick up a marker and start painting a miniature straight away, making them incredibly accessible for customers new to painting.
Key features of the Playmarker product line include:
- Brush Tip Precision: Each marker has a soft, brush-like tip that offers precision for fine details and can also cover larger areas. The tip is durable and flexible, designed to handle the folds and crevices of gaming miniatures without splitting. This differentiates it from older generation “paint pens” that often had hard felt tips.
- Acrylic Paint Formula: The markers are filled with high-quality acrylic paint formulated specifically for modeling. The paint adheres well to plastic, resin, and metal surfaces, especially when those surfaces are primed. It’s water-based, non-toxic, and nearly odorless – a big plus for in-store demos or customers who are sensitive to fumes. Because it’s acrylic, the paint dries fast (usually within minutes) and can be cleaned up or thinned with water.
- Mono-Pigment Colors: Many colors in the Playmarkers range use a mono-pigment formulation, meaning each color is made from a single pigment for maximum purity. This ensures cleaner color mixing and bolder results. For hobbyists, that means if they choose to blend two marker colors (either by touching tips to a palette or layering on a model), they’ll get crisp, true secondary colors without the muddiness that can occur when mixing paints containing multiple pigments. The mono-pigment approach is a hallmark of professional-grade paints and gives even novice users a leg up in achieving vibrant mixes.
- Matte Finish: AK Interactive formulated these paints to dry to a flat, matte finish for a realistic look on miniatures. Many competing hobby paints have a satin or semi-gloss sheen, but a matte finish is often preferred by detail-oriented modelers because it photographs well, reduces glare, and provides a great surface for weathering washes or decals. (If a customer desires a different sheen – say glossier for certain effects – the painted model can always be varnished accordingly after the marker paint dries.)
- Airbrush Compatibility: Uniquely, Playmarkers are compatible with airbrushing techniques. The marker design includes a rear push-button (actuator) that, when pressed, can dispense paint out of the marker. This paint can then be used in a traditional way – for example, applied with a regular brush or even loaded into an airbrush cup after slight dilution. This means more advanced users can treat the marker like a portable paint pot: use it for quick touch-ups, or press out larger volumes for airbrushing base coats. It extends the utility of the product beyond the marker tip. A beginner might start by using the marker directly, but as they become more advanced, they won’t outgrow the product – they can incorporate the paints into airbrush work or mix them with other acrylics, making Playmarkers a flexible addition to any paint arsenal.
In short, AK Interactive Playmarkers combine the convenience of a marker with the quality of a hobby acrylic paint. For retailers, this means the product appeals to a wide range of customers and offers a fresh twist in the hobby paint category. Let’s explore exactly why these markers are generating buzz and how they can benefit your store.
Strong Market Appeal for All Skill Levels
One of the biggest reasons to stock AK Interactive Playmarkers is their broad market appeal. These markers are ideal for a wide range of customers – from first-time painters to long-time modelers. For the complete beginner, Playmarkers are extremely unintimidating. Think about a customer who has just bought their first model kit or a board game with unpainted miniatures: they may be excited to paint their figures but hesitant to invest in a full set of brushes, paints, palettes, and thinners. A marker presents an inviting, low-barrier entry point into the painting side of the hobby. It feels familiar (like drawing) and removes several steps from the process. Beginners can achieve solid results on their first tries without special training. As the official AK Interactive description notes, the idea behind Playmarkers is to help newcomers “overcome any fears” and quickly bring details to life on their miniatures. By stocking these markers, you provide an easy on-ramp for customers who might otherwise be overwhelmed by traditional painting.
At the same time, the product is not only for beginners. Experienced hobbyists and veteran model painters also find uses for Playmarkers. For example, an advanced modeler might use them for quick touch-ups or detailing in areas where using a brush is inconvenient. The fine tip can reach tight spots (like picking out buttons, eyes, or tiny symbols) with precision and without leaving brush strokes. The fact that the markers use real acrylic hobby paint (not a watered-down craft marker) means even experts get professional results. In some cases, a Warhammer or scale model enthusiast might add a few Playmarkers to their toolbox for convenience on simpler projects or for travel painting (no need to pack a full paint kit). Thus, Playmarkers appeal to a spectrum of skill levels.
From a retailer’s perspective, having a product that can be confidently recommended to anyone is valuable. Your sales staff can just as easily suggest a Playmarker to a 10-year-old painting their first D&D mini as they could to a seasoned hobbyist looking for a quick fix solution. This broad usability drives add-on sales – a customer buying a model kit can be upsold a marker or two as the perfect companion product (“While you’re here, these pens are an easy way to paint that figure”). Because they’re so beginner-friendly yet yield results that satisfy picky modelers, Playmarkers have a strong market appeal that translates into real sales potential.
Professional Results in a Beginner‑Friendly Format
A core selling point of AK Interactive Playmarkers is that they deliver professional-quality results in an extremely beginner-friendly format. In the past, achieving a smooth, full-coverage paint job on a miniature required some skill with a brush or airbrush. Beginners often struggle with visible brush strokes, paint consistency, or the mess of washes and mixing. Playmarkers essentially solve these pain points:
- No More Messy Palettes: With traditional paints, new painters have to figure out how to dispense paint onto a palette, thin it with water, mix colors, etc. This process can be messy (spills, blobs of wasted paint) and intimidating. With Playmarkers, the paint is self-contained. The user just shakes the marker, uncaps it, and applies color directly. There’s no need for mixing on a palette for base colors – each marker is ready to go.
- Smooth, Full Matte Coverage: The markers lay down paint evenly, and because it’s a brush tip, you don’t see the harsh lines or streaks that a regular brush might leave. Especially on small surfaces, the lack of traditional brush strokes is a huge advantage. An independent review noted the “lack of brush strokes and odor are also positives” when using these markers. Beginners can get a smooth coat without mastering brush techniques. The paint’s high pigment density gives excellent coverage – dark colors typically cover in one pass, and lighter colors might need a second coat for full opacity (much like any quality paint). The result is a clean, professional-looking finish even from a first-timer. The matte finish also means the end result looks refined rather than shiny or “toy-like,” which impresses customers who are new to painting.
- Easy Control and Precision: New painters often struggle with controlling a brush (keeping a steady hand, not applying too much paint). The marker format offers superior control because it feels like using a pen. It’s easier to draw within molded lines or color small details without overpainting adjacent areas. This precision means a beginner is less likely to make mistakes like slopping paint over the wrong area. If they do make a minor mistake, since the paint dries quickly, it can be painted over or touched up fairly easily once dry.
- No Need for Specialized Tools: A huge benefit for beginners is that no additional tools are required to start. There’s no need to buy different brush sizes, no need for brush cleaner or a cup of water on the table (except maybe a cup to briefly rinse the marker tip if needed, but it’s not continuously required as with brushes). This simplicity is very appealing to customers who may not consider themselves “artistic.” It reduces the upfront investment and learning curve. As a retailer, you can reassure hesitant buyers: “If you can use a marker, you can paint a mini with these.” That confidence goes a long way in converting sales.
Because Playmarkers are so user-friendly, they’re a “no-brainer” recommendation for your staff when assisting new hobbyists. You can position them as “paint for beginners” in your sales pitch – a way to start painting without the typical hurdles. Meanwhile, customers get results that look like they came from much more advanced techniques, which increases their satisfaction and likelihood of continuing with the hobby (and returning to your store for more supplies). In summary, AK Interactive Playmarkers combine the best of both worlds: the approachability of a marker and the finish of a high-quality hobby paint.
Exclusive AK Technology
- Mono-pigment color formulation ensures cleaner mixes and bolder results.
- Matte finish delivers a professional, realistic look compared to satin competitors.
- Airbrush compatibility extends their utility for more advanced users.
Empowering New Painters: Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the best ways to build customer loyalty (and boost sales) is to ensure that buyers of Playmarkers have a great experience with them. Your staff can play a key role in this by offering a few simple tips at the point of sale. A little guidance will help beginners get the best results and avoid common pitfalls, leading to happier customers who come back for more. Here’s a collection of beginner tips and mistake-prevention advice you can share with your customers (or even print as a small handout near the product):
Quick Tips for First-Time Users:
- Prime the Surface First: For optimal results, always encourage customers to prime their miniatures before painting. A thin coat of primer (spray-on or brush-on) gives the acrylic marker paint something to “bite” into, resulting in much better adhesion. Primer also provides an even, neutral surface so that the colors show up vibrantly. (Many newbies don’t realize that painting straight on shiny plastic or resin can lead to poor coverage or chipping.) Recommend a simple gray or white primer – it makes a big difference in durability and coverage of the marker paint.
- Shake Well Before Use: Just like any paint, the pigments in Playmarkers can settle. Vigorously shake the marker (with the cap on) for a few seconds before painting, especially on the first use. You’ll hear a little agitator ball inside mixing the paint. This ensures the color is uniform and at full strength when applied.
- Activate the Tip (If New): When a customer uses a fresh marker for the first time, they might need to get the paint flowing. Instruct them to gently press the tip down on a scrap surface (like a piece of paper or sprue) a few times until they see paint saturating the brush tip. This primes the pump. Once the tip is soaked with color, it will draw paint continuously. (They should do this step cap-down, so gravity helps, and be patient – pressing for a few seconds at a time. It usually only takes a moment.)
- Use Light Pressure and Multiple Passes: When painting with the marker, advise to use a light touch – almost like using a brush. Pressing too hard can dump excess paint or potentially wear the tip. It’s better to apply 1-3 thin coats for an even finish than one thick coat. The fast-drying nature means they won’t have to wait long between coats (usually by the time they finish one area, another is dry). Light layers will give the smoothest result. For lighter colors or very dark underplastic, two coats will give full coverage.
Let Each Layer Dry: Emphasize that they should allow a coat to dry (which happens in minutes) before adding another coat or color on top. This prevents colors from mixing unintentionally on the figure and avoids any paint from being lifted off. The quick dry time of these markers is an advantage – by the time they’ve moved to a different part of the model, the previous section is likely touch-dry.
Cap Markers Tightly After Use: To prolong the life of the markers, customers should cap them promptly and securely when not actively painting. This keeps the tip from drying out. The markers have a good cap seal, but it’s a good habit to close them when switching colors for more than a minute or two. Also store them horizontally if possible, as this keeps the paint evenly distributed in the barrel.
Clean the Tip if Needed: If the brush tip starts to dry during a long painting session or perhaps picks up some debris, it’s easy to fix. Just have a cup of water handy and dip the tip in water briefly, then blot on a paper towel. This will revive the tip’s moisture. (Unlike felt-tip markers, the Playmarker’s synthetic brush fibers can be cleaned with water just like a normal paintbrush.) Remind users to wipe excess paint off the tip after each session, which keeps it from crusting over.
Experiment on a Test Piece: Suggest that beginners do a quick test on a spare bit of plastic or an old model before tackling their main project. This way they can get a feel for the paint flow and opacity. They can practice making strokes, see how the paint behaves, and try layering one color over another. It builds confidence and helps them understand the product’s behavior (for instance, how the paint slightly self-levels and how fast it dries).
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don’t Skip Priming: As mentioned, painting unprimed plastic is a common beginner mistake. The paint can bead up or easily scratch off if the surface isn’t primed. Skipping primer might save time initially, but it often leads to frustration later. Encourage customers to take that small preparatory step.
Avoid Pressing Too Hard: New users might treat the marker like a crayon and press forcefully. This can result in too much paint flooding out or the tip splaying. Advise them that a gentle touch is all that’s needed – the paint flows readily. If they want more paint, they should pump the tip on a palette rather than pressing hard on the model itself.
Don’t Contaminate the Colors: Remind painters to be mindful when switching colors. If they draw a light color over a still-wet dark color, the dark might tint the nib. The solution if this happens is to rinse the nib or scribble on paper until the original color returns. Better yet, ensure previous sections are dry or use a fresh marker for distinct areas. Essentially, paint transfer can happen if they’re not careful, but it’s easy to avoid by letting areas dry and not dragging one color into another.
Patience with Large Areas: Filling in a large surface (like a big flat wing or cloak) with a marker requires a bit of technique. A mistake would be trying to cover it in one pass and scrubbing with the marker, which could show overlap lines. Instead, they should work in sections or use an airbrush for basecoating large areas. They can always pump some marker paint out and brush or airbrush it on large surfaces to get a perfectly uniform coat if the marker itself isn’t ideal for the job. This is an important tip for advanced projects – it prevents disappointment for someone expecting to marker-color an entire tank with zero streaks. (It can be done with careful layering, but as a best practice, use the right tool for the right area size.)
Don’t Forget to Varnish (Optional): While not a “mistake” per se, it’s good practice to varnish finished models for protection. Some beginners may not realize that a clear coat (matte or gloss depending on preference) will protect their paint job from handling during gameplay. AK’s marker paint is quite durable on its own – it has strong resistance to handling once dry – but a layer of varnish will make their work nearly bulletproof and also unify the finish if needed. So, suggest a bottle of matte sealer spray when they check out; it’s a wise final step for their project.
By equipping your staff with these tips (or even posting them on your store’s blog or social media), you ensure customer success. A customer who leaves the store with a couple of Playmarkers and the knowledge of how to use them effectively is far more likely to achieve a great result and come back excited for more. This not only boosts their confidence but also cements their trust in your store’s expertise and recommendations. It’s a win-win: customers avoid common frustrations, and you cultivate a loyal hobbyist who will return for additional supplies.
LSG Staff Insights: Top Picks and Insider Tips
As a wholesale supplier and partner to many retailers, Lightspeed Global has gathered a wealth of feedback and experience regarding AK Interactive Playmarkers. In this section, we share some insider insights from our LSG team member Dominic.
“I’ve been in the hobby for over two decades, and one thing I’ve consistently struggled with is fine paint application. Whether it’s painting eyes or freehanding designs, it’s always been a skill that felt just out of reach. But with AK Interactive’s new Playmarkers, a lot of that frustration has started to fade.
These markers take much of the headache out of precision work. Their brush tips feel intuitive for anyone used to traditional brush painting, yet they're still approachable for casual or newer painters. Interestingly, the tip seems to hold its point better than a standard brush, which makes precise lines and controlled strokes much easier to achieve.
Cleanup is also refreshingly simple. Since Playmarkers use water-based acrylics, all you need to do is rinse them in a cup of water and dry with a paper towel when you're done. Whether you're base coating, highlighting, or freehanding, these markers provide consistently excellent coverage every time.
Two standout colors for me have been Silver (AK-M030) and Turquoise (AK-M028). Silver is fantastic for edge highlights on steel weapons, quick scratch or chip effects on metal, and even as a final highlight for gold elements. Turquoise has become my go-to for freehand tattoos, the fine point allows for precise application, keeping the designs crisp and clean.
While these markers will never fully replace my traditional brushes and paints at the desk, they’ve earned a spot in my toolkit. I’d recommend them to anyone looking to simplify their detail work or explore new techniques with less stress.”
AK Interactive vs. Competitors: Why It Matters for Retailers
Your customers may already know Army Painter and other hobby paint brands. Here’s how AK Interactive sets itself apart:
- More flexible for advanced users without the rigid triad systems.
- Matte over satin finish preferred by detail-oriented modelers.
- Mono-pigment tech makes it ideal for color mixing and clean results.
By stocking AK Interactive, you’re offering not just a product—but a performance edge that keeps hobbyists coming back.
Partner with Lightspeed Global – Your Wholesale Advantage
AK Interactive Playmarkers present an exciting opportunity for hobby retailers, and Lightspeed Global Hobby (LSG) is here to make tapping into that opportunity as smooth as possible. As the exclusive Canadian distributor of AK Interactive products (and a supplier to the US as well), LSG offers a partnership that goes beyond just stocking a product – we provide support, service, and a streamlined supply chain so you can focus on growing your business.
Why Register with LSG for Your Wholesale Hobby Supplies?
- Competitive Wholesale Pricing
- Fast & Reliable Fulfillment
- Exclusive Access and New Releases
- Friendly Customer Service
We invite you to register for a wholesale account on our website. The registration process is straightforward – simply sign up with your business details. Please note that accounts must be reviewed and approved to ensure we maintain a network of genuine hobby retailers. Once you’re approved, you’ll gain full access to our online ordering system, real-time stock checks, and the ability to see wholesale pricing across our catalog. You’ll also receive our newsletters with updates on new products (like the Playmarkers), restock notifications, and more.
By partnering with Lightspeed Global, you’re aligning with a supplier that is passionate about the hobby industry and dedicated to helping your retail business thrive. We’ve equipped you in this report with the knowledge to make AK Interactive Playmarkers a success in your store – from understanding the product’s strengths, to tips on selling and merchandising, to how it compares in the market. Now, take the next step and ensure you have this innovative line in stock for your customers. Make LSG your distributor, and let’s bring a better, easier painting experience to hobbyists everywhere, together.