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Ever look at those stunning painted miniatures in your favorite game and think, “I could totally do that!” Well, cast aside those doubts, adventurer, because you absolutely can! This guide is your portal to a world of vibrant colors and heroic detail.
We’ll navigate you through every step of the miniature painting journey – from selecting the perfect paints to breathing life into those once-drab plastic figures with show-stopping details. No prior experience? No worries! We’ll break down the process into easy-to-follow steps, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to transform those unpainted minis into the stars of your tabletop world.
Essential Equipment For Painting Miniatures
When painting miniatures, the first thing that you want to do is gather all your equipment. Below areessential tools beginners miniature painters needto get excellent results:
Paints And Brushes
Choosing a good set of paintsand brushes is crucial when painting miniatures. These can affect the overall appearance and appeal of your figures — not to mention the value (if you plan on selling your work).
There are two common types of miniature paint available: acrylic and enamel.
Dries fast
Can dry quickly on the palette
Water-based and easy to clean up
Limited working time, can dry on the brush quickly
Wide range of colors
May require multiple layers for full coverage
Can have a matte finish, may need varnishing
Adheres well to primed surfaces
Offers a super-smooth finish
Requires special thinners
Can create metallic sheen effects
Longer drying time, prone to smudging
Not as common for miniature painting
Acrylic paints are the undisputed champions of miniature painting.They dry fast, are water-based (so easy to clean up!), and come in a staggering array of colors. They also adhere well to primed miniatures.
While not as common for miniatures, enamel paints offer a super-smooth finish and can be useful for specific effects, like creating a metallic sheen. However,they require special thinners and take longer to dry.
A good miniature brush will havea fine tip that comes to a good point, a springy body that holds its shape, and a comfortable handle for those long painting sessions.
When it comes to brushes, you’re able to choose between two types: natural and synthetic.
The size of your brush will depend on the detail you’re painting. A good starter set will include a variety of sizes, such as:
Size 0 or 1
Ideal for fine details such as eyes, weapons, and scrolls
Suitable for basecoating larger areas and applying washes
Best for priming and basecoating larger areas
How To Prime Your Miniatures
You wouldn’t want your paint to start chipping off a week after finishing a miniature. Primer is like a magical potion that helps ensure your paint sticks to your miniature. It comes in two types:
Quick and easy application
Can be difficult to control overspray
Provides even coverage on large surfaces
Requires outdoor or well-ventilated area for use
Dries quickly
May not adhere well to some surfaces
Can reach difficult-to-paint areas
Limited color options compared to brush-on primers
Offers precise application, reducing overspray
Time-consuming for large surfaces
Allows for layering and building up coverage
May leave brush marks or streaks if not applied evenly
Can be used indoors without ventilation concerns
Requires cleaning brushes after use
Available in a wider range of colors
May require multiple coats for complete coverage
Spray primer generally dries faster and is easier to use, especially for beginners. Brush-on primer can be useful for more targeted priming or for reaching areas inaccessible to spray.
Other Necessary Supplies
How To Prepare Your Miniatures
Now that you have your equipment ready, it’s time to start prepping your miniatures for painting. Here’s what you need to do:
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to paint your miniature:
Priming Your Miniatures
Using a small brush, apply some brush-on primer on your miniature, making sureit’s not too thin or too thick.
If you’re using a spray primer,shake the can well before you start using it. Hold the miniature at arm’s length.Apply thin, even coats in short bursts, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next.
Remember, safety first!Use primer in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside or with a spray booth.
Leave your miniaturesdry for at least an hour before you start painting.
How To Create A Base Coat
This is where your miniature starts to come alive with color. Here’s how to create a smooth, vibrant base coat:
Choosing a Color Scheme
Reference images online or in-game rulebooks for inspiration. Think about the character or creature you’re painting. Is it a battle-hardened warrior clad in dark armor, or a mystical elf draped in flowing green robes? Look for color schemes that complement each other and evoke the feeling you want to create.
Applying Thin Coats
The golden rule of basecoating is thin layers. Here’s how to achieve a smooth finish:
Repeat steps 1-3, applying additional thin layers until you achieve the desired opacity and color saturation.
Remember, it’s always better to add more thin layers than risk globbing on paint, which can obscure details and make your miniature look messy.
Shading And Washing
Shading takes your miniature from flat to fantastic. A wash is a thin, dark paint that acts like magic. When applied all over your miniature, it settles into the recesses (areas between folds, armor plates, etc.) creating shadows and definitions.
Here’s how to use it:
Highlighting
Highlighting simulates light reflecting off raised surfaces, creating a sense of depth and realism. Here’s how to master this technique:
Dry Brushing
This is a fast and effective way to add highlights, especially to textured surfaces like armor, fur, or chainmail. To start:
Edge Highlighting
This technique offers more precise control for creating sharp highlights on defined edges. It requires a fine brush (size 0 or 1) and a steady hand. Here’s how to do it:
Generally, a good highlight color isone to two shades lighter than your base color. However, lighting plays a role too.
For example, if your light source is coming from above, the highlights on the top of the miniature’s head and shoulders would be brighter than those on the underside.
Detailing
Now that your highlights are in place, it’s time to bring those tiny details to life.
Grab your finest brush (size 0 or 1) and use reference images as your guide. Online resources or game rulebooks often have detailed close-up pictures of miniatures, showcasing how eyes, weapons, straps, and other details are painted.
A steady hand is key for detail work.Brace your wrist against a stable surfaceor use a miniature holder for extra support. If you find those tiny details challenging, consider using a magnifying glass for a closer look.
Don’t rush this stage.Take your time, focus on each detail, and don’t be afraid to go back and touch up any mistakes with your base color.
How To Base Your Miniatures (Optional, But Recommended)
A well-painted miniature deserves a stage! Basing your miniature adds a whole new dimension to its look and feel. Here’s how to create a simple yet effective base:
How To Add Finishing Touches And Sealing (Protecting Your Work)
You’ve poured your heart and soul into painting your miniature, so the last thing you want is for the paint job to get chipped or scratched. Here’s how to protect your masterpiece:
