Miniature Painting
Paint tiny figurines and models used in tabletop games or displayed as art. This precise hobby combines artistry with patience, producing stunning small-scale works that showcase incredible detail.
What You'll Do
What You Need
Required
- ●Starter miniatures($15-30)
- ●Basic acrylic paints (8-12 colors)($20-40)
- ●Brushes (fine detail set)($10-20)
- ●Primer spray($10-15)
- ●Palette (or wet palette)($5-15)
- ●Good lighting($0-30)
How To Do It
- 1
Prepare the miniature
Clean any with a hobby knife, then prime the entire mini.
- 2
Apply base colors
Block in the main colors of each area—skin, cloth, metal, etc.
- 3
Add washes
Apply thin in recesses to create instant shading and depth.
- 4
Layer highlights
Add progressively lighter colors to raised areas.
- 5
Add details
Paint eyes, gems, small decorations, and finishing touches.
- 6
Seal your work
Apply matte or gloss varnish to protect the finished paint job.
Tips
- →Common mistake: using paint straight from the pot. Always thin your paints with water to a milk-like consistency for smooth coverage.
- →Use a to keep paints workable longer
- →Shake your paints before using—pigment settles
- →Don't compare your first minis to experts with years of experience
- →Good brushes matter more than expensive paints
Communities
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to start?
A starter paint set, brushes, and a few miniatures cost $30-50. Many game stores offer learn-to-paint kits with everything included.
How do I thin my paints?
Add a drop of water to your brush before loading paint. The consistency should be like milk, not toothpaste. Thin coats build up better than thick globs.
How long does one miniature take?
A basic tabletop-quality mini takes 1-2 hours. Display-quality painting with advanced techniques can take 10+ hours per model.
Do I need to prime miniatures?
Yes, always prime before painting. helps paint stick to the surface and prevents chipping. Spray is fastest; brush-on works for small batches.