Miniature painting has many benefits, including stress relief, artistic expression, and the satisfaction of seeing your work come to life. In our ultimate guide to painting miniatures, we’re going to cover how to get started, what you’ll need, and how to keep on growing and improving. First things first, though – let’s kick off with some reasons why you might want to consider it as your next hobby.
Creative Outlet
Miniature painting is a great way to express your creativity and bring your imagination to life. Whether you’re painting a fantasy creature or a historical figure, you have the opportunity to make it your own and put your personal touch on it.
Stress Relief
Painting miniatures can be a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day. It’s a meditative process that allows you to focus on something other than the stresses of everyday life.
Fine Motor Skills
Miniature painting requires a steady hand and a lot of attention to detail, which can help improve your fine motor skills. It can also help improve your hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Community
There’s a vibrant community of miniature painters out there, both online and in person. Joining a group or forum can provide you with inspiration, support, and feedback on your work.
Gaming
Many people who paint miniatures do so as a way to enhance their gaming experience. Painting your own game pieces can make the game more immersive and personal.
Collecting
Miniature painting can also be a great way to start a collection. Whether you collect historical figures, fantasy creatures, or anything in between, there’s a miniature out there for everyone.
What Do I Need to Paint Miniatures?
Let’s get to the first part of our “how to”, then. What exactly are you going to need to paint up your first few miniatures?
Miniature Paints
Of course, you’ll need some paint! There are many different brands and types of paint out there, but for beginners, I’d recommend starting with acrylic paint. It’s water-soluble, dries quickly, and is generally more forgiving than other types of paint. Some popular brands of miniature paint include Citadel, Vallejo, and Reaper.
Brushes
Once you’ve got your paint, you’ll need something to apply it with. Most people use paintbrushes for this, and again, there are a ton of different types to choose from. For beginners, I’d recommend starting with a few basic brush sizes – something like a size 1 or 2 for larger areas, and a size 0 or 00 for details. You can always add more brushes to your collection later on as you become more experienced. Some popular brands of paintbrushes include Winsor & Newton, Army Painter, and Rosemary & Co.
A Palette
Next up, you’ll want some kind of palette to mix your paints on. This can be as simple as a paper plate or plastic lid, or you can invest in a more specialized palette made specifically for miniature painting. Some popular options include the Wet Palette, which keeps your paint wet for longer periods of time, or the Everlasting Wet Palette, which uses a special membrane to keep your paint from drying out.
Primer
Another essential tool is a primer. Primer is a type of paint that you apply to your miniature before you start painting, and it helps the paint adhere better and go on smoother. You can get primers in different colours, but for most miniatures, a white or black primer will do the trick. Some popular brands of primer include Citadel, Vallejo, and Army Painter.
Lighting
When it comes to painting miniatures, good lighting is key. A bright lamp with a daylight-coloured bulb will help you see the details on your miniature more clearly, and can reduce eye strain and fatigue.
There are a few different types of lamps that are popular among miniature painters. A desk lamp with a flexible arm is a good option, as it allows you to adjust the position of the light as needed. Some desk lamps also have a built-in magnifying glass, which can be helpful for seeing those tiny details.
Magnifying Glass
If you want something more specialized, you can also look into a magnifying glass headset. These are like a pair of glasses with a magnifying lens built in, and they can be very helpful for seeing fine details and making precise brushstrokes. Some magnifying glass headsets also come with built-in lights, which can be useful if your workspace isn’t well-lit.
When choosing a magnifying glass headset, you’ll want to look for one with a comfortable and adjustable headband, as well as a lens size that suits your needs. Some headsets also come with interchangeable lenses, so you can switch between different magnification levels as needed.
It’s worth noting that not everyone finds magnifying glass headsets comfortable to wear for long periods of time, so it’s a good idea to try one out before committing to a purchase. You may also find that a combination of a good lamp and a magnifying glass or loupe (a handheld magnifying glass) works better for you.
Miniature Painting Techniques
Now that you’ve got your gear in place, what are some miniature painting techniques you can use to bring your miniatures to life?
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a technique that involves using a dry brush to apply a small amount of paint to the raised areas of a miniature. This creates a highlight effect that makes the miniature look more three-dimensional. To dry brush, you’ll need a stiff brush, a small amount of paint, and a paper towel. Dip the brush into the paint, then wipe most of it off on the paper towel. Then, lightly brush the raised areas of the miniature to create highlights.
Feathering
Feathering is a technique that involves blending two colours together to create a smooth transition. To feather, you’ll need two colours and a brush. Start by applying the lighter colour to the area you want to paint. Then, dip your brush into the darker colour and drag it across the edge of the lighter colour, blending the two together. Repeat this process until you have a smooth transition between the two colours.
Edge Highlighting
Edge highlighting is a technique that involves painting a thin line of a lighter colour along the edges of a miniature. This creates the illusion of light hitting the miniature from a certain angle. To edge highlight, you’ll need a small brush and a lighter colour than the base colour of the miniature. Simply paint a thin line along the edges of the miniature where you want the highlight to appear.
Washing
Washing is a technique that involves applying a thin, watery layer of paint over an area to create shadows and depth. To wash, you’ll need a darker colour than the base colour of the miniature and a brush. Simply apply the paint to the area you want to shade, then use a damp brush to spread the paint around and blend it into the surrounding areas.
Layering
Layering is a technique that involves building up layers of paint to create smooth transitions and depth. To layer, you’ll need several shades of the same colour, starting with a base colour and working your way up to the highlights. Apply each layer in a thin, even coat, letting each layer dry before moving on to the next one.
Glazing
Glazing is a technique that involves applying a thin, transparent layer of paint over an area to change its colour or create a subtle effect. To glaze, you’ll need a transparent colour and a brush. Mix the paint with water or a glazing medium to create a thin, watery consistency, then apply it to the area you want to glaze. Let it dry, then repeat the process until you achieve the desired effect.
Stippling
Stippling is a technique that involves using a stippling brush to create a textured effect on a miniature. To stipple, you’ll need a stippling brush, which has stiff bristles that are cut at different lengths. Dip the brush into the paint, then dab it onto the miniature to create a textured effect.
Object-Source Lighting (OSL)
OSL (Object-Source Lighting) is a technique that involves painting a miniature as if it’s being lit by a light source, such as a torch or a glowing gem. To achieve this effect, you’ll need to paint the areas closest to the light source with brighter colours, and gradually darken the colours as you move away from the light source.
Wet Blending
Wet blending is a technique that involves blending two colours together while the paint is still wet. To wet blend, you’ll need two colours and a damp brush. Apply one colour to the area you want to paint, then quickly apply the second colour next to it while the paint is still wet. Use the damp brush to blend the two colours together.
Chiaroscuro
Chiaroscuro is a technique that involves using strong contrasts of light and dark to create a dramatic effect. To achieve this effect, you’ll need to paint the areas you want to be dark with a dark colour and the areas you want to be light with a light colour. Use a dry brush to create highlights and a wash to create shadows.
Non-Metallic Metal (NMM)
NMM (Non-Metallic Metal) is a technique that involves painting a metallic surface using non-metallic colours. To achieve this effect, you’ll need to use shades of grey and white to create the illusion of metal. Paint the highlights with white and the shadows with grey, then blend the colours together to create a smooth transition.
Zenithal Priming
Zenithal priming is a technique that involves priming a miniature with two or more shades of primer to create a base for highlighting and shading. This technique helps to create the illusion of natural lighting on the miniature, as if it were lit from above.
To zenithal prime, you’ll need at least two shades of primer, one lighter and one darker than the base colour of the miniature. Start by priming the miniature with the darker shade, then spray the lighter shade from above, focusing on the areas you want to highlight. This will create a gradient effect, with the darker shade showing through in the shadows and the lighter shade appearing on the raised areas.
Once you’ve zenithal primed your miniature, you can use it as a guide for highlighting and shading. The lighter areas will be the ones that catch the most light, so you can focus your highlights there. The darker areas will be the ones in shadow, so you can shade them accordingly.
Zenithal priming can be a helpful technique for beginners, as it provides a guide for highlighting and shading that can make the process easier and more intuitive. It can also be a helpful technique for more advanced painters, as it can help to create a more naturalistic and realistic effect on the miniature.
How to Take Photos of Your Painted Miniatures
Taking photos of your miniatures is a great way to showcase your work and share it with others. However, it can be a bit daunting to figure out how to take the best photos possible. Here are some tips to get you started:
Lighting
Good lighting is essential for taking good photos. Ideally, you want to use natural light or a bright, even artificial light source. Avoid using a flash as it can create harsh shadows and reflections. If you’re using artificial light, try to use a softbox or diffuser to create a more even light.
Background
Choose a neutral background that won’t distract from your miniature. A simple white or black background works well, but you could also use a coloured background if it complements the colours on your miniature.
Camera
You don’t need an expensive camera to take good photos of your miniatures. A smartphone camera can work just fine, as long as you have good lighting and a steady hand. If you want to invest in a camera, look for one with manual controls so you can adjust the settings to get the best possible shot.
Composition
Think about the composition of your photo. Consider the angle and perspective you’re shooting from, and try to position your miniature so that it’s in focus and fills the frame.
Editing
Don’t be afraid to do a bit of editing to your photos after you’ve taken them. You can adjust the brightness and contrast, crop the photo, and even remove any dust or scratches that might be visible. Just be careful not to over-edit your photos and make them look unrealistic.
Overall, taking good photos of your painted miniatures is all about having good lighting, a neutral background, and a steady hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles and compositions until you find the best shot. With a bit of practice and patience, you’ll be taking great photos of your miniatures in no time!
Taking Your Miniature Painting to the Next Level
Painting miniatures is a skill that takes practice and patience to master, but with the right mindset and approach, anyone can improve their techniques and create stunning works of art. Here are some tips to help you take your miniature painting skills to the next level.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Painting miniatures is all about building up your skills over time. The more you practice, the better you’ll become. Try setting aside regular time to practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
Learn From Others
Look to the community of miniature painters for inspiration and advice. Joining a group or forum can provide you with a wealth of information and feedback on your work.
Invest in Good Tools
Having the right tools can make a big difference in the quality of your work. Consider investing in good brushes, paints, and other supplies to help you create more precise and detailed work.
Study Colour Theory
Understanding colour theory can help you create more harmonious and effective colour schemes in your work. Take some time to learn about the colour wheel, complementary colours, and other basic concepts.
Focus on Details
Miniature painting is all about the details. Take the time to work on the small details, like eyes, textures, and highlights, to make your work stand out.
Experiment With Different Techniques
Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and approaches to painting. Experimenting can help you find new ways to approach your work and create new effects.
Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Remember that painting miniatures is a learning process, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Instead of getting frustrated, use your mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Miniature Painting: Next Steps
Painting miniatures is just one great part of this vast and rewarding hobby. If you’re tempted to get your shiny new miniatures on the table and throw some dice, but don’t know where to start, check out our Best Miniature Wargames for Beginners roundup.
And, if you’re looking for some cool and interesting new miniatures to paint, be sure to check out our Best Miniature Companies roundup, too. Happy painting!