A Beginners Guide to Miniature Painting: Tips and Tricks to Get Started
A painted Signifier miniature from the upcoming Studium | No Exit board game.
If you're like me, you've been to a few tabletop gaming stores or conventions and stood by while watching a group painting minis step by step, with meticulous care and consideration. Maybe they have a miniature painting guide who is breaking down each brushstroke. All around them is a kaleidoscope of miniatures paint and model painting equipment. Enough to make your head spin right? Well if you felt overwhelmed by this vision of the mini painting world, you're not alone. So did I. Painting mins has transformed from a daunting learning experience to one of the most calming parts of my weekly routine. Here is the best advice I can give to turn your figurine painting into a point of pride!
Different Types of Miniature Painting
There are two different types of miniature painting: - Airbrush: An airbrush is an essential tool for miniature painting. It sprays a mixture of paint and air, creating a smooth finish with no brushstrokes. The airbrush will allow you to create a wide range of color and blend effects that are hard to replicate with a brush. This airbrush is one of my absolute favorites, with a relatively affordable price point. - Brush: The alternative is to use a brush and a palette. You can create a range of effects with a brush, though it will take more skill to achieve the same results as you would with an airbrush. The most important thing is to decide which method is right for you and your miniatures. Experiment with both to see which you prefer. Perhaps have a friend to paint with you so that you can help each other decide which method you prefer. At some point, you may find yourself using both painting and airbrushing techniques.
Types of Paint and Supplies Needed
The first thing to do when getting ready to paint is to decide on a color palette. If you’re painting a single miniature, choose a color scheme that works well together. It’s best to keep it simple as you begin painting. A miniature with a few colors will look beautiful on a tabletop. If you’re painting multiple models with different color schemes, you’ll want to find a balance between them. It’s always good to have a few different colors in your palette to create visual interest. Paints - There are a wide variety of miniature paints on the market. When choosing your paints, it’s important to take into account the type of surface you’ll be painting on. There are three main miniature paint types: acrylic, enamel, and watercolor. Acrylic paints are good for beginners as they’re easier to use and create bolder colors. Enamel paints are thicker and provide a more matte finish. Watercolor paints are the most difficult to use, as they are very thin. This can be good for creating depth, but can easily become messy. Brushes - Brushes are another essential miniature painting tool. There are many different types, each with their own special use. For example, a bristled brush (i.e. the typical house brush) is not recommended for miniature painting as it is too rough and will damage the miniature’s surface. It’s best to use a brush with a synthetic hair, such as a round fan brush or an angular brush. Palette - A palette is a miniature painting tool that can be bought or made. You can also use an old dish or cup. As a beginner, you don’t need a fancy palette. A simple cup will do just fine.
Preparing Your Miniature for Painting
If your miniature has a base, it’s best to remove it before you begin painting. The paint will inevitably drip onto the base and will be very difficult to remove completely later. If your miniature has a metal or gemstone base, it’s best to place a drop cloth underneath the base to protect your work surface. If your miniature doesn’t have a base, you can either leave it as-is or glue a board underneath. If you’re using a board, choose one that is thin and easy to cut with a craft knife. Make sure to cover the board with a drop cloth to protect your work surface.
Basic Painting Techniques
Block-In - The first step to painting your miniature is to create a “block-in”, or base coat. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally leave any part of the miniature unpainted. It’s important to avoid painting around details, as you’ll likely paint over them and miss the opportunity to create depth and interest in your miniature. If you have a complicated miniature, you may want to sketch out the design on paper first to make sure it works. Washes - Washes are a great way to quickly create shadows and depth. There are various types of washes, but the most common miniature painting washes are ink or watercolor. You can create a wash by mixing the paint with water in a cup. Dip a large brush into the paint and apply the wash to the miniature. Drybrushing - Drybrushing is a technique that involves using a very dry brush with very little paint on it. Brush the brush across the miniature with the grain of the paint to create highlights. Fake Shadows - Miniature painting often involves creating shadows without actually painting them. This will create realism and depth without adding too much time to the painting process. Fake shadows are best used on large areas of color, such as the cloth on a miniature.
Advanced Painting Techniques
Layering - Painting in layers is a great way to create depth in your miniature. Begin by applying a base color and letting it dry. Add a thin coat of your next color and blend the two together with a brush. Glazing - Glazing is similar to layering but uses far less paint. Instead of applying a second coat of paint, thin the first coat with water and brush it over the surface. You can also add a drop of paint to turpentine to create a glaze. Painting Details - After you’ve created a block-in and painted the general colors of your miniature, you can start to add details like fur, feathers, and eyes. It’s best to do these while the paint is still wet, as this will help prevent mistakes.
Finishing Touches
These are a few finishing touches you can add to your miniature to make it pop. - Highlights - Highlighting is a great way to add depth and realism to your miniature. After a paint has dried, use a very light coat of paint to highlight certain areas. This will catch the light and look more three-dimensional. - Washes - After your paint has dried, you can apply another wash to give your miniature a darker and more aged appearance. - Pigments - Pigments are powdered paints that can be applied to your miniature with a brush when the paint is dry. They are great for adding wear and tear or rust. - Dry Dust - Dry dust is a great way to add wear and tear to a miniature. It’s also a great alternative for minis made of paper or cardboard. - Glitter - Glitter is great for adding a magical or sparkly effect to your miniature. It’s best to use fine glitter for detail. - Other Accessories - There are many other finishing touches that can be added to a miniature. You can apply stickers, decals, or stamps to create a unique look. You can also apply decals to build a backdrop behind your miniature.
Caring for Your Painted Miniatures
Once your miniatures are painted, you’ll want to keep them safe. You can store them in boxes or on a wall. It’s best to avoid storing them in bags as they can get crushed. When you’re cleaning your miniatures, avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach as they can damage the paint. It’s also important to be careful when moving your miniatures. Avoid dropping them as this may chip the paint. You can also purchase a miniature easel to display your painted minis. This will keep them safe from the ground and prevent them from being crushed. It’s important to keep your miniature painting supplies clean. Clean your brushes and palette regularly to avoid cross-contamination from paint colors. You may also want to invest in an airbrush cleaning kit.
Final Thoughts
Miniature painting is a hobby that can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be. It’s a great way to relax and unwind, while also creating something beautiful and unique. No matter your skill level, there is something for everyone.
