Lena Rivera
Painting tabletop game miniatures is a fun and relaxing hobby that can add a key element of immersion to your games. It's easy to get started with a few simple tools and techniques, and you don't need to be a master artist to achieve great results. The basic steps are simple: prime your miniature, basecoat with your main colours, shade to add depth, and then layer and clean up. You can stop there, or add more layers of detail and highlights. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to paint a miniature in 1-2 hours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Painting miniatures is not particularly difficult or time-consuming, but there is a wide range of tools and techniques involved, which can be overwhelming for beginners. |
| Techniques | Simple techniques are best for beginners. Start with a primer, then use a combination of base coating, washing, dry brushing, layering, and clean-up. |
| Equipment | You will need paint, water, brushes, and a palette for thinning paint. |
| Preparation | Ensure your model is clean and free of debris, oils, and other contaminants. Glue the base of the miniature to something that is easy to hold while you paint, such as a pill bottle or cork. |
| Paint Types | Acrylic layer paints are the most common. Citadel by Games Workshop and Vallejo are good brands to consider. |
| Primer | Primer helps the paint adhere better to the miniature. You can prime in black or white, depending on the colours you will be using. |
| Shading | Use "washes" or "shade paints" to shade the model and create depth. You can buy pre-made washes or dilute darker paint with water. |
| Highlighting | Dry brushing brings out the details by simulating a light source from above. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right tools
Paintbrushes
Select an assortment of paintbrushes in various sizes for different purposes. A brush with a fine tip is ideal for detailing and highlights, while a small brush is suitable for minor areas. A larger brush works well for base coating and washing, and a stiff-bristled brush is perfect for dry brushing. You can find affordable options at craft stores or online.
Paints
Acrylic layer paints are the most commonly used type of paint for miniatures. The Citadel paint line by Games Workshop, the creators of Warhammer, is a popular and easily accessible option in the US and UK. Their paints are of good quality, but the bottle design may lead to spillage and drying issues. Transferring the paint to dropper bottles can help address this. Another well-known brand is Vallejo, which offers a wide range of vibrant colours in convenient dropper bottles.
For shading, consider using "washes" or "shade paints" to create shadows within the recesses of the model. Games Workshop offers pre-made shade paints, or you can dilute darker paint with water to achieve a similar effect. Black and brown washes are particularly useful for easy shading. Additionally, having a few metallic paints can enhance the appearance of swords, guns, and helmets.
Primer is another essential paint type for miniatures. It serves as a base layer that improves the adhesion of subsequent paint layers. You can choose between white and black primers, each offering different advantages. White primer enhances the vibrancy of colours but requires more layering to cover mistakes. On the other hand, black primer hides imperfections better but may require numerous coats if your miniature has red, yellow, or pink elements. Alternatively, you can prime your miniature with the dominant colour of its final appearance, especially if it is mostly monochromatic, such as a space marine or Gundam.
Palettes
While not necessary, a palette can be useful for thinning paint. You can use the lid of a plastic container or a ceramic tile as a cost-effective alternative to a specialist palette.
Other Tools
To make holding the miniature easier while painting, consider using a painting handle, such as a cork or an empty pill bottle, and secure the miniature to it with a small amount of glue. This will also help you avoid touching the miniature with your hands.
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Preparing your miniature
Cleaning
Start by cleaning your miniature, especially if it is made of metal or resin. Use a toothbrush or a scouring pad to scrub the miniature with dish soap and water, removing any debris, oils, or manufacturing residue that may interfere with paint adhesion. Rinse the miniature with plain water and let it dry completely before proceeding.
Sanding and Trimming
Use an Exacto-knife, scalpel, or a hobby knife to sand and trim the miniature, removing any mold lines, flash, or imperfections on the surface. This step ensures that your miniature has an even and smooth surface for painting.
Assembly
Before painting, assemble your miniature by dry-fitting the pieces together to ensure a proper fit. Use plastic glue or super glue, depending on the material of your miniature. For plastic miniatures, consider using glue that fuses or melts the plastic for a stronger bond. You can also pin the miniature joints together for added strength.
Filling Gaps
Fill any gaps or seams that may detract from your final paint job. Use putty, such as green stuff, to fill in these areas. Mix equal parts of yellow and blue putty, and use a damp toothpick or your fingers to smooth it into the gaps. You can also use a brush with Gesso to check if the surface is even after filling.
Priming
Priming is a crucial step to ensure that your paint adheres well to the miniature. Choose a primer suitable for the material of your miniature, such as The Army Painter White Primer for plastic miniatures. Apply the primer with an airbrush, a spray can, or a brush. If using a spray can, ensure wide sweeps with short and consistent sprays. Pay attention to temperature and humidity during priming to avoid paint cracking or dripping.
Attaching to a Base (Optional)
Consider attaching your miniature to a base for stability during painting and tabletop play. You can use plastic cement for plastic miniatures and bases, or super glue for other materials.
Now that your miniature is prepared, you can move on to the painting stage, selecting your paint colours and brushes to bring your miniature to life!
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Applying the basecoat
Painting tabletop game miniatures is a fun and rewarding hobby that can add an immersive element to your games. The process of painting miniatures is relatively simple, and with a few basic tools, you can achieve professional-looking results.
The first step in painting miniatures is applying the basecoat. The basecoat is the first layer of paint applied to the miniature and it sets the tone for the rest of the painting process. It is important to choose the right colour primer for your basecoat, as this will affect the final colour of your miniature. A white undertone will result in a brighter miniature but will require more layers of paint, while a black undertone will make your model less bright and will shade itself due to the dark recesses. You can also choose a primer that matches the base colour you want for your finished miniature, which is useful for mono-coloured models.
When applying the basecoat, it is important to thin your paint with water to a consistency similar to milk. This will prevent the paint from obscuring the fine details of the miniature. Use a brush with a good tip for detailing and start with the deepest, hardest-to-reach areas first, working your way outwards. Apply the paint in smooth, even strokes, and avoid overloading your brush. It is better to apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than one thick coat, as this will preserve the details of the miniature.
It is also important to avoid paint pooling in the recesses of the miniature, as this can fill in details. Use a wet palette to keep your paint from drying out and getting thicker, and always wipe off any excess paint on a paper towel or napkin. Allow the basecoat to dry completely before moving on to the next step, as this will ensure a smooth and stable surface for detailing. Depending on the thickness of your paint and the humidity in your environment, this could take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.
With these tips in mind, you can successfully apply a basecoat to your tabletop game miniatures, setting the foundation for the rest of your painting process. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of bringing your miniatures to life!
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Shading and highlighting
When shading, it is important to consider the type of material being shaded. For example, a reflective surface like metal will have a wider range of lights and darks than a cloth material. You can create shading by blending, where you thin down the paint and apply it as a thin layer in the areas where shadows are needed. You can also use pre-made washes or shade paints, which are thin paints that settle in the recesses of models to imply shadows. You can also make your own washes by diluting darker paint with water. It is important to avoid getting large pools of wash drying on flat areas, and to spread any big blobs further with a bit of water on your brush.
When highlighting, it is useful to have a brush with a very good tip for detailing. You can use dry brushing, which is fast and easy, but be sure not to use your best brush as it will get messed up. You can also try dual brush blending to merge two colours together, but this takes more time.
Overall, shading and highlighting miniatures takes practice and experimentation with different techniques and tools. With a bit of patience and some simple tools like brushes, paint, and water, you can achieve professional results.
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Layering and cleaning up
Layering
- Once you have applied the base colours, you can start layering to add depth and vibrancy to the miniature.
- It is recommended to use acrylic layer paints for layering, as they are the most common and versatile option. Brands like Citadel by Games Workshop and Vallejo offer a wide range of colours with good pigmentation.
- When layering, use thin coats of paint and build up the colour gradually. This helps to create a smooth and even finish.
- Pay attention to the details and highlights of the model. Use a small brush for minor areas and a larger brush for covering larger surfaces.
- You can use a technique called "chopping" to add depth to the model. This involves dry-brushing white paint on the highest surfaces to simulate light and shadow effects.
- For a simple layering technique, you can use "slapchop", which involves applying contrast paint over the base layers. This creates shadows in the recesses and highlights on the edges simultaneously.
Cleaning Up
- Cleaning up is an important step to ensure the miniature looks neat and presentable.
- Use a small brush to carefully remove any excess paint or mistakes. Thin paint is easier to correct, as you can simply paint over mistakes.
- Make sure to clean up any areas where shading or shadow effects are not needed.
- For a finished look, tidy up the rim of the base with black paint to create a clean outline.
- Finally, inspect the miniature for any remaining errors or details that need correcting. Remember that perfection is not necessary, as the models will be used for gaming and minor imperfections may not be noticeable during play.
Overall, layering and cleaning up are essential steps in achieving a high-quality finish for your tabletop game miniatures. With practice and patience, you can create immersive and visually appealing models to enhance your gaming experience.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need paint, brushes, and water. It is recommended to use acrylic layer paints, and to have a variety of brush sizes for different purposes. You may also want to use primer to help the paint adhere better, and to create a foundation for layering colour.
You can prime miniatures in black or white paint. White is better for achieving more vibrant colours, whereas black hides mistakes better. You can also prime miniatures in the dominant colour of the miniature, which will save time by removing the need to paint over large sections of the miniature.
Because miniatures are small, light does not have the same effect on them as it does on larger objects. To create shadows, you need to paint them in with darker paints. You can use pre-made washes, or thin darker paint with water.
You can add highlights to a miniature by dry-brushing.
Painting miniatures does not have to be particularly difficult or time-consuming. While there are many tools and techniques involved, it is recommended that beginners start with simple techniques.
