Isabella Flores
Painting D&D miniatures has become increasingly popular, with many people keen to immortalize their characters in miniature form. There are a few different types of paint that can be used to paint miniatures, with some of the most popular being acrylic paints and enamel paints. Acrylic paints are available in craft stores and can be cleaned up with warm water and a mild liquid dish soap. Enamel paints, on the other hand, are more difficult to work with as they dry slowly and require a more complex clean-up process. Water-based enamel paints are also available, but they can be expensive and hard to find.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint Types | Acrylic paints, Enamel paints, Water-based enamel paints |
| Paint Colors | Blue and red pigments tend to cover well, while yellow does not |
| Brushes | Kolinsky sable brushes are long-lasting and affordable |
| Primer | Pre-primed models are available, or a base layer of paint can be used |
| Palette | Metal or plastic plate with concave areas for mixing paint; a wet palette is good for metals |
| Cleanup | Mild liquid dish soap and warm water for acrylics; paint thinner for non-water-based enamels |
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What You'll Learn
Acrylic paint
There are several top-performing miniature paint brands that use acrylic paint, including Citadel, Vallejo, Army Painters, and Reaper Miniatures. Army Painters, in particular, offers a Dungeons and Dragons Official Paint Line Adventurer's Paint Set, which includes 1 metallic paint, 1 brush-on primer, 1 synthetic miniature brush, and a D&D miniature. This set has received excellent reviews for its coverage and eco-friendly, non-toxic formula.
Testors is another brand that offers an acrylic paint set, which includes 9 acrylic paints that work well on plastic, paper, and wood. However, it is important to note that this paint is toxic, so caution should be exercised when using it.
When choosing acrylic paint for D&D miniatures, it is recommended to select a paint that is thin, fast-drying, with smooth coverage, and vibrant opaque colours. Additionally, look for paint that will not peel off from plastic models.
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Enamel paint
However, enamels can be more challenging to work with. They have a longer drying time, typically taking up to an hour to dry, compared to acrylics, which usually dry within 5-10 minutes. The slower drying time can be advantageous for certain techniques, such as blending, but it also prolongs the overall painting process. Additionally, cleaning enamel paint from brushes requires paint thinner, which can be harsh on brushes and produces fumes.
When using enamel paints, it is essential to have the proper equipment, including a suitable palette and brush cleaning setup. A metal or plastic palette with concave areas for mixing paint is recommended. For brush cleaning, a sturdy container, such as a quart-sized canning jar, is ideal to prevent accidental spills. Paint thinner or water (for water-based enamels) is necessary for cleaning brushes, along with paper towels or napkins for drying and between coats.
While enamel paints offer a beautiful finish, they may not be the best choice for beginners due to the longer drying times and more complex cleanup process. Acrylic paints are often suggested as a more user-friendly alternative, but ultimately, the choice depends on the painter's preference and the specific project's requirements.
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Brushes
When it comes to brushes for painting D&D miniatures, there are a few factors to consider: size, shape, and material.
Firstly, the size of the brush is important. Larger brushes are typically used for painting larger areas, while smaller brushes are better suited for detail work and fine details. For miniatures, you'll generally be working with smaller brushes, but it can be useful to have a range of sizes depending on the specific details of your miniature.
The shape of the brush is also a key consideration. Some painters prefer long bristles, while others opt for short bristles for better control. A medium belly shape is often recommended, as it allows the brush to hold a good amount of paint without it drying too quickly.
Lastly, the material of the brush is an important factor. High-grade Kolinsky red sable hair brushes are a popular choice for miniature painting as they can last for years, holding their shape and tip well. They are durable and have excellent paint-holding abilities, making them ideal for achieving precise details. However, they can be expensive and some people may prefer synthetic alternatives. Synthetic brushes are typically more affordable, but they may not hold paint as well and can be more prone to curling and losing their shape over time. Some synthetic brushes, such as the Robert Simmons White Sable, have been noted to hold paint well, but they may not form a sharp point.
If you're looking for specific brand recommendations, the Winsor & Newton Series 7 brushes are a popular choice for miniature painting, although they may be better suited for larger details due to their shorter bristles. The Rosemary & Co Series 33 brushes are another highly regarded option, offering high-quality sable hair brushes at a reasonable price. For those on a tighter budget, the Generic Triangular Handled Brushes or the Games Workshop ranges provide decent quality at a lower cost.
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Washes and shade paints
When painting D&D miniatures, washes and shade paints are used to create shadows and depth. Since miniatures are small, light doesn't create shadows on them in the same way it does on larger objects. Instead, you need to paint in shadows using darker paints, which can be done with washes and shade paints.
Washes are thin paints that settle in the recesses of models to imply shadows. You can use pre-made washes, such as Games Workshop's shade paints, or you can make your own by diluting a darker paint with water. When making your own wash, you want to thin the paint down with water to a very fluid consistency. This will allow more pigment to pool in the recesses and deeper details of the miniature. You can also add a drop of soap to the water to create a solution with reduced surface tension, allowing for a more uniform mix of the wash.
It's important to check for any big pools of wash drying on flat areas and spread them further with a bit of water if needed. You can also use different colours for different sections of the miniature to bring out more detail and add intensity. For example, a purple wash was used on a model with burgundy colours to take off some of the brightness. A dark blue-green wash was used on the armour and cloth of another model. A single wash of sepia ink can also be used to add shadow to faces, tunics, and clothing.
Quickshade Washes are another option for creating depth and contrast in your miniatures. They are made with an acrylic, water-based formula and can be applied with a brush for more controlled shading. You can mix and match different Quickshade Washes to achieve the perfect shade and contrast for your miniatures.
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Palettes
Dry palettes are versatile, long-lasting, and portable. Paint dries faster on a dry palette, and they are also easy to clean. Glazed porcelain dry palettes are a good option as dried acrylic paint can be easily washed off with water.
Wet palettes, on the other hand, are designed to keep paints hydrated and workable for extended periods. The Redgrass Games Wet Palette and the Masterson Sta-Wet Super Pro Palette are popular options that offer seamless experiences for both novices and experienced artists. The Redgrass palette features an innovative hydration system and reusable membranes, while the Masterson palette is simple to use and efficiently retains moisture for extended periods.
If you're looking for a cheaper option, you can use a wax-coated paper plate or a plastic cup as a palette. You can also use an old plate or a piece of white shower board as a palette, which provides more room for mixing paints.
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Frequently asked questions
Acrylic paints are water-soluble, easy to clean, and readily available in craft stores, making them a popular choice for painting D&D miniatures. Enamel paints, including water-based enamels, are also used by some painters, but they can be harder to find and more challenging to work with and clean.
Acrylic paints are easy to clean with mild liquid dish soap and warm water. They are also usually smoother and thinner than enamels, making them ideal for creating thin coats and layering. Additionally, acrylic paints are cost-effective and readily available in craft stores.
While a paint palette is commonly used for mixing paints, alternatives such as the lid of a plastic container, a ceramic tile, or an old plate can also be used. Some people also opt for a wet palette, which is useful for keeping paints moist and easy to work with.
