Why Choose Unpainted Dragon Miniatures?

In the world of miniature painting, especially for Warhammer or Dungeons & Dragons, buying unpainted figurines has many advantages. Here's a structured overview based on the top hobby blogs and forums.

Full creative freedom and total customization

Buying an unpainted figurine lets you customize it 100%: color choices, techniques (dry brushing, washes, glazing…), and your personal painting style. You become the true artist behind the piece. It’s not just a figurine — it’s your creation.

Often more affordable

Pre-painted figures include the cost of painting, which is often significant. As some users on forums like Gus & Co explain, they prefer unpainted figurines :

“If the paint job is bad, I’d rather have unpainted minis.”
This lets you spend less and redirect your budget to higher-quality models or paints.

Better appreciation of the sculpt

On forums like Warmania, hobbyists explain that a well-assembled figurine (with mold lines removed and joints cleanly glued) often looks better than a mass-produced pre-painted one.

“I’d rather have a clean build than one ruined by rushed drybrushing.”
An unpainted version highlights the quality of the sculpt itself.

A clean slate

Unpainted models have no smudged paint, no sloppy shading, and no loss of detail. Collectors often say they’re less distracting than poorly painted versions, and it's easier to plan your own paint job.

Great for hobby beginners

Starter kits (like Warhammer 40K Kill Team) often include unpainted miniatures to let new hobbyists get familiar with the process step-by-step. It’s a fun, hands-on way to dive in without being overwhelmed.

Easy to modify and convert

With unpainted figures, it’s easier to apply conversions (changing the shape or adding bits) without stripping paint. Conversion is common among hobbyists looking to make truly unique creations.

No pressure or disappointment

Many hobbyists keep a backlog of unpainted models — and paint them only when time and inspiration allow. There’s no pressure to accept a factory paint job or to meet someone else’s aesthetic standard.

How to choose a quality unpainted figurine

Check the material

Look for resin, plastic, or metal suited to your painting method (acrylics, washes, oils).

Inspect the casting quality

Choose figurines with clean molding and minimal flash or mold lines — the better the raw piece, the easier to prep.

Match scale and project

Confirm the right scale (28 mm for D&D/Warhammer or larger for display) and ensure it fits your collection or campaign.

Read reviews

Look at forums like Reddit, DakkaDakka, or mini painting blogs to find trusted brands and avoid kits with poor sculpt quality or fit issues.

Tips for painting your unpainted miniatures

1. prep carefully: clean, strip, and file mold lines to improve paint adhesion.

2. choose the right primer: white, grey, or black, depending on your palette.

3. use layered techniques: base coat, dry brushing, washes, glazes.

4. seal your work: apply matte or satin varnish to protect your finished paint job.

You can buy unpaint figurines on my shop and try to make your own universe ! Collection is here

Conclusion

Choosing an unpainted figurine gives you complete creative control, highlights sculpting quality, avoids factory painting mistakes, and is often cheaper. It’s both an artistic and rewarding choice — especially for fans of Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, or display-quality miniatures. While it takes time and care, you’ll end up with a miniature that’s entirely your own.

Sources  :

• Gusandco.net – Réflexions sur le plaisir de peindre ses figurines.

• Warmania.com – Témoignages de hobbyistes sur l’intérêt du non-peint.

• Dakkadakka.com / Reddit – Débats sur peindre ou non, pression sociale, backlog.

• Polygon.com – Présentation des kits d’initiation Warhammer non peints.

• Wikipedia (conversion figurine) – Explication de la personnalisation.

• Apprendre-la-peinture-sur-figurine.com – Bienfaits psychologiques du hobby.

• Warhammer Community & Citadel Colour – Conseils techniques de peinture.

• Miniature painters blogs (Takemyminis, TangibleDay, Warhammer-forum) – Choix du plastique, sous-couche, brossage à sec.

• YouTube (Squidmar, Miniac) – Argumentaires sur le “Why unpainted is better”.

• Forums Dungeons & Dragons – Compatibilité figurine/table de jeu.