Why painting miniatures is both art and hobby
For hobbyists, collectors, and gamers alike, painting miniatures is more than just applying colour to resin or plastic figures—it’s about bringing your “army” or “miniature display” to life, telling a story, and creating something unique. Whether you’re tackling a single dragon figurine or a full squad for your favourite wargame like Warhammer 40 000, mastering the craft of painting miniature adds depth, narrative and pride to the hobby.
In this article you’ll discover essential techniques, smart shortcuts, and common mistakes to avoid—so you can improve your painting skills, get better results, and enjoy the process.
Setting up the right foundation: tools, environment and mindset
choosing the right tools and painting space
Before you ever put brush to model, make sure you’re working in a dedicated painting space, free from distraction. Many blogs emphasise having good lighting, a clean workspace, and all your supplies within reach — from Kolinsky sable brushes, wet palette, quality acrylics, to citadel/layer paints and washes.
Setting up ergonomically also matters: height of stool, fan to avoid fumes, and good ventilation. Treat your workspace like a painting studio, not just a gaming table.
Priming and preparing your miniature
One of the first key steps in the painting miniature workflow is cleaning the figure, removing mould lines, and priming it with the right base colour. As one specialist blog states:
“Not priming your miniatures is one of the worst mistakes a new painter can make.”
Priming improves paint adhesion, reveals details, and creates a uniform surface that helps subsequent layers behave predictably.
Core painting techniques every hobbyist should know
base‑coating, washes and layering
The typical sequence for miniature painting involves a base‑coat (block in the main colours), applying washes to enhance shadows, and layering or glazing to build highlights and tones. A beginner’s guide explains:
“Block‑In … Washes … Drybrushing … Fake Shadows.”
Washes flow into recesses and give instant depth. Then layering/glazing builds smooth transitions. This sequence creates a strong visual result for your models.
Dry‑brushing and edge‑highlighting
To bring out texture—especially on armour, chainmail, or dragon scales—dry‑brushing and edge‑highlighting are key techniques. You apply a lighter colour on raised surfaces and edges to simulate light catching the detail. Blogs focused on grim‑dark wargames suggest this method is essential for making models pop on the tabletop.
Speed‑painting and efficient workflow
If you’re painting large quantities (armies, squads), efficient workflow matters. One blog dedicated to “painting miniature better and faster” emphasises methods like wet palettes, simplified palettes, and time‑boxed sessions.
Mistakes to avoid: pitfalls even experienced painters fall into
common blunders in miniature painting
According to a detailed list compiled by a popular hobby blog, the most common mistakes include:
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Using thick, un‑thinned paints
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Failure to prime or seal models
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Using worn or inappropriate brushes
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Not cleaning your brushes properly
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Aiming for perfection instead of progress
how to rescue a model that went wrong
Mistakes happen. The community offers advice like: layering back over errors, using washes to unify messy edges, and re‑priming if needed. One Reddit thread notes:
“Right now the best way to fix any forgotten areas is just to paint in the crevices … then repaint the rest of the surrounding region.”
Advanced tips and special effects for your models
Weathering, conversions and scenic bases
For more experienced hobbyists, adding weathering effects (rust, dirt, mud), custom conversions (kit‑bashing parts, pinning heavy elements) and dynamic scenic bases can elevate a miniature from “ready for table” to “display piece.” A modelling blog covers pinning technique: “Pinning is essential when making models from parts that were not designed to go together.”
Glazing, OSL and high‑end effects
If you’re moving into more artistic territory, techniques like object‑source lighting (OSL), ultra‑thin glazing, NMM (non‑metallic metal) and advanced blending can become part of your workflow. A complete guide describes this progression.
How these techniques apply to fantasy‑driven collections
If your collection centres around fantasy figurines—dragons, dragonriders, war‑college squadrons, creature hybrid models—then the painting miniature process becomes part of your narrative. Applying thematic color schemes (draconic colours: reds, emeralds, molten golds), using dynamic posing, and building dioramas or basing with lava, ruins and scales connects painting with storytelling.
For fans who also use their models in tabletop campaigns or display them as centrepieces, understanding painting miniature becomes a core skill. Whether you’re painting a dragon figurine for your merch range or customizing army units for your gaming group, these tips apply.
Setting goals, finishing strong and protecting your work
display vs. tabletop: define your objective
Ask yourself: is the model for display (showcase) or for gameplay (handled frequently)? Paint jobs for display can include delicate layers, drag‑effect highlights, fine detail. Tabletop minis should be more durable and faster to produce.
Sealing and protecting your minis
Once painted, apply a varnish/sealant (matte, satin or gloss depending on finish) to protect against handling, chipping and UV fade. Many hobby blogs list forgetting to seal as a top mistake.
Staying motivated and avoiding burnout
Painting miniatures is a long‑term game. Professionals stress the importance of enjoying the journey, setting realistic goals (e.g., one hero figure per month), and celebrating progress rather than stressing perfection.
Conclusion: the joy & craft of painting miniature
Whether you’re painting your first hero model or crafting a squad of dragon riders, painting miniatures offers layered rewards: improved artistic skills, immersive storytelling, personalised gaming experience, and community engagement (BookTok creators love showing painted minis!). From clean priming to advanced weathering and display modelling, each stage adds value. Avoid common mistakes, follow the techniques, and soon your collection will become a vibrant part of your fantasy world.
Happy brushing, and may your dice‑rolls and paint‑brushes both roll nat 20s.