Painting miniature figures is an art in itself. It requires patience, the right tools and a little practice. But with the right techniques, you can turn your figures into impressive works of art. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about paints, tools and different painting techniques.
Step 1: Proper preparation
Before you start painting, you should prepare your miniatures thoroughly. Here are a few important steps:
- Cleaning : Models often have production residues of release agents or dust. These are best removed with soapy water or isopropanol.
- Allow to dry : The miniature must be completely dry before you start priming.
- Deburring : If there are any casting residues or burrs, you can smooth them out with a sharp scalpel or fine sandpaper.
- Priming : A thin layer of spray or brush primer helps the paints adhere better. White or grey are particularly suitable for bright colours, while black is suitable for dark or metallic looks.
Step 2: Tools & Materials
To paint miniatures professionally, you need the right equipment. Here are the most important tools:
- Brushes : Different sizes are essential. Fine brushes (size 00-1) for details, medium brushes (size 2-3) for larger areas.
- Paints : Acrylic paints are the best choice because they dry quickly and can be diluted with water. Manufacturers such as Vallejo, Citadel or Army Painter offer high-quality paints.
- Wet Palette : A homemade or purchased wet palette keeps your paints moist longer and improves mixing.
- Thinner : Water or special thinners help to achieve the right consistency.
- Clear varnish : After painting, a sealing varnish (matt or semi-matt) protects the miniature from abrasion.
- Light & holder : Good lighting and a clamp to fix the miniature make precise work easier.
Step 3: Basic techniques of miniature painting
There are many painting techniques to achieve different effects. The following basics will help you take your miniatures to the next level:
1. Apply base colors
Apply the paint in several thin layers rather than covering the miniature with thick paint. This will preserve fine details.
2. Shades & Washes
Diluted dark colors (so-called washes or shades) flow into recesses and create realistic shadows. This makes models appear more three-dimensional and lively.
3. Dry brushing
This technique involves taking a small amount of paint on a dry brush and gently brushing it over raised areas to create natural highlights, especially on armor, hair, or stone surfaces.
4. Edge Highlighting
The edges of the miniature are highlighted with a lighter color. This is particularly suitable for armor or sharp-edged structures.
5. Wet-on-wet technique (wet blending)
This technique allows you to create smooth transitions between two colors by blending them together directly on the miniature.
6. Airbrush technique
With an airbrush, larger areas, color gradients and light effects can be applied particularly evenly. Ideal for vehicles or larger miniatures.
Step 4: Choosing the right color
Each color has an influence on the effect of the miniature. Here are a few tips:
- Warm colors (red, orange, yellow) appear aggressive and dynamic.
- Cold colors (blue, green, violet) create a calm or mystical atmosphere.
- Neutral colors (gray, brown, black, white) help to create contrast and appear realistic.
- Metallic colors like silver or gold are ideal for weapons, armor or machines.
Beginners should start with a small range of colors and gradually expand their collection.
Step 5: The finishing touches – sealing & protection
After the miniature has been painted, it should be sealed with a protective varnish. This prevents abrasion and ensures a professional finish. Depending on the desired effect, you can choose between matt, semi-matt or glossy clear varnish .
💡 Tip: Matte sealant is suitable for realistic figures, while glossy varnish is used for metallic effects or wet surfaces.
Conclusion: Practice makes perfect
Painting miniatures is a creative activity that becomes more and more fun over time. With the right techniques and tools, you can turn your figures into little masterpieces. So grab your brushes, try out different techniques and have fun painting!
🚀 Now it's your turn! Share your painted miniatures with the community or check out our latest 3D printed models on Individual-3D.de ! 🚀
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