Techniques · Plan and sort
Your first painted miniature
A beginner path for building and painting a first miniature, from picking a starter box to a based figure, using the site's stage guides.
Pick a starting point
A starter box that includes tools and paints removes most of the shopping. Look for one that is push-fit, so no glue is needed, and that includes clippers, a brush and a few paints.
If you would rather start with a single figure, any plastic figure plus a primer, three or four paints, a brush and a pot of water will do.
Build and prep
Clip parts from the frame leaving a small stub, then trim it flush.
Scrape mould lines off with the back of a hobby knife blade before assembly; they are much harder to deal with once the figure is together.
Use plastic cement for plastic figures, super glue for resin or metal.
Prime
Prime in thin coats. If you spray, do it in dry, mild conditions; The Army Painter recommends 15°C to 27°C and 40% to 60% humidity, and a brush-on primer if it is cold or damp.
Paint in three simple steps
Base coat: block in each area with thin, even coats. Two thin coats look better than one thick one.
Wash: a thin dark wash into the recesses adds shading in one step.
Highlight: drybrush or carefully paint a lighter tone on raised edges. A wet palette helps keep mixes usable.
Base it
A sand, paint and grass base makes a figure look finished. The basing guide covers it step by step.
Then put it somewhere away from direct sun and dust (common bench practice), and start the next one.