Do you feel like you’re not winning as many games as you’d like because your miniatures are unpainted? I remember feeling the same way when I first started playing. It can be really frustrating to show up to a game and not have your models look their best. That’s why it’s a good idea to start painting them. It will make your army look more cohesive and make the game more fun.
Making the decision to paint your army can be difficult. There are a lot of models that need to be painted, and it can seem like a daunting task. This article has tips that will help you get through it.
Plan Your Paint Scheme / Write it Down
Manage your expectations
People often tell me that I take on too many things at once. This is often the case when people try to do many things at once. When we decide to paint our armies, we just want to get it done so that it is on the table.
Keep Batches to a Reasonable Size
You may be tempted to paint your entire army at once, but that is a recipe for disaster. It is better to batch them into smaller groups of 10 – 15 models. Many units are naturally broken into groups like this. You might have 10 units with 10 models each, but take it one small group at a time. This will make the process easier and less overwhelming.
Use This Free Paint Tracker
It can be helpful to write down the steps you take while painting your miniatures. This will help you remember how you painted them and will help create a more consistent look for your army.
Paint up a test model
If you are using a paint scheme that is different from the studio paint scheme, or if you have not seen it on actual models before, it is a good idea to do a test model.
It is better to paint just one model and get it right, than to paint an entire army and not be happy with the results. This will help you make sure that your whole army looks good.
You can test a paint scheme by painting a model of the room.
Keep it Simple
You can still make your models look good while batch painting, but you need to decide if you want to focus on speed or style.
If you break the painting process down into small, repeatable steps, it will be easier to do a large project. Planning out your paint scheme in advance will help you paint all of your models at the same time.
You can speed up the process of creating a metal look on your swords by blending different colors together. Doing this all at different times will take longer than if you have a plan.
Organize Your Hobby Area
When you organize your hobby area, it will be easier for you to work in it. This means that you can finish your projects faster.
A place for everything
I have two different areas for my hobby. In one area, I store all of my paint and models. In the other area, I have all of my tools so I can work on my projects easily.
When I start a new project, I make sure I have stored all of the extra pieces from the previous project. This way, I won’t lose any pieces and it will be easier to start the new project. After that, I get out the model kit and the tools that I will need for assembly.
I set my tools away and get the paints and palette I will be using. I organize them so that I can easily reach and see them before I start to paint.
By organizing my hobby area this way, I have been able to work more efficiently. If I had to search for tools or paint each time I needed them, it would probably slow me down and make me frustrated.
Handles for your minis
Some people like to use handles that are more comfortable than pinching the base of their mini. These handles use clamps to secure your mini, or an adhesive like poster tack to secure your model.
The best kind of handle for batch painting is the kind that has cheap interchangeable parts. I like to use the holder from redgrass games. It has a system that lets you quickly change the model that you are painting.
Make your own handles
Mike has a simpler system. He cut a wooden dowel into about a dozen 6-inch lengths. He drilled holes into a 2×4 that the dowels fit into and they hold the dowels with the models on them. This is an incredibly inexpensive way to have multiple handles for batch painting your miniatures.
Complete your models in stages
Assemble
It can be time-consuming to put together all of the models in your model kit. This is often because there are some small and fiddly pieces that need to be put in place. You can do this at your hobby desk, but some people prefer to do it on a TV tray in their living room while watching their favorite Netflix show with their family.
No matter where you decide to put your miniatures together, take your time to dry-fit the pieces. Choose the poses you want for each model before gluing anything. Be careful when using glue so that you don’t accidentally glue the pieces to your fingers or get super glue on your models. We’ve all done it before.
Prime the Models
You can batch prime a lot of models at once by going to your local builder supply store and getting some paint stirring sticks. These are pieces of wood that are around 12 inches long and are meant for stirring paint cans. My store gave me a few of them for free, but you may have to pay a little bit if you get a lot of them.
Use poster tack to attach the models to the paint stick in a row. Space them a few inches apart from each other. When you go outside to prime your minis, you will just need to pick up a paint stick and you will have access to prime several minis at once.
You can save time by using colored primers. This is a type of paint that you put on your models before you start painting them. It will help the paint to stick better and make the colors look more accurate. There are primers that come in many different colors, so you can find one that matches your army’s color scheme.
Paint the Main Color
Now is the time to start painting your army with the main color. This will be the color that covers the most area. Choose a green or purple to start with.
When you are painting your house, it is important to make sure that the main color is covered well. You don’t need to worry about being very neat. You will be painting over the smaller areas with different colors.
Break down and batch the remaining colors
I usually paint the area that needs it the most next. After that, I decide on what color to use for the next spot that needs it.
There are different ways to paint a room, but this is the most efficient way.
Set up a good environment for yourself
Have some sort of entertainment
I like to listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook while I work. Some people can watch things while they work, but I can’t because I end up watching the show instead of working. Everyone has their own preferences.
Lately, the music I have been listening to is old school punk or early alternative. For example, I have been listening to The Ramones and Oingo Boingo a lot lately.
If you’re looking for a good podcast on the hobby to listen to, I recommend paint bravely, paint all the minis, and trapped under plastic. All three are entertaining shows with a lot of helpful information. In case there is anyone who is sensitive to foul language, you might want to shy away from trapped under plastic. Jon and Scott don’t filter themselves and they use strong language occasionally.
I usually listen to fantasy or science fiction books on Audible. I really like the new Thrawn series and Larry Correia has written some great Monster Hunter books.
Get a comfortable chair
You should use a chair that puts your work area at a comfortable height. I use one that leans back and is adjustable in height. This way, it’s more comfortable than using a folding chair. Being comfortable will help you come back for more painting sessions. If your chair is the wrong height, it can cause your back or neck to hurt after a long paint session.
Make sure that you have plenty of light
You can never have too much light when painting small details. You might need to use a light if it is dark. You can adjust the light so you can see what you are doing.
FAQ
How do you prime multiple Minis at once?
To prime multiple Minis at once, connect them to the same power source and press and hold the power button on one of them until all of the lights turn on. Then release the button.
How can I improve my painting minis?
There are a few things you can do to improve your painting skills when it comes to miniatures. One is to study the techniques used by some of the best painters in the world. Another thing is to practice, practice, practice. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with new techniques and colors.
How do you avoid brush marks when painting minis?
One way to avoid brush marks is to load the brush with more paint than necessary. This will help to minimize the number of strokes that are necessary to cover the surface. Another thing you can do is work in smaller sections, and always paint in the same direction. Finally, make sure to clean your brush regularly and replace the water often.
What order do you paint minis?
There is no one “right” order to paint minis, as every painter has their own techniques and preferences. However, there are a few things you can keep in mind when painting your minis. One is to always start with the lightest colors and work your way up to the darker shades. Another is to make sure all of the same colors are used on each mini before moving on to the next one. And finally, make sure to clean your brush regularly and replace the water often.