Are you feeling dejected by your inability to clinch as many victories as you desire due to the dismal appearance of your miniatures? I can relate to that predicament, as I too experienced that feeling during the initial phases of my gaming venture. The vexation that ensues when one’s figurines are not in their prime condition is indubitably palpable. It is for that reason that I would implore you to start the process of painting them. This endeavour will not only add a much-needed sense of coherence to your collection but will also enhance the overall gameplay experience.
The course of action to adorn your army with the help of paint can prove to be arduous. The sheer number of models that require painting may seem insurmountable and may instill trepidation within you. However, this article has compiled a multitude of tips that aim to facilitate the process for you.
Plan Your Paint Scheme / Write it Down
Manage your expectations
Many individuals frequently make it known to me that I have the tendency to embark on an excessive amount of tasks simultaneously. Such an occurrence transpires often when individuals endeavor to undertake a multitude of endeavors concurrently. When the decision has been made to indulge in the act of coloring and personalizing our legions, we yearn to execute it expeditiously, with the sole objective being to present it in its totality before our eyes.
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
When considering the use of a pigment palette that strays from the established studio chromatic spectrum or if you have yet to lay eyes upon it amidst the physical manifestation of an assemblage of miniatures, it would be prudent to carry out a preliminary trial on a single model.
It would be more advantageous to meticulously paint one model and achieve an optimal outcome than to labor over a complete army, only to end up disenchanted with the results. This preliminary examination would allow you to confirm that your entire army is visually satisfying.
One approach to examining the efficacy of a proposed paint scheme involves applying it to a model of a given 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
Intriguingly, my hobby is bifurcated into two distinct areas of focus. On one hand, I meticulously store all of my paint and models. On the other hand, my collection of tools is housed in a separate domain, thereby rendering it effortless to delve into my various projects without encumbering distractions.
Prior to initiating a new project, I must ensure that I have meticulously stored all of the supplementary pieces from the antecedent undertaking. This prudent measure forestalls the potential for loss of any crucial components while simultaneously laying a foundation for the unobstructed commencement of the novel project. Subsequently, I proceed to retrieve the model kit and requisite tools for assembly.
After positioning my tools in a strategic and methodical manner, I solicit the appropriate paints and palette that are indispensable for the given project at hand. These are then artfully organized in such a way that they are easily discernible and effortlessly accessible prior to painting.
The upshot of this systematic approach to the organization of my hobby area is that it has fostered a markedly higher degree of efficiency. Were I to expend valuable time and effort rummaging through my tools or scouring the landscape for the requisite paints, it would indubitably engender a slower tempo and a heightened sense of frustration.
Handles for your minis
When it comes to the delicate and intricate art of mini painting, finding the ideal handle can make all the difference. While some individuals may find it bearable to pinch the base of their mini with their fingers, others may prefer a more comfortable and secure handle. Thankfully, there are various options available to cater to the needs and preferences of every mini painter.
One popular type of handle employs clamps to grasp the mini, providing a firm and stable grip that can help steady your hand during painting. Alternatively, some painters may opt to use adhesive substances like poster tack to secure their models in place, providing a more hands-free approach to painting.
However, when it comes to batch painting, having a handle with interchangeable parts can be a game-changer. By utilizing a holder with an efficient and practical system, such as the redgrass games holder, you can easily switch between multiple models while maintaining a comfortable grip. This not only increases your efficiency in painting but also ensures that your hand remains steady and comfortable throughout your painting sessions.
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.