Miniature Painting Basics: A Beginner’s Guide

Want to learn how to paint your own miniatures? In our beginner painting course, we cover the basic techniques you need to get started and build your confidence.

1. Preparing Your Miniature

Before painting, it’s important to prepare the model properly. Remove any mould lines, assemble the miniature, and make sure the surface is clean. A good primer will then give your paint something to grip onto and help create an even finish.

2. Applying Base Colours

Start with the main colours of the miniature. Thin your paint slightly with water and apply several smooth, controlled coats rather than one thick coat. This helps preserve the small details on the model.

3. Adding Shadows

Once your base colours are dry, we can start creating depth. Washes or darker paints can be applied into the recesses of the miniature, helping areas such as armour, clothing and faces look more defined.

4. Adding Highlights

Highlights bring the miniature to life. Use a lighter version of your base colour and carefully apply it to raised areas and edges where light would naturally hit. You don’t need to highlight every surface—concentrating on the important areas can make a big difference.

5. Painting Small Details

Now it’s time for the details. Carefully paint areas such as eyes, weapons, belts, gems and other small features. Take your time and don’t worry if you make mistakes. Acrylic paint can usually be corrected once it’s dry.

6. Finishing the Base

A simple base can make a big difference to the finished miniature. Add colours, texture, grass, stones or other materials to create an environment that suits the model.

Practice Makes Progress

The most important part of learning to paint miniatures is practice. Your first models don’t need to be perfect. Focus on learning how your brushes and paints behave, experiment with different techniques, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

Our small beginner course is designed to give you the foundations you need to start painting with confidence and develop your own style over time.