Miniature Painting for Beginners: Tips and Tricks from the Experts

Have you decided to start playing a wargaming game or do you love board games? Tired of looking at boring grey miniatures? Paint them! It's not as complicated as it seems. We've prepared several articles on how to get started with miniature painting, complete with some beginner tips.

Painting models is a relaxing, quiet hobby that isn't as expensive as you might think if you approach it sensibly. However, some newcomers can be intimidated by the technical jargon. That's why we've called in our experts, Lukáš and Nikča, to introduce you to the basic techniques.

The following video series is primarily prepared for Citadel paints, but you can use the basic procedures and techniques for any available brand. Only the specific paint names might differ.

Preparation and Priming

Applying primer is the first step toward painting a perfect decoration, miniature, or an entire army. How do you achieve a great result and what should you avoid? You need to prepare the plastic model before painting. First, degrease the miniature by washing it with soap and water, then apply a primer—a base coat that prepares the surface for subsequent layers.

Base Paints

After the primer, it's time for base paints, which form the model's primary color scheme. For some, painting a miniature might end right after applying base paints. You'll get a painted figure that is more than enough for basic gameplay. In the video, you'll hear practical advice on choosing colors and applying paint to miniatures.

Layer Paints

A miniature painted only with base paints is fine, but it's missing that final touch. This is where layer paints come in. They are used for shading, highlighting, or painting details. Compared to base paints, layer paints are thinner and don't completely cover the original coat.

Drybrush Technique

With this simple technique, you can conjure up surprisingly nice effects. It's used even if you don't have much patience or a steady hand to do everything with layer paints. Thanks to this technique, you break up the uniform color base, beautifully shade the model, or prepare it for further techniques.

Shade or Wash

These very thin paints are used for easy shading. You simply apply the shade paint over the miniature; it flows nicely into crevices and recesses, where it gradually dries. This creates a shadow effect, making the areas where the paint pools darker than the surroundings. The model gains a more interesting look thanks to highlighted details and depth (a 3D effect). This technique also darkens the model slightly. However, there's nothing easier than brightening the raised areas again with a layer paint or drybrush. Just don't forget to let the model dry thoroughly before continuing!

Speedpaint or Contrast

The name of these paints varies by brand, but the principle is the same. These are thin paints with high coverage. They are something between a shade (wash) paint and a base paint. The difference is that when using these, you apply the base colors and shade the model at the same time. When using this technique, it's important to consider the primer color for the effect to work correctly. Lukáš reveals more in the video. Thanks to this technique, you get a decent-looking model in just a few minutes. Once dry, just paint a few details and you're done.

Varnishing

Once you're done painting, you can jump straight into playing, but we recommend varnishing your miniatures first. Even though acrylic paints are relatively durable, they can wear off over time. Varnishing itself isn't complicated; just follow a few basic rules and the result will be perfect. Varnishing also allows you to achieve beautiful glossy or matte finishes. Additionally, Lukáš explains in the video when it's better to use a spray varnish and when it's better to apply it with a brush.

authors Karel Krajča, Lukáš Outolný and Nikola Kyliánová