How to start miniature painting? Miniature painting from scratch

Miniature painting is a hobby that is gaining popularity every year. It attracts wargame players, collectors, and people looking for a creative way to relax. However, if you are typing phrases like "how to start miniature painting," "miniature painting for beginners," or "what miniatures to paint first" into Google, it means you are exactly where all of us once were.

In this guide, we explain how to start miniature painting, what scale to choose, which miniatures from Printallica's offer are best for beginners, what painting techniques are worth mastering to start with, and what tools are really needed. No marketing jargon – just concrete information.

Miniature painting – is it a hobby for beginners?

Yes – absolutely. Miniature painting does not require artistic talent or years of experience. However, it does require patience, basic knowledge, and the right start. The most common mistake beginners make is starting with a miniature that is too difficult or techniques that are too advanced.

Therefore, the key is:

• choosing the right miniature scale,
• a simple, clear model with good details,
• learning basic techniques instead of "special effects."

32mm or 75mm – which miniature scale is better for a start?

32mm miniatures – the best choice to start with

For the vast majority of beginners, a 32mm scale miniature will be the best choice. This is the standard scale in the world of miniature painting and wargames.

Why is 32mm better to start with?

• it's easier to control the amount of paint on the brush,
• progress and learning effects are visible faster,
• smaller surfaces forgive more mistakes,
• ideal scale for learning the basics: base coat, wash, drybrush.

75mm miniatures – impressive, but more difficult

The 75mm scale looks very tempting – a larger model, more details, more "wow." However, for beginners, it can be tricky. Large surfaces require better control of brush strokes, and mistakes are more visible.

The recommendation is simple: start with 32mm, and leave 75mm for when you've mastered the basics.

Which miniatures from Printallica are best for beginners?

At Printallica, we have always focused on miniatures that not only look good but are also easy to paint. For those starting their adventure with miniature painting, we primarily recommend:

✔ Miniatures with clear, legible details

Models with well-defined folds of clothing, armor elements, straps, or hair significantly facilitate learning washes and drybrushing. The paint "settles" into the recesses on its own, which gives a quick and satisfying effect.

✔ Miniatures without an excess of micro-details

To start with, it's better to avoid models overloaded with tiny ornaments. A simpler shape = easier learning and less risk of frustration.

✔ High-quality resin miniatures

The miniatures available at Printallica are printed from resin, which means sharp details, no blurring, and very good paint adhesion after priming. This is a huge difference compared to cheap, low-quality models.

For beginners, humanoid figures work best: warriors, fantasy heroes, historical, and mythological characters. They teach all the basic elements of miniature painting.

What painting techniques should a beginner start with?

Miniature painting involves a vast array of techniques, but a few basics are enough to achieve even 80% of the final effect.

1️⃣ Base coat

This is nothing more than applying the basic colors to the miniature. The key is to thin the paint and apply it in thin layers.

2️⃣ Wash / Shade

Wash is the most important technique for beginners. It emphasizes details, recesses, and adds depth to the miniature. It gives an immediate "wow" effect, even with minimal experience.

3️⃣ Drybrush

Dry brushing allows you to quickly bring out edges and textures. Ideal for armor, fur, hair, and terrain elements.

4️⃣ Simple highlight

Finally, it's worth learning how to gently highlight edges, without delving into advanced blending techniques.

What tools are needed to start miniature painting?

You don't need a full workshop or hundreds of paints. A basic, well-chosen set is enough to start.

🖌️ Brushes

• 1 medium brush (size 1 or 2)
• 1 smaller detail brush (size 0)

🎨 Acrylic paints for miniatures

• a few base colors,
• black and white,
• at least one wash (e.g., dark).

🧪 Primer

Priming the miniature is an absolute must. Gray or black primer works best.

🧻 Palette and accessories

• palette (preferably a wet palette),
• paper towel,
• cup of water.

Summary – how to start miniature painting?

If you want to start miniature painting without frustration:

• choose a 32mm miniature,
• opt for a model with clear details from Printallica's offer,
• learn basic techniques: base coat, wash, drybrush,
• don't invest in advanced tools right away.

Miniature painting is a process. Each subsequent miniature will be better than the last – and the satisfaction of painting a model yourself is unparalleled.