Painting Miniatures
Devil in the Details
Here you can read my blog posts on miniatures, painting and map/terrain projects. As someone who loves putting things on the table for my players to fight, I am notorious for miniatures both painted and plain. Flat (paper) miniatures are also a topic of discussion as well. Painting miniatures is something that you can grow your skills in, as I am no artist but after years of painting I have been quite proud of the works that I am able to do now. When I don't have 3d miniatures around my players usually get a scrap piece of paper with a 10 second doodle from me instead. My players enjoy my "bad art" drawings but it really is up to you, your gm and your table of what types of miniatures and terrain is expected at your table.
If you are looking for the Wiz Kid paint night directions that I create for the paint night classes hosted at The Gamers Den you can find those here.
If you are looking for the Time to Paint brochures with the Fox's tips and tricks for painting you can find them for free to download on our Ko-fi Shop.
I hope you find the tips, tricks and painting advice below helpful when it comes to your own TTRPG adventures. Read the articles and pieces below for the things I have learned over the years with this wonderful hobby.
Wolfsfox's List of Painting Steps
Wash your minis with warm soapy water and a tooth brush.
File down the mold lines on the miniature.
Fill holes and gaps from the mini pieces with Green Liquid. This makes the painting more smooth and makes the piece look whole.
Shadow contour - add a dark color (greys or a dark version of the base color) along the muscle lines and in the cracks of the mini such as ribs, elbow and knee creases. It gets covered with base coat but adds more shadow where in matters.
Base coats - Start with big pieces (body) and then move down (clothes).
Dry brushing- Try to put 2 colors dry brushed over the bases. The first dry brush covers large pieces and the 2nd only goes on the highest points
Fine Details - doing clothes and accessories with a small brush. Do eyes last.
Brush any washes you may want to use.
Paint the base of the figure- do one color and then dry brush a second over it.
*Optional* add moss, grass, sand or other natural bits if you wish to the figure.
Wait 24 hours
Clear Coat to prevent chipping of the paint and keep your mini safe for handling.
Painting Tips
A little paint goes a long way. It’s always better to go back to put more paint on your brush. Too much paint can cause details to be lost.
Shake paints well. Make sure to empty the top medium (the clear liquid that comes out of paint bottles) and shake again to make sure you are getting the correct pigments and paint.
Add water to the paint if it's too thick. Thick paint will take away details. Take a few drops of paint and add it to a paint pallet then add some drops of water. You want to have a maple syrup like consistency for most paint layers.
Only put paint on the tip of the brush, don't put paint up to the metal portion of the brush. Clean brushes right after use as dry paint can ruin your brush. I also have baby wipes near by to clean up any paint on the handles.
When mixing paints for different shades try a paint swatch before putting it onto the mini
Paint over paper or cover the table in case of spills, dropping of paint and paper allows you to test paint colors.
Have paper towels next you to allow for dry brushing, quick cleaning of brushes and of yourself.
While you are waiting for layers to dry it is a great time to clean out your brushes, exchange dirty water out for clean, and take care of personal needs.
You can use reference pictures if that helps you, but it is ok to use your own creative freedom as well! This is your mini and your imagination!
If you miss spots it's ok! You can always go back and fix things.
Only do the detailed work that you feel comfortable with. If you don’t want to add pupils, dry brushing details etc. that’s ok. The main thing is that you are happy with your work and that you like how your mini looks. No two minis will look the same and that’s ok.
If you make mistakes that’s ok. Wait till the end to go back and do touch ups where you may have gotten paint on other areas.
Painting miniatures takes time and practice, so don't get discouraged if the first minis you paint don't turn out perfect. Remember, painting is about having fun! Want a monster to have a neon pink loin cloth? Then do it. There are lots of things that it took time for me to learn and I still consider myself just an Ok hobby painter. There are plenty of tools out there to learn from. The Army Painter has YouTube tutorials, Citadel has an app with help as well. Many hobby stores where you can pick up paints also have nifty guides that can be picked up for free as well. I have two from The Army Painter, one from Citadel Colour, and even some hand outs from Reaper Bones USA. There are also apps that can help you, and example is Citadel having one specific for their brand.
Shake your paints to mix up the air, medium and pigments; You can add mixing balls if needed to help. Don't be afraid to let out some of the clear liquid medium out and then remix to get a better pigment mixture. You can add mixing balls if needed to help. Remember to take the time to clean up your area and clean your brushes when you're done for the day. Store paint brushes bristle side up to prevent damage.
I have a dragon hoard of paint. Many are Valejo paint pots that I have collected from different Paint Night Kits. I also have a collection of Army Paint, Turbo, Reaper Paint and Citadel Paints. Each of these brands have their own unique uses. Speed paints are great for things that I am trying to get done quickly without worrying about layers of details. Citadel has many types of paints for different layers- base, dry, detail, washes, etc. Reapers are the first brand that Sleepy had when he grew up and was the first brand that we collected together as a couple. We even have some Reaper paints from a Kickstarter. Turbo is the newest brand we have and it brings the extra metallic and shine. It takes a lot of time and patience to learn which of these paints reacts well together and which we keep separated.
Project Pictures
Our Airbrushing Goodies
2D minis
Ways to Protect
Your Works