Top 10 Tools to Get Started in Miniature Painting
Whether you are looking at starting from scratch and investing in a brand new hobby, or looking for a new set of tools to replace your well-loved tired ones. We here at Wayland Games are predominately hobbyists, and have worked hard in perfecting our own personal hobbies and enjoyment in the experience.
My name is Charlotte, and today Iâll be taking you through some essentials that us hobbyists use here at Wayland Games, and that we cannot live without.
We all love different elements of Tabletop Miniature Games. One of my personal favourites is the painting stage. Getting those creative juices flowing: deciding firstly on that precious paint scheme, and then getting everything you need together to start creating a masterpiece.
Initially, you will want your miniatures assembled. After that, you can get straight into the creative process of painting, and getting those miniatures ready for the tabletop.
Although you may have a really good system in place, and your own preference of tools to use during your hobby time. Here are some of our essentials that keep our hobby streamlined and easy.
Primer
Priming your miniatures is a crucial part of the painting process. Allowing a smooth even surface before exploring the plethora of colours to add to your model. A favourite and gem to a vast majority, is the Citadel Base Coat Sprays.
To begin, if you want a light undercoat colour, the Citadel Corax White Spray is what you want. A light base coat enables you to easily paint vibrant colours without having to add too many coats.
Citadel Corax White Spray Paint
However, if you would rather start with a darker base, the Citadel Chaos Black Spray does a great job. This enables you to drybrush or base coat with a lighter colour, leaving the recesses a darker shade.
There are plenty of other options, so feel free to play around. As long as you spray in short bursts all around the model, youâll have a great base colour.
If you would rather not use a spray, the Surface Primer by Scalecolor can be painted or airbrushed on; for those who are not too keen on wielding an aerosol can and would rather use their skills in hand-painting or air-brushing.
Paint brushes
Picking out your brushes can be a little overwhelming when you get started. There are a great variety of sets for beginners, however brush sizes and boxed sets can be a little intimidating to somebody new in the hobby.
Mega Brush Set by The Army Painter
I would recommend the Mega Brush Set by The Army Painter when just starting out. It covers almost all of the bases in terms of paintbrushes. Youâll have 10 brushes to experiment with, and start your skill set off.
However, if you want something tailored to the professional miniature painter - then Kolinsky brushes are the perfect choice for somebody who is in seek of quality and precision by hand. We have a large variety of brushes in various sizes for every type of paintersâ needs.
If you want somewhere to store your brushes, then the Premium Leather Case for Tools and Brushes by Green Stuff World is highly recommended. Keeping your brushes in good condition will enable them to live a long life of painting.
Paint
You may have your paint brushes sorted and your miniatures all primed and ready to get some colour on, but where do you even start with paints? Inks, Acrylics, Dry - there are so many different types of paints along with lots of different brands - itâs difficult to know where to begin.
Citadel Warhammer Age of Sigmar Paint and Tools Box
Citadel paints are a popular choice. Including several different types of paint, these enable you to use a combination to create the effects wanted. Applying two thin coats of any paint is a lesson I learned early on from experienced painters.
If you are starting from scratch, the Age of Sigmar Paints + Tools box includes everything you need; the only thing extra would be glue. Everyone in the office recommends Tamiya Extra Thin Cement if you would like a tip for assembly.
Other popular brands which are used throughout the office are Green Stuff World paints, The Army Painter Warpaints and Vallejo Paints.
You will find the more you explore, the more the paints will fit to you. So do not be afraid to try out different types of paints by different manufacturers. As you will be sure to find your own favourite by just testing different paints that work for your style.
Redgrass Games Stuidio XL Bundle
Palette
Using a wet palette is your best friend for miniature painting. As we paint in thin coats generally, if youâre using a normal palette your paint can dry in seconds.
The Redgrass Games Studio XL Complete Bundle is a great option for everyone, regardless of skill level. With 50 sheets of paper, it will last you a long time. Generally, you only need one sheet per painting session and you get 50 in this set.
The foam needs to stay damp, and with this palette being mould resistant; itâs perfect if you want a product with longevity, and certainly if you do not want to waste your paint!
Paint water pot
I donât know about you, but using a cup to wash off my brushes makes me sceptical that Iâm going to drink my paint water without realising it!
Citadel Paint Pot
I love to use a proper Water Pot, especially as I know it doesnât need to be spick and span after Iâve washed it, Iâll just be putting more paint back into it anyway.
The Citadel Water Pot does a great job, itâs sturdy and cleans very well. With side grooves to repoint bristles, this can help keep your brushes in great hassle-free shape.
Miniature Handles
The dreaded painters hand cramp comes to mind when painting miniatures. Using a paint handle is a life saver when you sit down for a painting session.
Redgrass Games Ergonomic handle for miniature painting
The Redgrass Games Ergonomic Miniature Handle enables you to attach your model to the handle, so you can easily paint at all angles.
With smooth 360* rotation, you can use this with bases ranging 10-50mm. If youâre like me, youâll drop everything! This handle has a magnetic dock which improves the stability so you can lean it on your desk if you do not want to hold it in your hands.
Sealer
Citadel Munitorum Varnish Spray
After applying your paints, you are going to want to keep your masterpiece intact. Keeping your creations ready for the tabletop, and safe to avoid damage to your work. Sealer is a crucial part of miniature painting to ensure your miniatures always look freshly painted.
What I use is the Citadel Munitorum Varnish Spray. It protects my miniatures with a transparent demi-matte finish.
I really donât want my hours of work ruined just because I didnât seal all of that paint in!
Paint station
This may not be an âessentialâ, but I find a place dedicated to painting helps you get yourself started and organised. Trust me, it does become quick before you feel like you have different bottles of paint all over the place!
Warcradle Scenics Paint Station
Warcradle Scenics has a hobby station that you can pick and choose any of the elements you do or do not want. The building is versatile, allowing you to adapt your workstation to your own personal needs.
A Paint Rack can help both display your most used colours, but also keep them in one convenient location.
I would want to combine two or three of the Paint Rack, with a Paintbrush rack and Water Pot Rack on either end. Showcasing as many of my paints in a convenient location for me. Being able to utilise it any moment I want to pick up my brush!
Green Stuff World Brush Cleaner
Brush cleaner
Some people like to use water to clean their brushes naturally, however if you are looking for something that will keep your brushes sparkly clean - there are alternatives.
This is personal preference as I like to keep my brushes looking and feeling pristine, as for me - water does not seem to do the complete trick. Green Stuff World Brush Cleaner could be your new best friend if you are looking for something a little stronger than water to remove your paint.
Basing material
Basing is another great way to be creative in this hobby. Think about where your character is waging war and get together your supplies to replicate those conditions.
Green Stuff World Static Grass Flock
There are many ways in which you could choose to decorate your bases, a very easy way includes glue and Green Stuff World Static Grass Flock. Voila! You have a grassy field.
However, you could use technical paints to achieve similar results. Citadel Technical Armageddon Dunes is one of many colours which you can mould and let dry to be able to drybrush details over.
Vallejo Weathering Effects European Thick Mud can be used to drybrush models, as well as create contoured basing if you make it into a thick paste.
Every miniature painter has an essential, and the products listed above are what have enabled myself and many other painters in Wayland Games HQ to achieve a streamlined progress.
What do you think is essential for your miniature painting? Do you use alternatives to the above? Or are there some extras that you use that we might not know about?
Be sure to let us know in the comments on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter regarding your personal journey into painting miniatures.
