Andrew M. Tan

Andrew M. Tan, PhD is a commissioned miniature painter, photographer, and writer with more than 15 years of hands-on hobby experience. He founded and edits Tangible Day, drawing on a PhD in neuroscience and peer-reviewed research to write about attention, learning, and the craft of making things by hand. Full bio: https://tangibleday.com/andrew-m-tan/

Best Metallic Paints for Miniatures—My 5 Go-To Colors and Why

Horizontal banner showing metallic paints and painted miniatures with the title text “Best metallic paints for miniatures and models.”

If you’ve ever stared at a wall of metallic paints and wondered which ones actually perform well on miniatures, you’re not alone. Metallics behave differently from regular acrylics, and choosing the right one can change the entire look of your model. Some metallics are bright and reflective, others lean dark and gritty, and a few

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10 Best Paint Strippers For Plastic, Resin And Metal Miniatures

Banner image showing ‘10 Best Paint Strippers for Miniatures’ with bottles of popular paint removers used for plastic, resin, and metal models.

The best paint stripper does the job of removing surface paint, varnish or primer, effectively, without damaging the model surface underneath. We all know paint strippers can work and the issue isn’t finding the strongest product, but the best paint stripper for miniatures is one that gets the paint off without damaging the model underneath.

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7 Best Spray Primers for Miniatures (Review and Recommendation)

Banner image showing “Best Spray Primers for Miniatures” with a row of miniature figures and spray cans in the background; designed as a clean thumbnail-style graphic for a hobby painting guide.

Are you looking for the best spray primer for painting miniatures? Aerosol primers vary widely depending on the brand and the conditions you’re working in. The best spray primers for plastic, metal, or resin models all share a few essential traits: they smooth surface imperfections, preserve fine detail, and help paint adhere reliably. Compared with

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Ork Paint Schemes (9 Color Motifs and Ideas)

Ork paint color schemes banner showing multiple painted Ork miniatures in various vibrant armor motifs

Are you looking for paint scheme ideas for an Ork army? The Orks are one of Warhammer 40K’s most iconic factions—loud, brutal, and wildly unpredictable. They’re a tide of green muscle and scrap-armor ingenuity, held together by the sheer force of their own belief that bigger and louder always wins. They’re fun, messy, and endlessly

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Why the StarCraft Miniatures Game Is Exciting for Painters and Tabletop Gamers

Promotional banner for the StarCraft Tabletop Miniatures Game featuring Terran, Zerg, and Protoss artwork with a bold title announcing the upcoming game.

I grew up playing the original StarCraft until my computer fans screamed for mercy. Long nights on Battle.net, LAN parties packed with half-empty Dorito bags, too much soda, and custom-map tournaments where I was convinced my APM (actions per minute) was essential to glory (I used to “practice” improving my “micro”). When I heard a

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The 10-Minute ADHD Mini Painting Routine

ADHD-friendly miniature painting strategy showing a 10-minute focus routine for artists to improve attention, reduce overwhelm, and stay productive while painting miniatures

Painting miniatures with ADHD is like trying to write a school essay and you weren’t listening. Wait, what was that? The paint brush doesn’t move, and you’re thinking about the dirty-dishes; your mind races from thing-to-thing. Mind racer? It could be something or another, maybe not even the “80-HD” as my kids call it. Here’s

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The Leuchtturm 1917 Drehgriffel Nr. 1 Pen Review (My Favorite Everyday Pen)

Banner image for Leuchtturm1917 Drehgriffel Nr. 1 pen review featuring bold yellow title text on a black background.

Ever pick up a pen and feel like it belongs in your creative space, not just in your pocket? That’s how I felt when I first started using the Leuchtturm1917 Drehgriffel Nr. 1. It’s a pen with heritage roots, modern reliability, and a design that makes even the most ordinary notes feel intentional. If you’re

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Halloween Vibes with Miniature Hobby Finds on Etsy

Halloween Etsy hobby fun picks banner with a skull mug and grim reaper figurine

Are you looking for miniature hobby stuff for Halloween? Is a bit of horror, mystery, or spooky-boo, your thing? Maybe this post will give you some ideas! Etsy is a treasure trove for unique, custom made finds that you may not find anywhere else. From Halloween-themed DnD accessories to eerie terrain pieces and creepy miniatures,

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Choosing the Best Brush for Painting Miniatures (Full Guide)

Feature banner image for the paint brush guide for miniatures and models - brushes and tabletop gaming miniature model displayed

What’s the best brush for painting miniatures? Paint brushes are an essential tool for miniature painting. The most popular and useful brushes for miniature painters are a pointed round kolinsky sable size #1 or #2 brushes. These paint brushes have a bristle length of about 8-12mm and a belly diameter of 1.5-2mm. A pointed round

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Transon Miniature Painting Drybrush Set: First Look, Expectations, and Testing Plan

Transon miniature and model drybrush lineup—five domed drybrush sizes with matching detail brushes

Ever spend an evening chasing highlights with a tired brush? Drybrushing brings textures to life fast, yet the wrong tool frays, sheds, and ruins details. I’m always on the lookout for cool toys to experiment with in the miniature hobby sphere; these brushes look super affordable right now and have, in my view, the ideal

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