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/

Top 10 Recommended Model Paint Mixers and Shakers

best model paint shaker and mixer for miniatures and models - hobby paint shakers and mixers - recommended alternatives to DIY paint shakers

Are you looking for a model paint mixer machine? Some of the best model paint shakers and mixers are simple devices with light-duty motors. Others are more powerful, industrial sized mixers. If you’re looking for help to shake up your Army Painter dropper bottles, Citadel pots, or other brands of highly-pigmented model paints, check out

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Immersive Ambient Lighting Guide for Tabletop RPG Games (5 Tips)

Ambient lighting for tabletop rpg gaming - Best ambient lights and lamps for gaming - immersive lights for dungeon and dragons D&D

So, you are hosting a role-playing gaming (RPG) gaming event, like Dungeon and Dragons (D&D)? Sometimes you just want to throw a party. Whether you’re hosting a RPG campaign, a birthday party, or an anniversary, you know having the right ambient lighting is an absolute must. Ambient lighting for tabletop gaming or other event not

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Painting with Coffee: Miniatures!

How to paint with coffee - painting miniatures with coffee - coffee miniature and model workshop

Do you get bored painting miniatures? Do you want to experiment with new, exciting ways to paint miniatures and models? A great way to overcome painting block is to experiment! Try a new technique. How about painting with coffee? Yes, I do mean paint miniatures with a do-it-yourself (DIY) coffee paint mixture. Board games, miniature

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How to Paint Board Game Miniatures: Cthulhu Wars

Do you play board games with miniatures? Tabletop games with miniatures are especially fun because they add an extra level of tactile immersion. Even better, of course, are board games with painted miniatures. Of all the games that you can enhance with painted miniatures, Cthulhu Wars (Peterson Games) is a particular stand-out! In this article,

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How Does an Ultrasonic Cleaner Work? Best Practice and Use

How does an ultrasonic cleaner work? Best practice and use for hobby miniatures and models

Can you use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean or strip paint off miniatures or models? How does an ultrasonic cleaner work? Ultrasonic cleaners use sonic waves transmitted through a liquid (usually water) that rapidly “scrubs” dirt or other unwanted particles from object surfaces. In this article, I explain how an ultrasonic cleaner works and why

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How-To Paint a 3D Printed Miniature with OSL

So, you’re looking to paint your 3D printed miniature. Painting 3D printed miniatures and figures is similar to painting other types of kit-type miniatures and models. This is especially true if you’re using model acrylic paints, such as Citadel or Army Painter model paints. In this article, I show you how I painted a 3D

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Behold, a Guide to Attending a Tabletop Gaming Convention

Starter guide to attending a tabletop gaming convention - PAX unplugged events

Are you going to your first tabletop gaming convention? Intimidated? Tabletop gaming conventions are huge events and can be overwhelming for first-time attendees. You never know what to expect! Tabletop gaming conventions pull you from reality, surrounding you with exciting gaming events, cosplay, celebrities, artists, and designers. Many vendors from big and small companies attend

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How to Paint High Contrast Miniatures with Photography (5 Steps)

Not sure if you have enough contrast on your painted miniature? A quick way to check if you have enough contrast on your miniature is to take a photo! Once you have the image, remove the color. You’ll see the dynamic range on your model a lot better, and painting with high contrast will become

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