Our Miniature Hobby Lifestyle
Are you looking to improve your miniature painting? Do you want to increase your arsenal of painting techniques? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, these articles will show you some new (and unique) ways to approach your painting projects.
One of the great things about painting miniatures is that there are endless possibilities when it comes to techniques. You can go as simple or as complex as you like, and there’s always something new to learn. Explore some different miniature painting techniques, or learn how to spin something you already know how to do.
Experimenting with different approaches can help you find new and better ways to achieve the results you want. It can also be a lot of fun! So don’t be afraid to get creative, and try something new today.
It clicked one night. As the final highlight dried, it looked — felt — perfect. I didn’t know what I had actually done to get there. The lights had come on, but I couldn’t find the switch. That uncertainty is what sent me to a notebook at my hobby desk. I started writing down exactly […]
10 Ways to Improve Your Miniature Painting Read More »
Are you having trouble painting with your hobby metallic paints? Metallic paints are wonderful for adding a little accent or realism to your models and dioramas. But, they can be frustrating to work with. Luckily there are some simple things you can do that will help them go on smoothly and keep your sanity. In
Why It’s Bad to Thin Metallic Paints, and Other Metallic Painting Tips Read More »
What does Grimdark mean to you? Is it a genre of art, visual style, or something else entirely? Players and painters tossed around the term a lot in the miniature painting community. What does Grimdark describe in regards to miniatures painted for Warhammer 40k or other tabletop games, like Dungeons and Dragons? What are some
What is Grimdark? Miniature Painting Dark Fantasy and Reality Read More »
Brush-On Primer Basics for Scale Modelers and Miniature Painters (Tips) – brush on primer tips – guide for brushing primer – small base primer when to use paintable primers
Brush-On Primer Basics for Scale Modelers and Miniature Painters (Tips) Read More »
What is the difference between inks, washes, and shades for miniatures? How do you use them when you paint models? There are many types of inks and washes for miniature hobby painting. They all have different effects and behaviors when you apply them with a brush or airbrush. Most inks and washes for hobby painting
Wash, Ink and Shade: What’s the Difference? Read More »
Does your primer color matter? Some say the primer color does not matter, and it doesn’t if you put enough coats over it. However, that can get costly, and many people don’t want to spend more money on paint than they have to. Spray primers (in aerosol cans) and surface primers (which you can airbrush
Does Primer Color Matter? Should You Use Color Primers? Read More »
Are you looking for a simple way to paint skulls on your miniatures? Skulls, bone, and skeletons are a common motif on wargaming miniatures, especially Warhammer or Age of Sigmar models. We all know what bone looks like, the color, the texture, and details. But, painting miniature skulls with a realistic, good-looking bone color and
How to Paint Skulls and Bone on Miniatures (3 Easy Steps) Read More »
The airbrush sat on my desk for two weeks before I figured out what I was doing wrong. This guide covers everything I learned the hard way — airbrush types, air pressure, paint viscosity, feed systems, and maintenance — so you don’t have to.
Complete Airbrush Guide for Painting Miniatures and Models Read More »
Acrylic paints are a popular choice in miniature painting because they are environmentally friendly, nontoxic and easier to use than other types of paint. When dry, hobby acrylics remain flexible so it won’t crack when handled or painted over. Model hobby acrylic paints are available in a range of colors, including metallics. acrylic mediums to
A Reference Guide for Acrylic Miniature Painting (Basecoats, Layers, and Glazes) Read More »
What’s the difference between a matte and gloss varnish for miniatures? Simply put, a gloss varnish creates a reflective, shiny finish on your models. And, a matte varnish produces a non-reflective, dull or flat finish coat on your painted miniatures. But, there are more differences you should know in what varnish type to use, including
Matte Versus Gloss Varnishes for Miniatures and Models (Overview and Best Uses) Read More »
Are you looking for a way to smooth out your paint layers on miniatures? Miniature painting often requires that a painter blend multiple colors together to create transitions on a model’s surface. Although there are many color blending techniques, a tried and true approach is to combine paint “layering” with “glazing” to create smooth blends
Layering and Glazing for Non-Metallic Metal (NMM) Blending Read More »
Okay, so you want to wet blend. I hear this is the best way to achieve the smoothest paint blends on miniatures and other acrylic painting surfaces, e.g., canvas or rocks. If you’re looking for an example of how to wet blend, then read on below! In this article, you will see the following: What
How to Wet Blend Miniatures & Models (Pro Tips, Photos) Read More »
How do you thin acrylic paints to airbrush miniatures? As a best practice, you should thin your model paints to the proper viscosity for your airbrush. The proper viscosity for airbrushing depends on the air pressure, the resolution, and the airbrush nozzle size. For simplicity, of course, you could buy “airbrush-ready model paints”. But, these
How to Thin Acrylic Paint for an Airbrush (Tips and Guide) Read More »
One of the best ways to prime your miniatures and models is with an airbrush. Spraying a primer helps you apply even and smooth coats that make painting more enjoyable. Learning how to prime your miniatures with an airbrush will save you precious time and money. Applying primer with an airbrush can even improve the
How to Prime Miniatures with an Airbrush (Tips and Guide) Read More »
6 Miniature Priming Hacks and Tips You Want to Know – Priming Tips and Tricks for Miniature Painting – Alternative Priming Methods for Miniatures and Models – Useful ways to Prime Miniatures – Filler and primer can
6 Great Miniature Priming Hacks (Useful Tips) Read More »