Our Miniature Hobby Lifestyle
A scale model is a tangible representation of an object that has the same dimensions as the real object (known as the prototype). Scale models are generally smaller than the actual prototype like buildings, vehicles, or landscapes. But, they may also be larger than the real object, such as models of anatomical structures or biological organisms.
Building scale models is a great hobby that can be both enjoyable and rewarding. Whether you’re a first-time builder or an experienced modeler, there are always new techniques and tips to learn. Scale modeling is a complex and delicate process, but with a little patience and practice, anyone can produce high-quality results.
Here are some helpful articles and tutorials to help you get started or learn more about the scale modeling hobby.
Are you looking to improve your hand-eye coordination when it comes to painting miniatures? The fastest way to make tangible leaps in your ability and model painting results is to hone your body’s ability to control and use the brush as an extension of your own hand. Sure, I could suggest “paint more miniatures”, but […]
3 Tips to Improve Your Hand-Eye Coordination for Painting Miniatures Read More »
What is the most popular miniature scale for tabletop wargames, RPGs, or even model trains? The exact scale of a model varies widely depending on who is making it and what purpose it will serve. There are also quite a few nuances to understanding how manufacturer’s scale their products to sizes in real-life (or fantasy).
Miniature Scale Reference Guide (Conversions for Model Railroads and Tabletop Wargames) Read More »
Are you wondering if you need a lightbox for taking miniature photos? If you’re a hobby tabletop miniature gamer and want to take better photos of your models, a lightbox can help. But, studio photography setup also has drawbacks and may limit your ability to create unique images of your painted miniatures. The best photographic
Pros and Cons of a Lightbox: Better Miniature Photos Without a Lightbox 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 »
Do you need to clear coat your painted minis? I think so. Maybe acrylic paint is strong enough to last year after year. But, did you know that a varnish or clear coat not only protects your models, but also make your paint job look better? A well varnished model creates a smoother, more vibrant
The Benefits of Clear Coating Your Painted Miniatures 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 »
The task of painting miniatures is often difficult due to the difficulty in seeing what you are doing. The two solutions that I have found to be most helpful for this problem are a magnifying visor or a lamp with a magnifying glass. These magnifiers both have their pros and cons, so it can be
Best Hobby Magnifier for Miniatures and Models: Visor or Lamp? Read More »
Are you considering an airbrush for painting your miniatures? There are a lot of questions about the usefulness of an airbrush for miniature painting. Is airbrushing miniatures worth it? Can you paint details with an airbrush? Is using an airbrush cheating? On the market, there are a lot of great airbrushes for painting scale models
Complete Airbrush Guide for Painting Miniatures and Models 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 »
Miniature painting requires fine motor skill, good eyesight, and your ability to use a brush. If you’re looking to improve your miniature painting skill, the easiest thing you can do is paint more. The more time you use your brush to paint minis, the greater your motor skill will adapt to the required precise movements.
5 Tips to Improve Your Ability to Paint Miniature Details Read More »
What is the best way to smooth 3D printed miniatures made of PLA? PLA or Polylactic Acid is a very common 3D printing material for fused deposition modeling (FDM) printers. It is inexpensive, reliable, and biodegradable. There are so many positives with PLA FDM printing that it’s my recommended approach for those starting in the
Smoothing PLA 3D Prints: How to Smooth 3D Printed Miniatures Read More »
What glue do you use when basing miniatures? The kind of glue you should use will depend on the material you’re using to flock or base your models. Whether you using sand, grass flock, resin, cork, or other material, you’ll want a strong and durable adhesive. In this article, I highlight the pros and cons
Best Glue for Basing Miniatures? Read More »
Are you looking to make your own wargaming or scale model terrain features? The first time I tried cutting foam with a utility knife, I made a blizzard. Static-charged beads stuck to my sleeves, my desk, and somehow my coffee cup. A hot wire cutter changed the whole experience. The cut is quiet, the mess
10 Hot Wire Foam Cutters for Foam Terrain That Are Worth Buying Read More »
Are you looking for the best light for model building? As a scale modeler and painter, I rely on good lighting to see and work with small details. Assembling and painting scale miniatures and models requires visual acuity. Most household desk lamps are too dim, lack contrast, and can even hurt our eyes over when
Lamp and Lighting Guide for Scale Modeling (8 Tips) Read More »
Do you enjoy assembling miniatures? Many scale models arrive in boxed kits that require assembly. Miniatures are often plastic, resin, or metal. Each kind of material and model kit requires a different assembly approach to achieve the best results. Tabletop games such Warhammer 40k, Age of Sigmar, Infinity the Game, Guild Ball, and many others
30 Miniature and Model Assembly Tips for Hobbyists Read More »