Painting minis?

[kronovan]

I mostly paint my large Battletech collection these days. I won't add much to the terrific advice already given. I'm just going to say that in tems of primers, I've always had excellent results with Citadel (Games Workshop) primer and I won't use Army Painter primer. I didn't get tackiness as some describe, but the the coat the AP primer layed down was thick enough in some areas to obscure details. I've always gotten a fine, flat coat with Citadel primer using the exact same spray technique.

For paints, I use Vallejo.

 

[Bravesteel25]

Welcome to the wonderful world of miniature painting! As someone who used to be big into Warhammer Fantasy Battles, and even worked for Games Workshop at one point, you are in for a great time!

Painting miniatures for RPGs can be super relaxing and you can spend a little more time on each individual model and experiment with different techniques.

Everyone else has really given great advice so far. Something like the Reaper Learn to Paint Kit: Core Skills Set or Reaper: 08907 - Learn to Paint: Layer Up! Bones Paint Set might be beneficial for you.

All the paint suppliers have their own pros and cons. My recommendation would be to buy a small subset (four or five paints) from a few of them and decide which one you like working with the best.

When I was still painting minis (not wargame miniatures) I finally opted to brush on the primer so I had maximum control over the finish.

 

[Bae'zel]

Speedpaints and washes are your best friends. You can make things look surprisingly great with them.

I just use Army Painter's. They work great.

 

[Clint_L]

I mostly paint my large Battletech collection these days. I won't add much to the terrific advice already given. I'm just going to say that in tems of primers, I've always had excellent results with Citadel (Games Workshop) primer and I won't use Army Painter primer. I didn't get tackiness as some describe, but the the coat the AP primer layed down was thick enough in some areas to obscure details. I've always gotten a fine, flat coat with Citadel primer using the exact same spray technique.

For paints, I use Vallejo.

I similarly won’t use Army Painter primer and prefer Citadel spray primers. AP is really inconsistent.

 

[MGibster]

Dungeons and Lasers makes similarly quality miniatures with a more traditional fantasy aesthetic, but their range is still a bit limited. Both brands also involve assembling the miniature before you can paint.

I forgot about Dungeons & Lasers. They're a pretty good value, especially some of their larger miniatures like the dragons and other monsters.

 

[Jahydin]

Wife and I got our start using the Warhammer tutorials (AoS for us, but 40K available as well). Easy to follow along and since they have so many colors, no need to paint mix for highlights or shading.

Here's a link to the AoS playlist

But whatever kind of miniatures you decide to paint, I can't recommend videos enough. Talk about a godsend for us novices!

 

[djotaku]

So far only one person mentioned 3D printed minis. As someone who will have a 3D printer very soon, what - if anything - is different about painting those? Also the local FLGS has a free paint station with paints, 3rd hands, magnifying lenses. Even the paint that's already open there is free. (I assume they are expecting you to shop while the paint dries? or pay for more advanced paints or something?) Tips on painting there (or, let's say, a maker space)? Etiquette? Etc?

 

[Sacrosanct]

So far only one person mentioned 3D printed minis. As someone who will have a 3D printer very soon, what - if anything - is different about painting those?

If it's resin, just make sure you cure and wash them first. Well, you should be washing every mini before painting, but especially true for resin 3d printed ones.