Day
2: Top 10 beginner tips for painting wargaming miniatures

If you’re new to painting wargaming miniatures, you may feel overwhelmed
with all the techniques and supplies available to you. It can be daunting to
figure out where to start and how to make your miniatures look great. That’s
why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 beginner tips for painting wargaming
miniatures, so you can get started on the right foot.

1.Invest
in Good Brushes: Good quality brushes are essential to painting miniatures.
They can make a significant difference in the quality of your work. You don’t
need to break the bank, but it’s worth investing in a few good brushes that can
last you a long time.

2.Start
with a Clean Slate: Always start with a clean miniature. It’s crucial to remove
any mold lines, flash, or debris from your miniature before painting. This will
make the process of painting smoother and more manageable.

3.Use
a Primer: Using a primer is essential for creating a good base coat for your
miniature. It helps the paint adhere to the miniature and prevents chipping and
flaking. Spray primers work well for beginners and are easy to apply.

4.Thin
Your Paints: Thinning your paints is crucial for achieving smooth, even layers
of paint. Thick paint can obscure detail and create a rough surface. Water is
an excellent thinning agent for most acrylic paints.

5.Start
with Base Coats: Start by applying a base coat of paint to your miniature. This
should be a solid color that covers the entire miniature. It will serve as a
base for the other layers of paint you will apply.

6.Layer
Your Paints: Layering is the process of applying multiple thin coats of paint
to create a smooth, even finish. Layering allows you to build up color and
create depth and contrast in your miniature.

7.Use Washes: Washes are thin, translucent paints that flow into the recesses of your
miniature, adding depth and shadow. They are an easy way to add shading and
depth to your miniature.

8.Use Dry Brushing: Dry brushing is a technique that involves using a dry brush with
very little paint to create texture and highlight raised areas on your
miniature. It’s a simple and effective way to add texture and depth to your
miniature.

9.Highlight
Key Areas: Highlighting is the process of adding lighter colors to the raised
areas of your miniature to create contrast and depth. It’s an essential
technique for creating a realistic, three-dimensional look.

10.Practice,
Practice, Practice: The more you paint, the better you’ll get. Don’t worry
about making mistakes; they’re part of the learning process. Keep practicing
and experimenting with different techniques, and you’ll soon see improvement in
your work.

In conclusion, painting wargaming miniatures can be a fun and rewarding
hobby. By following these top 10 beginner tips, you’ll be well on your way to
creating beautiful miniatures that will impress your friends and fellow gamers.
Remember to invest in good brushes, start with a clean slate, use a primer,
thin your paints, layer your paints, use washes, dry brush, highlight key
areas, and most importantly, practice. Happy painting!