About The Mini Primer

Miniature painting for absolute beginners, with no art background needed. Anyone can learn this with a few brushes, a handful of acrylic paints, and some primer. The core sequence is simpler than it looks: prime the model, lay down your base colors, flow a wash into the recesses, then drybrush and highlight the raised detail. Your first minis only need to look good on the table, not win a contest, and that is a great place to start.

The Mini Primer is an independent resource focused on miniature painting for beginners — choosing brushes and paints, priming and prep, base coating, washes and shading, drybrushing, layering and edge highlighting, basing and sealing, and painting tabletop and model miniatures. We publish practical, carefully researched guides for readers who want clear answers without the fluff — whether you are just getting started or looking to sharpen what you already know.

What we do

Every article is written and edited to be genuinely useful: accurate, easy to follow, and grounded in real-world experience. We cover topics across Getting Started, Paints & Brushes, Priming & Prep, Core Techniques, Basing & Finishing, Tips & Troubleshooting and update our guides as best practices evolve. We are not affiliated with any of the brands, products, or organizations we may reference; mentions are for the reader's benefit, not an endorsement.

Who writes The Mini Primer

The Mini Primer is written by Bram Hollis. Bram paints miniatures under a desk lamp with an aging brush and writes hobby guides for painters who think their first minis look terrible (his did too).

How we stay free

The Mini Primer is supported by advertising. We display ads (including ads served by third parties such as Google AdSense) so that our content can remain free to read. Advertising never dictates our editorial recommendations. See our Privacy Policy for details on how ads and analytics work on this site.

Editorial standards & disclaimer

The Mini Primer is an independent resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any paint brand, miniatures company, or game publisher. Any product or brand names mentioned are for description only, and what you buy is your own choice. Always follow the paint and primer manufacturer's safety instructions, including proper ventilation when using spray primers or an airbrush.

Our content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always use your own judgment and consult a qualified professional where appropriate.

Get in touch

Questions, corrections, or feedback are always welcome. Reach us at runbookify@gmail.com or visit our contact page.