The Mini Primer

Core Techniques

The handful of moves that make a mini look great surprisingly fast. These guides walk the beginner sequence in plain terms: base coating, where you block in the main flat colors; a shading wash, a thin dark paint that flows into the recesses and instantly adds depth; drybrushing, where an almost-dry brush catches raised detail and texture; and then simple layering and edge highlighting to brighten the surfaces that face the light. Done in that order, even a first attempt comes out looking finished and three-dimensional.

Core Techniques

4 guides

Core Techniques

Layering Paint on Miniatures for Smooth Highlights

Learn how to layer miniatures for smooth, natural-looking highlights. Step-by-step guide covering thin paint, feathering, and where to place light.

August 11, 2026

Core Techniques

Drybrushing Miniatures: A Beginner's Guide

Learn how to drybrush miniatures with this beginner's guide: brush prep, paint loading, pressure tips, and how to avoid overdrybrushing.

July 28, 2026

Core Techniques

How to Use Washes to Shade Your Miniatures

Learn how to use washes on miniatures to add instant depth and shadow. Covers all-over vs pinwash, tide marks, and ready-made vs homemade washes.

July 14, 2026

Core Techniques

Base Coating Miniatures: How to Lay Down Your Colors

Learn how to base coat miniatures with confidence. Covers thinning paint, two thin coats, brush vs airbrush, and common beginner mistakes to avoid.

June 30, 2026

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