The Mini Primer

Paints & Brushes

The two things you reach for on every model. These guides look at acrylic miniature paints and the newer contrast or speed paints that shade in a single coat, plus the few brush sizes a beginner really needs, usually one fine detail brush and one larger brush for coverage. You will learn to care for brushes so they last, never letting paint dry in the bristles and always pulling them back to a point, and how a wet palette keeps your paint workable for longer. The single most important habit here is thinning your paint, because thin coats are what make a mini look smooth instead of clumpy.

Paints & Brushes

5 guides

Paints & Brushes

How to Care for Your Miniature Painting Brushes

Learn how to care for miniature brushes so they last for years. Covers cleaning, brush soap, tip reshaping, and the mistakes that ruin bristles fast.

August 20, 2026

Paints & Brushes

How to Use a Wet Palette for Miniature Painting

Learn how to use a wet palette for miniatures, keep paint workable longer, and make your own DIY version with everyday supplies.

August 6, 2026

Paints & Brushes

How to Thin Your Paints (the Most Important Beginner Skill)

Learn how to thin miniature paint correctly using water or medium. Covers ratios, consistency targets, and the two-thin-coats rule for beginners.

July 23, 2026

Paints & Brushes

What Brushes Do You Need for Miniature Painting?

Find out the best brushes for miniature painting, what sizes actually matter, and how to choose between synthetic and natural sable on a beginner budget.

July 9, 2026

Paints & Brushes

Miniature Paints Explained: Acrylics, Washes, and Contrast

Learn the main types of miniature paint, including acrylics, washes, and contrast paints, so you can choose the right product for every step.

June 25, 2026

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