Getting started with miniature painting is an exciting adventure, but choosing the right paints can feel overwhelming! With so many brands, colors, and options, where do you begin? In this comprehensive 2024 guide, we’ve handpicked the best miniature paint sets for beginners, balancing quality, price, and ease of use. Whether you’re painting tabletop miniatures or display pieces, these sets will help you achieve great results without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the top choices and what makes them ideal for newcomers!
- What to Look for in a Beginner Miniature Paint Set
- Top Miniature Paint Brands for Beginners
- Best Miniature Paint Sets for Beginners
- Tips for Making the Most of Your First Paint Set
At Mythic Minis, we bring over 30 years of combined experience in miniature painting, sharing a passion for transforming blank models into breathtaking works of art. Our team has painted everything from tabletop armies to display pieces, mastering techniques and exploring a wide variety of paints along the way. We’ve tested and compared countless brands, learning firsthand which products are best suited for beginners. Whether you’re looking to build your skills or just enjoy the creative journey, our expertise ensures this guide is packed with practical advice and recommendations tailored to your needs.
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What to Look for in a Beginner Miniature Paint Set
- Key features: color variety, quality, and price.
- Why beginner-friendly paints matter.
- Acrylic paints vs. other types for miniatures.
Choosing the right paint set is essential when you’re starting out in the world of miniature painting. You don’t want to be overwhelmed by too many options or find yourself using paints that are difficult to work with. In this section, we’ll walk you through the key features you should consider when selecting a beginner-friendly miniature paint set. Whether you’re painting for tabletop gaming or display purposes, understanding what makes a good set will help you make an informed decision.
Key Features: Color Variety, Quality, and Price
- Color Variety:
Look for a paint set that includes a broad range of colors, particularly the basic hues you’ll need for most miniatures. The set should have essential colors like black, white, red, blue, green, and brown, as well as a few specialty shades like metallics, washes, and skin tones. A good set will help you avoid the frustration of having to buy extra paints right away. - Quality of Paints:
As a beginner, you don’t need the most expensive or highly specialized paints, but the quality matters. Look for paints that are smooth, easy to apply, and have good opacity, so you don’t need to apply multiple layers to get solid coverage. Acrylic paints are the most common for miniatures due to their fast drying time, ease of use, and availability. They’re also water-based, so you can easily adjust their consistency with water or a medium. - Consistency:
Paint consistency can make or break your miniature painting experience. Beginner sets typically offer paints that are already thinned to a suitable consistency, but you should be able to thin them further if needed. Thicker paints can be challenging for new painters, so go for those that are neither too thick nor too thin. - Ease of Use:
Look for paint sets that come with detailed instructions, especially those that guide beginners in terms of mixing colors, highlighting, and shading. Beginner sets often provide color guides or schemes to follow, making it easier to get started without a steep learning curve. - Affordability:
You don’t need to invest a lot in your first set. While higher-end paints can offer more vibrant pigments, there are plenty of affordable sets that provide great quality at a lower price. The key is to find a set that gives you a balance between cost and quality. It’s best to start with a budget-friendly set and add more specific paints to your collection as you improve.
Why beginner-friendly paints matter
Starting with paints designed for beginners can make a big difference in how quickly you improve. Beginner-friendly paints are formulated to work well with common techniques like dry brushing, washing, and layering. They are usually easy to clean, have smooth application, and don’t dry out too quickly. This allows you to practice without the stress of complicated paint handling.
Additionally, some brands offer “starter” sets that include not only paints but also useful accessories like brushes, primers, and washes—everything you need to start painting your miniatures right out of the box. This convenience is a real benefit for newcomers who may feel unsure about what supplies they need.
Acrylic Paints vs. Other Types for Miniatures
For beginners, acrylic paints are generally the best choice for miniature painting. These paints dry quickly, are non-toxic, and are easy to clean up with water. They’re versatile and come in a wide variety of colors. Other types of paints, such as oil paints or enamels, require more time and effort to work with, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
Acrylic Model Paints vs Acrylic Craft Paints
- Acrylic model paints use finely ground pigments that are more opaque and withstand UV light better than craft paints. This results in a smoother finish that doesn’t obscure details.
- Acrylic model paints have better coverage than craft paints, so you don’t need to apply as many layers.
- Acrylic model paints are easy to work with, dry quickly, and can be thinned with water.
- Acrylic model paints have a smooth, uniform consistency with no brushstrokes.
By keeping these factors in mind when selecting a beginner-friendly miniature paint set, you’ll be well on your way to a rewarding and enjoyable painting experience!
Best Miniature Paint Sets for Beginners
When starting your miniature painting journey, it’s helpful to invest in a paint set that provides the right mix of quality, variety, and value for money. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best paint sets for beginners in 2024, offering options that cater to different budgets and needs. Whether you’re painting Warhammer models, Dungeons & Dragons miniatures, or display pieces, there’s a set here for you.
Warpaints Fanatic: Starter Set – Combo by The Army Painter
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic: Starter Set – Combo has everything you need to get started, and the selection of colors allow for experimentation to mix paints and create new colors and tones. It comes with a brush on primer, which saves time and money on purchasing a rattlecan, and the wash is a brown tone that can be used with good results across metallics and all paint colors.
- 11 paints: 7 acrylic colours, 2 Metallics, 1 Wash, and 1 Brush-On Primer in 18 ml eye-dropper bottles
- FREE Miniature figure and Starter Brush
- For gamers, by gamers – developed with feedback from the Hobby Community
- Quality coverage, intense pigmentation paints that are easy to use
This is a great paint set to get you started and expand into more paint colors and brushes. But, it is also a great one-off should you decide that miniature painting is just not your thing.
Should you choose to expand your paint selection, The Army Painter uses a simplified, but innovative, Color Triad System of which enables you to easily pick out Base, Midtone and Highlight colors.
You can shop for the Warpaints Fanatic: Starter Set – Combo here.
Vallejo Basic Colors Acrylic Paint Set
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
This set offers 16 versatile colors in dropper bottles, perfect for learning foundational painting techniques. Vallejo paints are known for their smooth application and excellent coverage.
- Wide range of basic colors including metallics, flesh tones, primary and some secondary colors that can be used for highlights.
- 17 ml Easy-to-use dropper bottles.
- Excellent for both airbrushing and hand-painting.
The Vallejo Game Color range has been designed according to the BSL (Base, Shadow, Light) figure paint system, based on chromatically compatible groupings of three colors, which offers the less experienced painters for an easy choice of colors (shades) to paint miniatures with the appropriate highlights and shadows for each base color.
As a painter writing this article, I find this color range’s lack of washes intriguing. Many beginner painters use washes as a crutch, calling them “liquid talent,” and as a result many hobby painters never outgrow their need for washes or shade paints. The BSL system has you learning to paint darker colors into shadowed and recessed areas from the start, which is ultimately going to teach you to see light and shadow on your models from day one.
While the Vallejo Game Color set offers more colors in their set, it does not come with brushes or primer, which will need to be additionally purchased. Vallejo paints are fantastic, and this set I would recommend for a more serious, or adult, beginner.
You can shop for the Vallejo Game Color Set here.
Games Workshop Warhammer 40,000 Paints and Tools Set Box
- Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Warhammer 40,000 Paints and Tools Set Box from Games Workshop is tailored specifically for those starting their journey into the Warhammer universe. It not only provides essential paints but also includes tools like clippers and a mold line scraper, making it a comprehensive starter kit for assembling and painting miniatures. - Pros:
- Includes 13 essential Citadel paints for Warhammer models.
- Comes with a starter brush, clippers, and a mold line remover.
- Step-by-step painting guide to help beginners achieve great results.
- Designed specifically for Warhammer miniatures, ensuring compatibility with Citadel color schemes and techniques.
- Comes with
- Cons:
- Limited selection of paints focused on Warhammer 40,000 models.
- Paint pots can dry out quickly if not sealed properly.
- Higher price compared to standalone paint sets, due to included tools.
Why Choose This Set?
This set is ideal for beginners diving into Warhammer 40,000, offering not just paints but also the tools you need to prepare your miniatures for painting. It’s a one-stop solution that takes you from unboxing your models to painting them with confidence. If you’re ready to immerse yourself in the Warhammer hobby, this set is a perfect gateway.
You can shop for the Games Workshop Warhammer 40,000 Paints and Tools Set Box here.
Monument Hobbies Pro Acryl Starter Set
- Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Monument Hobbies Pro Acryl Core Paint Set is highly praised for its premium quality and versatility. Designed to meet the needs of both new and experienced painters, these paints feature smooth application and vibrant colors. Beginners will appreciate the user-friendly dropper bottles and effortless blending, making it easier to achieve professional-looking results right from the start. - What’s Included:
- 24 high-quality acrylic paints, featuring a range of vibrant colors, including base tones, metallics, and primary hues.
- 2 matte medium bottles for customizing the paint’s finish.
- Pro Acryl mixing bottle to help refine color transitions or create custom shades.
- Pros:
- Excellent pigment density and smooth coverage make it easy for beginners to work with.
- Dropper bottles allow precise paint dispensing and reduce waste.
- Metallic paints are particularly impressive, offering great shine and coverage without being grainy.
- Ideal for various techniques, including wet blending, layering, and glazing.
- Versatile set suitable for tabletop wargaming miniatures, D&D figures, and display models.
- Cons:
- The set does not include specialized washes or shades, which beginners may need to purchase separately.
- It’s a more premium-priced option, though the quality justifies the cost.
- The colors may require additional tones if you’re aiming for specific faction schemes.
Why Choose This Set?
The Monument Hobbies Pro Acryl Core Paint Set is a fantastic choice for painters seeking a premium start. The smooth consistency and high pigment quality make achieving clean layers and vibrant finishes a breeze. With its diverse color range and user-friendly design, this set is perfect for building skills and exploring creative techniques, whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your miniature painting projects.
You can shop for the Monument Hobbies Pro Acryl Base Set here.
What Makes These Sets Ideal for Beginners?
Each of these sets has been chosen for its beginner-friendly features, such as easy application, essential color selection, and affordability. As a newcomer to miniature painting, it’s important to start with tools that make learning enjoyable and reduce frustration. Whether you prefer a premium brand or a budget-friendly option, these sets will provide you with everything you need to create stunning painted miniatures.
Tips for Making the Most of Your First Paint Set
- Practice on inexpensive models or test pieces: Gain confidence by working on items where mistakes are less intimidating.
- Thin your paints: Use water or a medium to maintain fine details and achieve a smoother application.
- Experiment with brush sizes: Discover which brushes work best for different techniques and areas.
- Invest in a wet palette: Keep your paints from drying out during longer sessions and mix colors with ease.
- Mix Colors: Experiment with how color behaves by mixing them. Make your colors pastel by adding white, or earthtones by adding black or grey. You can also add colors to your metals to tint them.
- Follow tutorials: Use guides or videos specific to your paint set to learn effective techniques step by step.
- Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities: Every project will help you improve your skills and creativity.
Ready to Begin Your Miniature Painting Journey?
Choosing the right paint set for your miniature painting journey is an exciting step toward unlocking your creative potential. With the wide range of beginner-friendly sets we’ve explored, you’re well on your way to achieving vibrant, detailed miniatures. Whether you’re drawn to the consistency of Citadel paints, the versatility of Vallejo, or the unique formulations of Monument Hobbies, each set offers its own advantages.
As you start painting, remember that practice and experimentation are essential. Over time, you’ll refine your technique and build a collection of tools that cater to your personal style. Ready to dive in? Grab your paint set, start your first project, and watch your miniatures come to life with color and character! Happy painting!
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