Miniature painting is a rewarding and creative hobby that brings tiny models to life with vibrant colors and stunning detail. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned painter looking to upgrade your tools, having the right supplies can make a world of difference. The good news? You can find everything you need on Amazon. Below is a curated list of essential miniature painting supplies available online to help you achieve your best work.
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1. Paint Brushes
Having quality brushes is crucial for painting miniatures, as they directly impact your ability to achieve precision and detail. Here are some top recommendations:
- The Army Painter Wargamer Most Wanted Brush Set
This set includes three high-quality synthetic brushes for detailing, layering, and dry brushing. Ideal for beginners and intermediate painters alike. - Golden Maple 7pcs Kolinsky Sable Miniature Paint Brush Set
These Kolinsky sable brushes are perfect for fine details, offering excellent paint retention and control. - Winsor & Newton Cotman Series Brushes
While designed for watercolors, these brushes work well for acrylic miniature painting due to their durability and smooth application.
Learn all about budget brushes here at The Best Budget Brushes for Miniature Painter Beginners, the good and the bad.
2. Acrylic Paints
Acrylic paints are the most commonly used medium for miniature painting, thanks to their versatility and ease of use.
- Vallejo Basic Color Set
A popular choice among hobbyists, this set includes 16 vibrant colors with excellent coverage and smooth consistency. - Citadel Paints Base Set
Known for their high-quality pigments and easy application, Citadel paints are a staple for many miniature painters. - The Army Painter Warpaints Fanatic: Starter Paint Set
This paint set is an excellent choice for beginners, offering a wide variety of colors to start your miniature painting journey. With high-quality, pre-mixed acrylic paints, this set ensures consistent and vibrant coverage right out of the bottle.
3. Primers
Priming your miniatures ensures paint adheres properly and provides an even base coat.
- Citadel Chaos Black Spray Primer
A top choice for its smooth finish and excellent coverage. - The Army Painter Color Primer Spray
Available in a variety of colors, these primers allow you to match your base coat to your intended paint scheme. - Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Ultra Cover Primer
A budget-friendly option that works well on plastic and metal miniatures. I have actually used this before (trying to cheap out from buying those expensive $25 rattlecans), and it actually works fairly decently.
My suggestion is to try to get as light a coat as possible (think primer, not basecoat), make sure you get a flat color and that the can says, “primer,” and most importantly make sure to give the primer time to dry and cure and also give your basecoat layers (acrylic) plenty of time to dry and cure.
Be sure to check out our post: How to Prime Miniatures for a Smooth Paint Job
4. Palettes
A good palette helps you mix and thin paints effectively.
- Sta-Wet Palette
Keeps your paints moist for extended painting sessions, reducing waste. - The Army Painter Wet Palette
Designed specifically for miniature painters, this palette includes reusable sheets and sponges.
5. Lighting and Magnification
Proper lighting and magnification make it easier to see details and paint with precision.
- OttLite 2-in-1 LED Magnifier Desk Lamp
Combines bright LED lighting with a magnifying lens to help you see fine details clearly. - Brightech LightView Pro Magnifying Lamp
Features adjustable lighting and a large magnifying lens, perfect for detailed work. - Daylight Company Artist’s Lamp
Provides natural daylight-like illumination, reducing eye strain.
6. Cutting Tools and Accessories
For assembly and preparation of miniatures before painting, these tools are essential:
- X-Acto Basic Knife Set
A versatile set for trimming, cutting, and shaping models. - Citadel Mouldline Remover
Specifically designed to remove mold lines from miniatures without damaging details. - The Army Painter Hobby Tool Kit
A comprehensive kit that includes clippers, a file, and other tools for model preparation.
7. Sealers and Varnishes
Protect your hard work by sealing painted miniatures with a durable varnish.
- Testors Dullcote Spray
Provides a matte finish and protects against chipping. Mythic Minis Approved! This stuff is wonderful and is always out of stock at the local hobby/craft stores. - Vallejo Acrylic Gloss Varnish
Adds a glossy sheen, ideal for specific effects like wet armor or shiny gemstones. Shop the spray version or brush-on if you want to avoid areas like technical paints or metallics. - The Army Painter Anti-Shine Matte Varnish
Ensures a flat, matte finish that preserves your miniature’s details.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right tools and materials can elevate your miniature painting experience, helping you achieve professional-looking results. Whether you’re just starting or expanding your collection, these essential supplies are readily available on Amazon for your convenience.
Start your journey today with these reliable products and bring your miniatures to life with stunning detail and color!
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