Introduction: How to bring your DnD stories to life with great painted Miniatures
Painting miniatures is one of the most rewarding aspects of tabletop RPGs and wargaming. Whether you’re bringing your D&D characters to life or recreating the epic battles of Baldur’s Gate 3, a well-painted figure adds depth and immersion to your game.
But where do you start? This guide will take you through:
✔ Choosing the best miniatures from trusted sellers on Etsy & Games Workshop.
✔ Why contrast paints have revolutionized painting techniques.
✔ The difference between Games Workshop & Army Painter paints.
✔ A full step-by-step guide to painting a miniature from start to finish.
✔ Final showcase: The complete House of Hope miniature set painted using these techniques.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, this tutorial will help you achieve stunning results with less effort and better color depth.
Choosing the Best Miniatures – Etsy & Games Workshop Recommendations
Before picking up your brush, you need the right miniatures. Not all miniatures are equal, and quality can greatly impact your painting experience.
Best Places to Buy Miniatures
Etsy – Custom 3D Printed Miniatures
- Etsy is a goldmine for unique, 3D-printed miniatures.
- Great for custom D&D characters, monsters, and scenic bases.
- Recommended Sellers:
–>Best 3D Printed Miniatures on Etsy EUROPE
–>Best 3D Printed Miniatures on Etsy US
Games Workshop – The Gold Standard for Miniatures
- High-quality plastic models, perfect for Warhammer & D&D games.
- Pre-detailed models allow for easier painting and richer effects.
- Best picks for beginners:
–>Official Games Workshop Miniatures
Contrast Paints vs. Traditional Miniature Paints – Which is Better?
The biggest decision when painting miniatures is choosing between contrast paints and traditional layering techniques.
What Are Contrast Paints?
Contrast paints are a game-changer. They are specially formulated to create shading, mid-tones, and highlights in a single coat.
✅ Why Use Contrast Paints?
✔ Saves time – fewer layers needed.
✔ Ideal for beginners – smooth transitions with minimal effort.
✔ Works best on textured miniatures like monsters, armor, and robes.
✅ Why Use Traditional Acrylic Paints?
✔ More control over details.
✔ Better for precise highlights and edge work.
✔ Essential for blending complex colors.
24x18ml Speed Model Paint Kit Pre-Loaded with Mixing Balls, 1 Brush- Base
50x18ml Speedpaint Set with 42 Colors, 3 Metallics, Medium, Mixing Balls, Brush, Guide
90x18ml Speed Model Paint Kit, Mixing Balls, 3 Model Paint Brushes, Speed Paint Metallic and Medium
Army Painter vs. Games Workshop Paints – Which One to Choose?
When using contrast paints, the two biggest brands are:
🖌 Games Workshop Contrast Paints
✔ Strong one-coat coverage.
✔ Better vibrant colors and consistency.
✔ More expensive but high quality.
👉 Citadel Colours from Warhammer
🖌 Army Painter Speedpaints
✔ Cheaper alternative to contrast paints.
✔ Slightly thinner, requiring more coats.
✔ Great for mass-painting miniatures.
👉 Army Painter Speedpaint Starter Set
Step-by-Step Guide to Painting a Miniature from A to Z
1️⃣ Priming the Miniature – Always prime before painting! I like to prime in full black then zenithal highlight with white
👉 Recommended primer: The Army Painter – Colour Primer
2️⃣ Base Coating – Apply contrast paint or traditional acrylics.
👉 Best contrast colors: Best Selling Contrast Paints
3️⃣ Shading & Highlights – Enhance the depth with washes & highlights.
👉 Best Warpaints from The Army Painter: Mega Combo Set
4️⃣ Details & Edge Highlighting – Focus on armor, weapons, and eyes.
👉 Best brushes: Precision Miniature Painting Brushes
5️⃣ Varnishing & Protection – Protect your work with a matte finish.
👉 Best varnish: Vallejo Matte Varnish
The Final Showcase – House of Hope Miniatures
After using contrast paints, Army Painter, and Games Workshop techniques, here’s the final result:
🎭 The Entire House of Hope Miniature Set Painted!
🔥 Figures include: Raphael (Pit Fiend), Hope, A Beholder, Cambion, Archmage and full Squad of friends!
Conclusion – Why You Should Try Miniature Painting
If you love D&D, Baldur’s Gate 3, or wargaming, miniature painting is a perfect hobby. It enhances your game experience, brings characters to life, and allows for creative expression.
📌 Want to start painting today? Get the best gear here:
🖌 Best Miniature Painting Starter Kits SPEEDPAINTS
🖌 Best Miniature Painting Starter Kits WARPAINTS
🖌 Best WET PALETTE – stop wasting paints
