Independent buying guides for miniature painting
Mini Paint Lab

Paint minis you are proud of

Real picks for mini paints, brushes, primers, wet palettes, airbrushes, and everything for tabletop miniatures

  1. 1

    Prime

    Spray a thin primer coat so paint grips the model.

    Prep & Priming →
  2. 2

    Base

    Block in main colors with thinned paint; two thin coats beat one thick one.

    Paints →
  3. 3

    Shade

    Run a wash into recesses to add depth.

    Paints →
  4. 4

    Layer

    Build highlights on raised edges with lighter tones.

    Brushes & Tools →

Top picks right now

Painting habits that help

  • Paint consistency about like milk
  • Primer color black, gray or white shifts final brightness
  • Washes let them dry fully before layering

Common hobby advice; paint brands and techniques vary.

New here?

Start Here: Painting Your First Miniature

8 short steps in the order a beginner needs them, with the guides and tools for each one.

Follow the beginner path

Popular right now

  1. The Best Miniature Carrying Cases for TransportBuying guide
  2. Best Texture Paints for Basing MiniaturesBuying guide
  3. Best Drybrushes for Miniatures and TerrainBuying guide
  4. The Best Magnifiers for Miniature PaintingBuying guide
  5. Best Miniature Paint Sets for Tabletop PaintersBuying guide
  6. Best Speed Paints for Fast Miniature PaintingBuying guide

Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.

Start here

All guides →

The Beginner Painter Kit

The Paint Shelf

Brush Care Station

The Airbrush Bench

Shop by category

Paints

Acrylic sets, contrast paints, washes, metallics, and inks for minis.

Browse 13 guides →

Brushes & Tools

Detail brushes, drybrushes, hobby knives, clippers, and files.

Browse 10 guides →

Airbrush

Airbrushes, compressors, thinners, cleaners, and spray booths.

Browse 8 guides →

Prep & Priming

Primers, putty, glues, basing materials, and assembly gear.

Browse 10 guides →

Workspace

Wet palettes, lamps, magnifiers, painting handles, and organizers.

Browse 11 guides →

Storage & Play

Mini cases, foam trays, display, terrain, and game night gear.

Browse 9 guides →

Best buying guides

Best Miniature Painting Kits and Starter Sets

Compare miniature painting kits that pack paints, brushes and tools in one box: Reaper, Army Painter, Citadel and Nicpro starter kits and what each one includes.

The Best Miniature Carrying Cases for Transport

Find the best miniature carrying cases for tournaments and game nights. Protect painted armies in transit with foam, magnets, and rugged exteriors.

Best Drybrushes for Miniatures and Terrain

Find the best drybrushes for minis and terrain. Soft makeup-style rounds and stiff flats compared for smooth highlights without chalky, scratchy results.

Best Gap Filling Putty for Miniatures and Models

The best gap fillers for miniatures compared. Sandable putties, liquid fillers, and sprue goo for erasing seams and joints before priming your models.

Best Miniature Paint Sets for Tabletop Painters

Best miniature paint sets compared by color range, dropper vs pot bottles, pigment quality and value. Paint-only sets for tabletop painters, from starter to large.

Best Contrast Style Paints for One-Coat Miniature Painting

The best contrast style paints for miniatures compared. High-pigment one-coat formulas that shade and highlight in a single pass over a light primer.

Packing tips

All tips →