2d • General discussion
Top 10 Mistakes New Miniature Painters Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Painting miniatures is a journey — and mistakes are just stepping stones to improvement. With
patience and practice, you’ll see rapid progress. Keep this guide nearby, share it with fellow beginners,
and most importantly: have fun bringing your miniatures to life!
1. Skipping Proper Preparation
Mistake: Painting straight out of the box without cleaning or priming.
Fix: Wash miniatures in warm, soapy water to remove mold release, remove mold lines with a hobby
knife, and always prime with a suitable spray or brush primer.
2. Using Paint Too Thick
Mistake: Applying paint straight from the pot ® obscures detail.
Fix: Always thin your paints slightly with water or medium. Multiple thin coats are better than one thick
one.
3. Ignoring Brush Care
Mistake: Leaving paint on the bristles, letting brushes dry tip-up, or using one brush for everything.
Fix: Rinse brushes frequently, reshape tips with water, and store them horizontally or tip-down. Use
different brushes for basecoats, details, and drybrushing.
4. Painting in Poor Lighting
Mistake: Relying on dim room light ® colors look muddy.
Fix: Use a daylight lamp (5000–6500K) or paint near natural light. A lamp with a magnifier helps for fine
details.
5. Overloading the Brush
Mistake: Dipping the brush too deep ® paint floods the miniature.
Fix: Load only the tip of the brush, then wick off excess on a palette or paper towel.
6. Neglecting a Painting Palette
Mistake: Taking paint directly from the pot ® dries too fast and wastes paint.
Fix: Use a wet palette to keep paints workable and mixable longer.
7. Rushing the Basecoat
Mistake: One quick coat that looks patchy.
Fix: Apply 2–3 thin, even coats for a smooth foundation before adding highlights and details.
8. Forgetting About Contrast
Mistake: Painting everything flat with the same tone.
Fix: Add depth using washes for shadows and highlights for raised areas. Contrast makes miniatures
pop.
9. Not Sealing the Finished Miniature
Mistake: Handling unprotected minis ® paint rubs off.
Fix: Use a matte or satin varnish spray after drying to protect your hard work.
10. Expecting Perfection Immediately
Mistake: Comparing your first minis to professional display pieces.
Fix: Focus on progress, not perfection. Every miniature you paint teaches you something new.
Celebrate growth, not flaws.
Share yourpainted minis, progress, and questions with the community — we’re all learning side by side.
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Top 10 Mistakes New Miniature Painters Make (and How to Avoid Them)
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