Common Miniature Scales

Scale Ratio Typical Uses Advantages
1:12 1 inch = 1 ft Dollhouse miniatures High detail, easy to paint
28mm ~1:56 Wargaming figures Popular for tabletop games
32mm ~1:48 Fantasy & sci-fi miniatures Good detail, balanced size
15mm ~1:100 Large wargaming armies Space-efficient for big battles
54mm ~1:32 Display models, busts High detail, display quality

Essential Tools & Materials

Tool/Material Purpose Notes
Fine Detail Brushes Painting small areas Sizes 000 to 1 recommended
Hobby Knife Trimming and cleaning parts Sharp blades essential
Tweezers Handling tiny pieces Fine tip for precision
Primer Spray Paint adhesion Choose colour based on paint
Acrylic Paints Base and detail painting Water-based, quick drying
Palette Mixing paints Wet palettes keep paints moist
Magnifying Glass/Visor Detail work assistance Reduces eye strain
Pin Vice & Drill Bits Drilling holes for assembly For pinning parts
Glue (Super glue, Plastic Cement) Bonding parts Use appropriate glue type

Painting Techniques

Technique Description Tools/Materials
Priming Base coat for paint to adhere Spray or brush-on primer
Base Coating Apply main colour Fine brushes, airbrush
Layering Build up colours gradually Thin paint layers
Dry Brushing Highlight raised details Use almost dry brush
Washing Shade recesses with diluted paint Ink or thinned acrylic
Blending Smooth transitions Wet blending with brushes
Detailing Painting eyes, armor, accessories Fine detail brushes
Sealing Protect finished paint job Matte or gloss varnish

Assembly Tips

Step Advice
Clean Parts Remove mold lines & flash
Dry Fit Test parts before gluing
Pinning Strengthen joints with wire pins
Use Minimal Glue Avoid excess glue marks
Fill Gaps Use putty or filler for smooth joins

Common Miniature Materials

Material Description Typical Use
Plastic Injection molded, easy to paint Most model kits and figures
Resin Detailed but brittle High-detail miniatures
Metal (White Metal) Durable, heavier Older or specialty figures
3D Printed Custom or prototype miniatures Rapid prototyping & custom parts

Storage & Care Tips

Tip Explanation
Store in Foam Trays Protects from damage
Keep Away from Sunlight Prevent paint fading
Handle with Clean Hands Avoid oils on paint
Regular Dusting Use soft brush or air blower
Avoid Extreme Temperatures Prevent warping or paint damage

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem Cause Solution
Paint Chipping Poor prep or no primer Sand, prime, seal properly
Loss of Detail Thick paint layers Thin paints, build up slowly
Glue Marks Excess glue Use minimal glue, clean excess
Brittle Resin Parts Handling stress Use care, reinforce with pins
Uneven Finish Poor brush technique or paint Practice, use quality brushes