Miniatures Cheatsheet
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 |