One of the most common concerns people have before buying resin miniatures is durability. Resin models look detailed and sharp, but many hobbyists wonder whether they can actually handle regular tabletop use or long-term display.
In this guide, we take a realistic look at how durable resin miniatures really are, what affects their strength, and how they perform both during gameplay and as display pieces.
What Resin Miniatures Are Made Of
Resin miniatures are produced from photopolymer resin, a material that becomes rigid once cured under UV light. Unlike plastic, resin does not bend easily, which allows it to hold fine details and sharp edges.
This rigidity is the key to resin’s visual quality, but it also means resin behaves differently under stress than plastic.
Durability During Tabletop Gaming
When used normally, resin miniatures are durable enough for tabletop play.
In real tabletop conditions:
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models are moved by the base
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placed on flat surfaces
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handled carefully during turns
Under these conditions, resin miniatures perform very well and do not degrade over time.
Most damage happens from:
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dropping the miniature
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gripping thin parts instead of the base
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packing models loosely for transport
These are avoidable with basic care.
Thin Parts and Fragile Areas
The most vulnerable parts of resin miniatures are thin elements such as:
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weapons
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wings
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extended arms
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decorative details
This does not mean these parts break easily, but they do not flex like plastic. Applying sideways force or pressure can cause snapping instead of bending.
For this reason, resin miniatures are best handled by the base and stored properly.
Durability for Display and Collecting
For display purposes, resin miniatures are extremely durable.
Once placed in a cabinet or on a shelf:
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they are not exposed to stress
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details remain sharp over time
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painted surfaces stay intact when sealed
Resin is an excellent choice for collectors and painters who want long-lasting display pieces.
How Assembly Affects Durability
Proper assembly plays a major role in how strong a resin miniature is.
Well-assembled models:
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use the correct glue
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have clean contact surfaces
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are fully cured before handling
Poor assembly, rushed gluing, or weak joints are responsible for most breakage issues, not the resin itself.
Does Paint and Varnish Improve Strength
Paint and varnish do not make resin stronger, but they do help protect the surface.
A sealed miniature:
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resists chipping
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handles regular use better
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lasts longer visually
For tabletop gaming, sealing painted resin miniatures is highly recommended.
Resin Miniatures vs Plastic in Terms of Durability
Plastic miniatures are more forgiving when dropped or bent. Resin miniatures trade some of that flexibility for detail and visual quality.
This makes resin ideal for:
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character models
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important NPCs
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bosses and monsters
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display-quality tabletop figures
Many players use plastic for large armies and resin for standout models.
Final Thoughts
Resin miniatures are durable enough for both tabletop gaming and display when handled with basic care. While they are less flexible than plastic, their strength is more than sufficient for normal use, and their visual quality often outweighs the need for extreme toughness.
If you value detail, realism, and presentation, resin miniatures are a reliable and long-lasting choice.