Painting resin miniatures is exciting, but beginners often run into the same problems again and again. Paint doesn’t stick, details disappear, colors look messy, and the final result feels disappointing. The good news is that these issues are very common and completely avoidable.
In this guide, we break down the most common beginner painting mistakes on resin miniatures, explain why they happen, and show how to avoid them.
Painting Without Primer
One of the most frequent beginner questions is:
Can I paint resin miniatures without primer
The answer is no.
Painting directly on resin causes:
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poor paint adhesion
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peeling or chipping
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uneven coverage
Primer is mandatory. It creates the surface paint needs to stick properly.
Using Paint That Is Too Thick
Many beginners ask:
Why do my resin miniatures lose detail when painted
The most common reason is thick paint.
Thick paint:
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fills in fine details
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creates texture where it should not
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makes the miniature look rough
Always thin your paint slightly and apply multiple thin layers.
Trying to Paint Everything Perfectly at Once
Another common mistake is trying to finish the miniature in one pass.
This often leads to:
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frustration
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rushed brush strokes
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uneven results
Painting resin miniatures works best when done step by step. Base colors first, details later.
Painting Over Wet Paint
Beginners often wonder:
Why does my paint lift or smear
This usually happens when painting over paint that has not dried.
Always:
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let layers dry
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work on different areas while waiting
Patience prevents many problems.
Skipping Washes and Depth
Without washes, resin miniatures can look flat.
Common beginner thought:
Do I really need washes
Yes. Washes:
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add instant depth
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highlight sculpted details
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make models easier to read
They are one of the simplest and most effective tools.
Overdoing Highlights
Too much highlighting can make a miniature look chalky or unrealistic.
Beginners often ask:
How much highlighting is too much
If highlights:
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cover large areas
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overpower base colors
Then they are too strong. Subtle highlights work best.
Not Fixing Mistakes Properly
Trying to wipe wet paint usually makes things worse.
Better approach:
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let the mistake dry
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paint over it carefully
Almost every mistake can be fixed with patience.
Ignoring Brush Care
Poor brush condition leads to poor results.
Common issues:
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split tips
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frayed bristles
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lack of control
Clean brushes regularly and do not overload them with paint.
Expecting Professional Results Too Soon
A very common beginner concern is:
Why doesn’t my miniature look like online examples
Online examples often represent years of practice.
Every miniature you paint improves your skills. Progress matters more than perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beginner Painting Mistakes
Why does paint bead up on resin miniatures
Usually caused by missing primer or poor cleaning.
How many layers of paint should I use
Two to three thin layers are better than one thick coat.
Can mistakes ruin a resin miniature
No. Acrylic paint can be corrected or stripped safely.
Is it normal for the first miniatures to look rough
Yes. Every painter starts this way.
Final Thoughts
Beginner painting mistakes on resin miniatures are part of the learning process. Most issues come from rushing, thick paint, or skipping basic steps. With proper preparation, thin layers, and patience, results improve quickly.
Every miniature you paint teaches you something new. Focus on progress, enjoy the process, and your skills will naturally grow.