Painting resin miniatures can feel intimidating at first. High detail, sharp edges, and many small surfaces sometimes make beginners worry about making mistakes. The good news is that resin miniatures are actually one of the best materials to learn miniature painting on, if you follow a clear process.
In this guide, we explain how to paint resin miniatures for beginners, step by step, using simple techniques that produce clean and satisfying results.
Why Resin Miniatures Are Great for Learning to Paint
Resin miniatures hold detail extremely well. This makes it easier to see where paint should go and how light interacts with the sculpt.
For beginners, resin offers:
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clear separation between details
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better control when applying washes
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stronger visual feedback from highlights
If you take your time, resin miniatures are very forgiving to paint.
What You Need Before You Start Painting
Before painting, make sure your miniature is:
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fully cleaned
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properly assembled
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correctly primed
Basic painting supplies:
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acrylic miniature paints
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one medium brush and one small detail brush
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clean water
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paper towel or palette
You do not need a large collection of tools to begin.
Step 1: Start With Thin Paint
One of the most important beginner rules is thin your paint.
Why this matters:
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thick paint hides details
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thin paint flows better
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multiple thin layers look cleaner
Dip your brush in paint, then lightly touch it to water before applying. The paint should flow smoothly, not clump.
Step 2: Apply Base Colors First
Base colors establish the main look of the miniature.
How to do it:
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paint one section at a time
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do not worry about mistakes yet
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focus on coverage, not perfection
At this stage, the model will look flat. This is normal.
Step 3: Let the Paint Dry Between Layers
Resin miniatures dry quickly, but rushing causes problems.
Always:
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wait a few minutes between layers
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avoid painting over wet areas
Painting over wet paint can lift previous layers or cause uneven texture.
Step 4: Use Washes to Bring Out Details
Washes are thin, dark paints that flow into recesses.
Why washes are beginner-friendly:
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they create instant depth
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they highlight sculpted details
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they require minimal technique
Apply a wash and let gravity do the work. Avoid brushing it around too much.
Step 5: Add Simple Highlights
Highlighting does not need to be complex.
Beginner approach:
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use a lighter version of your base color
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gently brush raised areas
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focus on edges and folds
Even basic highlights dramatically improve the final look.
Step 6: Fix Mistakes as You Go
Mistakes are normal.
If paint goes where it should not:
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let it dry
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paint over it with the correct color
Trying to fix wet paint usually makes things worse.
Step 7: Work From Large Areas to Small Details
Always paint:
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large surfaces first
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details like eyes or buckles last
This keeps the process organized and reduces frustration.
Do You Need Advanced Techniques as a Beginner
No. Techniques like blending or glazing are optional.
A beginner paint job with:
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clean base coats
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a wash
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simple highlights
Already looks great on the tabletop.
Final Thoughts
Painting resin miniatures as a beginner is about patience, not perfection. Resin rewards careful work and makes learning easier thanks to its sharp details.
Focus on thin paint, basic steps, and enjoying the process. Skill comes naturally with practice, and every miniature teaches you something new.