When choosing miniatures for tabletop games or painting projects, one of the first questions people ask is whether to go with resin miniatures or plastic miniatures. Both materials are widely used, but they serve different purposes and offer very different experiences.
In this guide, we compare resin vs plastic miniatures in detail, covering quality, durability, price, and overall usability, so you can decide which option is right for your needs.
What Are Plastic Miniatures
Plastic miniatures are typically mass-produced using injection molding. This process requires metal molds, which makes large production runs cost-effective but limits design flexibility.
Plastic miniatures are commonly used for:
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large tabletop armies
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starter sets
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beginner-friendly kits
They are usually sold in bulk and designed to be durable and easy to assemble.
What Are Resin Miniatures
Resin miniatures are most often produced using resin 3D printing or small-batch casting. Instead of molds, they are created directly from a digital sculpt, allowing for much higher detail and more dynamic designs.
Resin miniatures are popular for:
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character models
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monsters and bosses
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display pieces
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premium tabletop figures
Detail Quality Comparison
This is where resin miniatures clearly stand out.
Resin miniatures capture:
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sharp facial features
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fine armor engravings
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layered cloth and textures
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intricate weapons and accessories
Plastic miniatures, due to mold limitations, often simplify or soften fine details. For painters and collectors, this difference is immediately noticeable.
Durability and Handling
Plastic miniatures are more flexible. Thin parts can bend rather than snap, which makes plastic a good choice for frequent handling or transport.
Resin miniatures are more rigid. While they are perfectly suitable for tabletop use, thin parts require a bit more care. When assembled properly and handled normally, resin models are durable, but they are less forgiving if dropped.
Assembly and Customization
Plastic kits are usually designed for fast assembly:
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push-fit parts
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fewer components
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minimal preparation
Resin miniatures often come:
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unassembled
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with separate parts for protection
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requiring super glue
The upside is customization. Resin models are easier to convert, reposition, or modify, making them ideal for hobbyists who enjoy customization.
Painting Experience
Many painters prefer resin miniatures because:
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details are easier to read
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washes flow better into recesses
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highlights stand out more clearly
Plastic miniatures can still be painted to a high standard, but they often require more effort to achieve the same level of definition.
Price and Availability
Plastic miniatures are usually cheaper when bought in large sets. They are widely available and designed for mass markets.
Resin miniatures are typically more expensive per model, reflecting:
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higher detail
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smaller production runs
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made-to-order printing
The higher price often comes with higher quality.
Which One Should You Choose
Choose plastic miniatures if:
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you need large armies
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durability is your top priority
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budget is limited
Choose resin miniatures if:
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you value fine detail
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you enjoy painting and customization
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you want unique or premium models
Many hobbyists use both, depending on the project.
Final Thoughts
The choice between resin and plastic miniatures depends on how you plan to use them. Plastic excels at scale and durability, while resin shines in detail, artistic quality, and customization.
Understanding these differences helps set the right expectations and ensures you choose the best option for your tabletop games, painting projects, or collection.