Resin miniatures have become the standard for high-detail tabletop models. If you play tabletop RPGs, paint miniatures, or collect fantasy figures, you have likely seen the term “resin miniatures” everywhere. But what exactly are resin miniatures, and why are they so popular compared to plastic or metal models?
In this guide, we explain what resin miniatures are, how they are made, and why they are widely used for tabletop games like Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, and wargames.
What Are Resin Miniatures
Resin miniatures are small-scale models made from photopolymer resin, a liquid material that hardens when exposed to UV light. Unlike plastic miniatures, which are mass-produced using molds, resin miniatures are usually created through high-resolution resin 3D printing.
This production method allows for:
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extremely sharp details
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complex shapes and textures
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dynamic poses that are difficult to achieve with traditional molding
Because of this, resin miniatures are commonly used for:
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fantasy characters
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monsters and creatures
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display figures
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tabletop encounter sets
Why Resin Miniatures Are So Popular
The main reason resin miniatures are preferred by hobbyists is detail quality.
Resin printing captures:
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fine armor engravings
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facial expressions
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cloth folds
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scales, fur, and textures
Plastic miniatures often lose these details due to mold limitations. Resin does not rely on molds, which means the sculpt can be printed exactly as the artist designed it.
Another reason is variety. Resin printing allows creators to release new models frequently without expensive tooling, which leads to a much wider selection of characters and creatures.
How Resin Miniatures Are Made
Resin miniatures are created using resin 3D printers. The process typically includes several steps.
Step 1: Digital Sculpting
The miniature is sculpted digitally using 3D software. This is where all details, proportions, and poses are created.
Step 2: Resin 3D Printing
The digital model is printed layer by layer in liquid resin. UV light cures the resin, forming the miniature with high precision.
Step 3: Cleaning and Curing
After printing, the model is:
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cleaned of excess resin
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washed in alcohol
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fully cured under UV light
Step 4: Preparation
Supports are removed, and the model is inspected. Some models are printed in multiple parts to prevent damage during printing and shipping.
The final result is a high-detail resin miniature, ready for assembly, priming, and painting.
Are Resin Miniatures Better Than Plastic
Resin miniatures are not necessarily “better” for every use, but they excel in certain areas.
Resin miniatures are best for:
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painters who want maximum detail
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collectors
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display models
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premium tabletop figures
Plastic miniatures are often better for:
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mass army building
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rough handling
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very low-cost entry
For players who value detail and customization, resin miniatures are usually the preferred choice.
Are Resin Miniatures Fragile
Resin miniatures are more rigid than plastic, which means thin parts can break if mishandled. However, when assembled and handled properly, resin models are durable enough for regular tabletop use.
Most breakage happens due to:
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dropping the model
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incorrect assembly
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excessive force on thin parts
With proper care, resin miniatures last for years.
What to Expect When Buying Resin Miniatures
When purchasing resin miniatures, it is important to understand that they are typically:
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unpainted
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sometimes unassembled
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made to order
This allows for better quality control and customization, but also means a short production time is usually required before shipping.
Final Thoughts
Resin miniatures combine modern technology with artistic freedom. Thanks to resin 3D printing, hobbyists can enjoy highly detailed models that bring characters and creatures to life on the tabletop.
Whether you are a painter, collector, or tabletop player, understanding how resin miniatures are made helps you get the most out of them and sets the right expectations before buying or painting.