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So, despite the fact that I'm not great at painting, I've been doing it for years and I always get the same questions about how to get into painting miniatures. So I've decided to put my personal FAQ up here.
This is by no means decisive, just what I prefer to do and what I find useful for beginners. If you have a different way of doing things, please respectfully ad your comment below.
0)Is there a video that just explains everything:
Sure is! Not made by me but this youtuber does a great job letting you know what to do. I don't agree with everything he said, but it is a great video for beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-BlVYFxfRA
1) What do I need to start/how much with this set me back?
In general, you will need a few things to get started:
A)Depending on your models, you may need spray paint to prime your minis. While there are $10 'hobby priming" spray paints out there, any spray paint will do. If you don't have specific color scheme in mind, get tan or grey spray paint primer. (This is a good neutral color, and I also find it easier to see detail when primed in these colors, as opposed to black)
B) While not required, I HIGHLY recommend a clear matte spray paint that you can spray over your mini as a sealant to prevent paint from wearing away once your mini is fully painted.
C)Acrylic Hobby Paint. There are specific miniature paints that work well, but if you want you can just get a set of acrylic hobby paint that has all the basic colors in it for around $10. You will need to water these down most likely, but that's easy.
D)Hobby Brush: These can get quite expensive, especially if you want a full set. Luckily there are some cheap sets you can get online for about $10 that will get you started, even if they only last four or five minis.
E)Pallet, Towel, and Water Pot: The water pot can be anything that holds water (like a cup) just make sure you will never drink from it again, as the paint will never fully come out. As for a pallet, you can buy one at an arts and crafts store for cheap, or use the back of a slick cardboard box (or a penny sleeves). A simple paper towel can be used to wipe off excess paint. There are also 'wet pallets' discussed in the video above, but you don't need to make use of those, especially for your first time.
F) A Well-lit room, maybe with a lamp so you can really look at you mini close up and tell the difference between those colors.
G) A Mini!
All in all, I put together a kit for someone else for around $50 using Amazon, but that included an actual pallet an 25 minis. You might be able to do it for around 35-40 if you are only buying a few minis and brushes at a time.
2) What Minis do you recommend for a first-time GM on a budget?
Start with the most common and generic minis and work out from there. Things that show up in a lot of adventures. Dudes in heavy armor and shields are always great for town guards, evil armies, or dastardly mercenaries. Goblins, Kobolds, and Orcs are also common as well. Maybe a one or two spellcasters. Listen, there may be some cool minis out there that you see, but if you never get to use them, then they just sit on your shelf. So stick to the cool looking minis that can serve multiple purposes.
This includes monsters. Look for minis that can be used for many different monsters. An undead skeleton in armor can be anything from a skeletal champion to a grave knight. A evil tentacle monster can be any one of a number of abominations. Look for stuff that can be either a zombie, a ghoul, a ghast, or something else.
I would also start with the smaller minis. While that giant dragon looks cool, he's going to take multiple sessions to paint and an inexperienced painter may get board working through all that and give up halfway through. Learn to cut your teeth on the smaller things before taking on the bigger projects.
3) Any other tricks and tips?
For all of your similar minis, try painting the bases different colors (if you are not color blind) or painting tickmarks on the base if you are color blind. That way you can easily call out what mini is doing what to your players. (The Zombie with the blue base has been defeated," or "The Guard with three tickmarks attacks Steve.) This will make it easier to identify the mini you and your group are talking about.
4) Final words of wisdom?
Don't worry too much about being show quality with your first minis. Many of my minis don't even have eyes painted because I don't need them too. A lot of players follow the 'three foot rule' which is 'if it looks good enough at three feet it is fine." As you practice, you will get better and learn new techniques. Don't try to start off perfect.