How to Paint Resin Miniatures

Painting resin miniatures is one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby. Resin figures are known for their sharp details and dynamic sculpts, making them perfect for tabletop gaming, display pieces, and collectors. Many hobbyists create these miniatures using a resin 3D printer for miniatures, since modern 3D resin printers—especially high-resolution options like a 16K 3D printer or 16K resin printer—produce incredibly crisp details that make painting more enjoyable.

But if you’re new to resin, you might wonder how to prepare, what paints to use, or whether priming is necessary. This guide will walk you through everything—from preparation to finishing touches—so you can bring your resin 3D prints to life with confidence.

A Complete Guide to Painting

Step 1: Prepare Your Resin Miniature

Before you think about paint, proper preparation is crucial. Resin often comes with a thin layer of mold-release residue that prevents paint from sticking.

Wash the model – Soak your miniature in warm, soapy water. Gently scrub it with a soft toothbrush to remove any oils or residue. Rinse and let it dry completely.
Remove mold lines and supports – Use a hobby knife or clippers to trim excess resin.
Sand the surface – Lightly sand seams and rough spots with fine-grit sandpaper (600–800 grit). This step helps create a smooth surface and gives primer a better grip.

💡 Tip: Skipping the wash or sanding step often causes paint to bead or peel later, especially on prints from a printer 3D resin machine.

Step 2: Apply a Primer

Resin is naturally smooth, so applying a primer is essential. Primer creates a slightly textured surface that paint can bond to.

Choose your primer color:
- Black for darker schemes or dramatic shadows.
- White for bright, vibrant colors.
- Grey as a balanced, all-purpose option.
How to apply: Spray primers are fast and even, while brush-on primers give more control.

Painting directly on bare resin is not recommended—it will lead to poor adhesion and chipping.

Step 3: Base Coating

Once your miniature is primed, start applying the base colors:

Use acrylic paints – These are the most reliable for resin miniatures. Brands like Citadel, Vallejo, Army Painter, and Pro Acryl are widely used.
Thin your paints – Mix with a little water or acrylic thinner to maintain detail.
Apply multiple thin coats – This prevents clogging details and ensures a smooth, even finish.

💡 Note: Most polyurethane hobby resins accept primer and acrylic paint very well. As long as you’ve cleaned and primed the miniature, almost any high-quality resin printer material will take paint beautifully.

Step 4: Shading and Highlighting

To bring depth and life to your model:

Wash – Apply a thinned dark paint into recesses to create shadows.
Dry Brush – Use a brush with very little paint to catch raised details and edges.
Layering – Build smooth transitions by applying slightly lighter colors in thin layers.
Highlighting – Pick out the sharpest edges and raised points with bright tones.

Step 5: Add Special Effects

Advanced painters often add effects to make their resin miniatures stand out:

Metallics – Use metallic paints or Non-Metallic Metal (NMM) techniques.
Object Source Lighting (OSL) – Simulate glowing effects, like lanterns or magic.
Weathering – Add scratches, rust, or dirt for battle-worn realism.

Step 6: Seal and Protect Your Work

After finishing, protect your miniature with a clear varnish:

Matte varnish for a natural finish.
Gloss varnish for shiny effects like gems or polished armor.

This protective layer prevents chips and keeps your paintwork looking fresh.

Step 7: Showcase Your Miniature

Good lighting and photography can make your painted miniature shine. Use a neutral background, set up bright but diffused lighting, and capture your work from multiple angles.

Once you’re ready to share, there are plenty of communities where painters gather for feedback and inspiration—such as Reddit r/minipainting, CoolMiniOrNot, or hobby Discord groups.

Beyond these global communities, you can also explore the painted works shared by 👉our team and partnered creators

These showcases highlight real painting journeys and offer fresh inspiration for your own projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to sand resin before painting? Yes, lightly sanding seams and mold lines with fine-grit sandpaper helps smooth the surface and improves primer adhesion.

Q: Can I paint resin miniatures without primer? It’s not recommended. Primer is essential for resin because it provides a surface for paint to stick to. Without it, paint may bead, chip, or peel.

Q: Which resin is easier to paint? Most hobby-grade polyurethane resins accept primer and acrylic paint very well. As long as the model is properly cleaned and primed, resin 3D prints from hobby-level machines—whether a 3D resin printing setup or a 16K resin printer—are generally easy to paint.

Q: Can beginners paint resin miniatures? Absolutely. With the right prep and guidance, even a 3D printer for beginners can produce miniatures that look great once painted.

Recommended Communities and Learning Resources

If you’d like to keep improving your painting skills or connect with other hobbyists, here are some great places to explore:

Reddit – r/minipainting: A large, active community for sharing work, asking questions, and learning.
DakkaDakka Forums: One of the oldest wargaming forums with strong painting and modeling sections.
CoolMiniOrNot (CMON): A showcase platform with tutorials and high-quality miniature galleries.
Discord Communities: Look for servers like The Miniatures Painters Guild for real-time chat and feedback.
Warhammer Community – Citadel Colour: Official Games Workshop tutorials with clear, step-by-step painting guides.

These platforms offer a mix of tutorials, inspiration, and community support to help you grow as a miniature painter.

Painting resin miniatures may feel intimidating at first, but with the right steps—cleaning, sanding, priming, base coating, shading, and sealing—you’ll quickly see great results. Whether you’re using a resin printer 3D for hobby projects or exploring high-resolution 16K 3D printers, remember that practice matters more than perfection. Every miniature you paint is a step toward improving your skills and discovering your style.