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Tips on Painting Pewter Figures

One of the most important aspects of painting miniatures and figurines is patience. A single figurine can take several hours to complete. One color of paint must often be allowed to dry before another color can be applied near it to prevent the colors from mixing. Some materials and textures require multiple paint applications to simulate. Some highly detailed features, such as the eyes and lips on a small figure's face, can take longer to paint with fine brushes and may require extensive touch-up work if done improperly.

Types of Paint
- Acrylic and oil-based paints are commonly used by hobbyists and professionals to paint models and figurines. Oil paints tend to be thicker and may obscure fine details in applications where more than one layer of paint is required. Oil-based paints are generally better suited for painting inorganic materials, such as clothing, armor, weapons and metal tools. Acrylic paints will produce more realistic-looking flesh tones and organic surfaces, such as wood or grass, than oil paints. Paint thinner may also be used with oil paints to create certain textures, such as that of pitted or tarnished metal, by first painting the surface with a dark oil paint and later brushing it lightly with paint thinner until most of the dark color is removed.
Brushes
- Most figurine painting will require thin brushes or specialized detail brushes, which are available at many hobby and craft stores. Very fine details, such as eyes on small miniatures, may require the substitution of toothpicks or needles for paint brushes. Detail brushes are generally inexpensive, so keeping many of them on hand is not cost prohibitive. Paint thinner and water are also needed for cleaning brushes after use, to extend their life and further reduce the cost of materials.
Magnifying Glasses and Stands
- Small figures and miniatures often have features that are not easily seen with the naked eye, but become noticeable when painted improperly. To get a clear view of a figure's finer details, use a magnifying glass. Many painting stands are available, at both professional and hobbyist levels of price and quality, which will hold a magnifying glass in place and keep the painter's hands free to manipulate paints and brushes. Some stands also feature small clamps to hold the painter's subject in front of the magnifying glass.
Protecting Finished Figures
- Finished figures are prone to chipping and other damage, so it is important to protect them. Use a clear varnish or a matte sealing spray to create a thin protective layer over the painted miniature. When storing or transporting the figure, wrap it in protective foam or soft cloth to prevent any sharp trauma to the painted surface.

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