Paint Model figures with acrylics

Paint Model figures with acrylics

How to Paint Scale Figures with Acrylics – A Beginner’s Guide

Painting scale figures is one of the most rewarding parts of the hobby – whether you're working on a historical diorama, a fantasy battle scene, or simply adding character to your model collection. Acrylic paints are perfect for the job: they dry quickly, are easy to clean up, and come in a wide range of colours. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get great results with acrylics, even if you’re just starting out.

🎨 What You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have the basics:

  • A good set of acrylic paints (model-specific brands like Vallejo, Army Painter or Tamiya are great)

  • Fine detail brushes – size 00 or 0 for faces and small areas

  • A palette or old plate for mixing

  • A cup of clean water for rinsing brushes

  • Paper towel or a cloth

  • A small bottle of acrylic thinner or water to help thin the paints

  • Optional: magnifying glass or lamp with a daylight bulb for better visibility

🧼 Step 1: Prep the Figure

Start by cleaning your figure. Even new models can have a bit of mould release or dust on them. Wash with warm, soapy water and let dry completely. If your model came on a sprue, carefully trim and glue it together before painting.

Once dry, apply a primer – this helps the acrylic paint stick better and gives you a nice base to work from. Spray or brush-on primers both work fine. Grey or white are good all-rounders.

🎯 Step 2: Base Coat

Apply a thin base coat of your main colours. Keep your paint thin but not watery – two light coats are better than one thick one. This helps preserve all the small details in the figure.

Take your time and use a steady hand. Don’t worry about being perfect — you can clean up edges later.

🖌️ Step 3: Shading and Highlights

Once the base coat is dry, add shadows and highlights to bring your figure to life. Here's a simple way to do it:

  • Shadows: Mix a small amount of black or a darker tone into your base colour and paint it into recesses or under raised areas like arms and collars.

  • Highlights: Add a tiny bit of white or a lighter colour to your base tone and gently brush it onto raised areas like noses, cheekbones, or folds in clothing.

Dry brushing and washes are great techniques to try here!

👁️ Step 4: Eyes and Fine Details

Use your smallest brush for eyes, buckles, buttons, and weapons. A toothpick or cocktail stick can help if your hands are a bit shaky!

Tip: Try painting a dark line across the eye socket first, then add a small white dot and black pupil over it — it’s easier than painting a perfect eye straight off.

💪 Step 5: Seal and Protect

Once everything’s dry and you’re happy with the results, spray or brush on a clear matte varnish to protect the paint job. This helps prevent chipping and adds a uniform finish.

🛠️ Final Tips

  • Thin your paints! Thick paint covers details.

  • Don’t rush – painting is part of the fun.

  • Clean your brush often while painting.

  • Practice on spare figures if you’re nervous.

At Henson’s Hobbies, we stock a great range of acrylic paints, detail brushes, and scale model kits — perfect for beginners and seasoned painters alike. Check out our painting accessories here.

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