At a minimum, new hobbyists should have a pair of plastic cutters (nippers), a hobby knife, a file or sanding stick, and super glue or plastic cement. These tools help with assembling plastic or resin miniatures and prepping them for painting.

Acrylic paints are ideal for miniatures—they’re water-based, quick drying, and easy to clean. Brands like Citadel, Army Painter, Vallejo, and AK Interactive all offer high-quality hobby paints in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Starter paint sets are a great way to begin.

Yes. Priming your models helps paint adhere better and provides a smooth surface for basecoats. Spray primers and brush-on primers are available in black, white, grey, and colored options. Choose a color based on your project: black for dark schemes, white for vibrant colors, and grey for flexibility.

A basic set should include a fine detail brush, a standard size brush for basecoating, and a larger brush for drybrushing or washes. Brands like Army Painter, Citadel, and Artis Opus all offer beginner-friendly brush ranges to get you started.

Start with online tutorials, painting guides, or beginner sets that include instruction. Many brands offer painting booklets or QR code links to how-to videos. Practice simple techniques like basecoating, drybrushing, and washing before moving on to layering and highlighting.

Yes! Brands like Army Painter and Games Workshop offer complete starter sets that include paints, brushes, and miniatures. These kits are designed to help new hobbyists build confidence while providing everything needed to complete a first project right out of the box.

Once painted, models can be sealed with a clear varnish to protect your work from wear and chipping. Matte, satin, and gloss varnishes are available depending on the finish you want. Spray varnish is quick and effective, but brush-on options are great for touch-ups or indoor use.