Yes, it's become a hobby in itself for me. If I like a game and know I'll play it at least somewhat regularly, I'll paint all the miniatures. Usually I'll go for a detailed multicolor paintjob usually.

Don't be scared! It's easier to get decent results than most people think. And you can always paint over the old paint job once you got better. You can even strip paint from minis completely and start over too. So no reason not to start.

You likely want to wash the models in soapwater, let them dry, then prime them before applying the paint. Thin your paints before applying. There are lots of great tutorials on YouTube.

Feel free to ask for feedback or tips on https://lemmy.world/c/tabletopminis. We're pretty chill over there.

I like painting almost as much as playing the games 😅.

Don't be scared to try it out, just watch some video to learn the basics and then try it out yourself. It's surprisingly easy if you know some of the basic techniques. Prime your minis, use thin layers of paint, look up how to dry brush, and get a wash for shadows. Then you can start adding other techniques as you get better.

Or if you want you could follow along a recipe from a video for your first mini, that way you know how it will look and can learn the colours and techniques yet be sure that the colour palette works.

Worst come worst it is possible to strip the paint, but I doubt it will come to that.

It takes a lot, so only if I actually have free time but I will typically paint the minis for my party at minimum.

Spray primer first, depending on how you want it to look. Black makes shadows easier, overall darker. White makes colours brighter. A lot will use a grey because it’s a good in between.

I just pick a colour pallet I think will be nice for the mini and restrict myself to only a few colours then go for it.

If I was doing things like armies, then it’s a lot more:spray in base colour, then maybe paint in a secondary colour on details.

Start with an undercoat of primer (usually available in spray cans) in a neutral color.

I’d suggest keeping your colors simple. A black undercoat with red for major areas is very striking and easy without lotsa commitment.

Don worry about messing up! You have lotsa little pieces and one bungle doesn’t look as obvious from afar.

And have fun!

I have a painter friend who does my miniatures full colour for me! And he's wicked good! He did my entire gloomhaven and nemesis. In exchange I make him warhammer 3d prints.

I don't have the time and patience to do a real paintjob for minis anymore. I used to do individual character minis whith whatever talent I have but for board games I just try and make them not look a drab grey.

I like to do either a discount Sundrop especially when the game's theme is darker, or alternatively prime in a light color and then wash with one or two suitable inks.

Both of those techniques don't take an exorbitant amount of time and effort but make minis a lot easier on the eye, plus more easily identifiable.

I tried coloring a couple of my Blood Rage miniatures but I suck at it and really dislike the activity. Honestly wish I never tried it in the first place xP

As an alternative, I've been 3d printing bases to differentiate plastic miniatures. Similar to the bases in something like Argent or Blood Rage.

Obviously not as pretty as painted minis, but significantly easier to play with

In theory I'd like too... but I don't know if I ever will. And I don't like the look of unpainted minis so I tend to avoid games that don't have other options.

I paid my stuff, but only if I know I'm keeping the game/minis. For example, I have an Arcadia Quest set and I paint those cause I know I could repurpose them for other games if need be. Conversely, I'm not painting my Cosmic Frog set yet cause I don't know if it's staying or not.

The hassle of getting that green goo stuff to strip paint turns off a lot of buyers, and there is something about accepting your own mistakes vs mistakes of others...