You've bought your first box of miniatures. Opening it, you'll find sprues of plastic parts, a set of instructions and, usually, nothing else. No glue, no tools, no paint.
That surprises a lot of people. So here's the checklist we run through with new players at the counter: what you actually need, what can wait, and where to save money.
The Short Answer
The easiest way to start is a paints and tools set. The Warhammer 40,000 Paints + Tools and Age of Sigmar Paints + Tools sets bundle the basics into one box. Add a primer and you're ready to go.
If you'd rather choose your own gear, here's the full list.
Building: The Essentials
Clippers
Never twist parts off the sprue. Proper sprue cutters cut cleanly and leave far less cleanup. The Citadel Super Fine Detail Cutters are made for this, and the Knipex plastics cutter is a tool that will last you decades.
Something to clean mould lines
Every plastic part has a faint line where the two halves of the mould met. Scrape it away with a mouldline remover or the back of a hobby knife blade. It's a small step that makes a big difference once the model is painted.
Plastic glue
Plastic cement doesn't just stick parts together, it melts them together into one solid join. A thin, liquid cement like Icky Sticky Extra Thin Cement runs into joins by itself. Have a look through SMS Cements & Adhesives too.
Plastic glue only works on plastic. For resin or metal parts, you'll need super glue.
A cutting mat
Protects the table and your blades. The Warhaus A3 Cutting Mat even has base size guides printed on it.
Painting: The Essentials
Primer
Primer gives paint something to grip. Without it, paint rubs off the plastic the first time you pick the model up. A spray is the fastest option:
- Chaos Black for darker armies and metals
- Wraithbone if you're using Contrast paints
- White Scar for bright, clean colours
Spray outdoors on a still, dry day, in short bursts, from about 20–30cm away.
Paints
Start with just the colours your army needs. A few Base colours, a metallic, and a couple of Shades will get your first squad painted. Our Citadel paints explained post covers which types to buy first.
Brushes
Two brushes is enough to start: a medium brush for basecoating and a smaller one for detail. Our brush guide explains which sizes to pick.
A water pot and a palette
Any old jar works for water. A palette lets you thin your paint, which is the single biggest improvement most beginners can make. The Warhaus Well Palette is great for washes and Contrast paints.
Nice to Have, Later
- A painting handle like the Warhaus Painting Handle keeps your fingers off the model.
- Basing materials to finish your models off. See our basing guide.
- Magnets for weapon swaps. See magnetising miniatures.
- A carry case once you've got enough painted to take to a game.
The Order to Do It In
- Clip the parts off the sprue
- Clean mould lines
- Glue the model together. Leave tricky parts off if they'll be hard to paint
- Prime
- Paint
- Base
- Varnish if the model will be handled a lot
Don't Aim for Perfect
Your first models won't be your best, and that's fine. Get a squad painted to a level you're happy with, play a game with them, and you'll improve with every model after that.
If you're not sure where to start, bring your box into the shop at 22 Castlemaine Street, Kirwan. We'll help you pick exactly what you need and nothing you don't.