Miniature painting isn’t just a hobby, it’s a full-blown adventure in creativity, patience, and precision. Whether you’re painting a bloodthirsty ork, a valiant space marine, or a tiny tree in a fantasy forest, you’re breathing life into plastic, metal and resin. And trust us, having the right tools is the difference between a frustration-filled session and a masterpiece you’re proud to show off.
At Bomran, we live and breathe miniatures. We’re your one-stop hobby shop, supplying everything from paints and brushes to basing materials and precision tools. We’re committed to offering the best products for painters, modellers, and wargamers across the UK and beyond. If it helps you bring your miniatures to life, we’ve got it. View our full range of products here!
What are Miniatures, and What Role Do They Play?
Let’s take a quick detour before we dive into the juicy tools list. What exactly are miniatures?
Miniatures are small-scale models, usually between 15mm and 32mm in height, used in tabletop games, model railways, or simply for display. In wargaming (like Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar, or Dungeons & Dragons), they represent characters, units, or scenery. Beyond their tactical uses, miniatures are beloved for the sheer joy of customisation and artistry.
Painting miniatures is where functionality meets fantasy. It’s an art form, a meditative process, and, let’s be honest, a bit addictive. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the tools you use can seriously elevate your skills and enjoyment.
Top 7 Must-Have Tools for Miniature Painting
Alright, here comes the good stuff. Whether you’re a newbie still figuring out what dry brushing is or a seasoned veteran perfecting non-metallic metal effects, these are the seven tools you need in your painting arsenal.
Let’s start with priming—because if your model isn’t primed, your paint won’t stick, and nobody wants that. Colour Forge Spray Cans are specially designed for miniature painting. They offer even coverage with a smooth, matt finish that enhances every detail of your model. Plus, they come in a generous 500ml size, so you’re getting amazing value with each can.
Available in a variety of colours, Colour Forge makes undercoating easy and reliable, whether you’re going for bone white, necrotic green, or good old-fashioned black. Say goodbye to splotchy sprays and hello to consistent coverage. The nozzle is designed to minimise clogging and provide a fine spray mist—perfect for delicate models. Whether you’re prepping a single hero or a whole squad, these cans get the job done with style and substance.
2. The Army Painter: Battlefields Basing Set
If your minis are standing on plain bases, you’re missing a trick. Basing brings your models to life and ties them into the narrative of your army. The Battlefields Basing Set from The Army Painter is the ultimate bundle for terrain texture lovers. It includes a wide variety of basing materials like Brown Battleground, Swamp Tuft, Summer Undergrowth, Snow, and more.
You also get a 50ml bottle of Basing Glue, so everything you need is in one tidy box. It’s an ideal starting point (or upgrade kit) for painters who want their minis to look like they’ve actually just marched across a battlefield or explored a forgotten forest. From frosty tundras to war-torn wastelands, this set lets you build immersive backstories right beneath your models’ feet. It’s basing made brilliantly simple—and seriously fun.
3. The Army Painter: Mega Brush Set
Great brushes make a great painter. Period. The Mega Brush Set from The Army Painter is a brilliant, comprehensive collection for hobbyists of all skill levels. Featuring a wide range of brush shapes and sizes—including detail brushes, drybrush tools, and terrain brushes—this set covers every painting technique imaginable.
Each brush uses natural fibre bristles for smooth application and superior paint retention. Whether you’re layering, blending, washing, or stippling, these brushes will help you master your craft. The ergonomic design makes them comfortable to hold, reducing fatigue during long painting sessions. With proper care, they’ll be loyal companions for hundreds of painting hours.
4. The Army Painter: Battlefield Basing Glue
Let’s talk glue—but not just any glue. Battlefield Basing Glue is a PVA-based adhesive that’s perfect for adding texture to your miniature bases and dioramas. It works seamlessly with materials like sand, rocks, static grass, and tufts.
It’s non-toxic, water-soluble, and dries clear—meaning your scenic details take centre stage, not the glue holding them together. This is one of those behind-the-scenes tools that make a world of difference. Its precision nozzle allows for mess-free application, even in small spaces. Whether you’re crafting rocky craters or lush forest floors, this glue holds strong and looks natural.
5. The Army Painter: Wet Palette Wargamer Edition
Ever had your paints dry out halfway through a session? Enter the Wet Palette Wargamer Edition—a literal game-changer. With a large working surface (276mm x 198mm), it keeps your acrylic paints moist and workable for hours (or even days).
Thanks to its anti-mould Hydro Foam and Hydro Sheets, your colours stay fresh and mixable. Especially helpful for layering, blending, and advanced techniques, this wet palette is perfect for Warpaints Fanatic users and serious hobbyists. It even comes with a tight-sealing lid, so you can save your paints overnight or take them on the go. If you’re after smooth gradients and pro-level colour control, this is your secret weapon.
6. The Army Painter: Target Lock Laser Line
This one’s for the gamers. The Target Lock Laser Line is a brilliant tool for ensuring fairness and accuracy in your tabletop battles. It projects a straight red laser, making line-of-sight disputes a thing of the past.
Simple to use, battery-operated, and small enough to stash in your carry case, it’s ideal for games like Warhammer 40K, Star Wars Armada, and more. Tactical precision, incoming! Whether you’re measuring from a tank turret or a sniper’s perch, this tool removes all doubt. It’s also great for setting up terrain or positioning units with ultimate accuracy.
7. The Army Painter: Mixing Balls
Last but not least—Mixing Balls. If you’ve ever opened a paint pot and found it separated or gloopy, you’ll understand how vital these little stainless steel saviours are. Pop a couple into your bottles and shake—voilà, perfectly mixed paint every time.
This 100-pack is a cost-effective way to keep all your paints fresh, consistent, and ready to perform at their best. They’re especially useful for metallics, washes, and older paints that need a little extra agitation. A must-have for any serious painter who wants to make the most of every drop.
These 7 tools can seriously level up your miniature painting experience. From priming and painting to basing and gaming, they cover the entire journey. Whether you’re aiming to compete, create a jaw-dropping army, or just paint for the joy of it, these essentials are your gateway to greatness. Investing in quality tools doesn’t just improve your results, it transforms the whole process into something more enjoyable and rewarding. So gear up, grab your brushes, and let the magic begin.
Bomran’s Top Tips for Miniature Painting
Want your models to turn heads? Here are some of our favourite painting pearls of wisdom—tested, trusted, and delivered with a dollop of hobby love from the team at Bomran.
Thin Your Paints – Use a wet palette to maintain consistency.
Thinned paints give you smoother coats and prevent you from losing those precious miniature details. You’ll also have more control when layering and blending, which makes a world of difference, especially on cloaks, armour, and skin tones.
Prime Before You Paint – Always use a good primer like Colour Forge.
Priming gives your paint something to grip, preventing it from rubbing off or beading up. It also helps your colours pop and ensures a more uniform finish across different materials like resin, plastic, or metal.
Use Reference Images – Inspiration is everywhere.
From fantasy art books to movie stills and video games, reference images spark ideas and improve realism. Don’t be afraid to recreate lighting, fabric textures or colour schemes—copying is a brilliant way to learn!
Light is Everything – Paint under a daylight lamp for true colours.
Natural-spectrum lighting reveals the true hue of your paints, so you don’t end up with a “blue” that’s secretly purple. It also reduces eye strain and helps you spot mistakes before they become disasters.
Practice Patience – Rushing leads to messy results.
Take your time and enjoy each stage of the process—rushing only leads to paint floods and regret. Let each layer dry properly, and remember, even pro painters took years to develop their flow.
Drybrush for Texture – Great for highlighting raised areas quickly.
A good drybrush session adds instant depth to fur, terrain, chainmail and more with minimal effort. Just remember to wipe off most of the paint before applying—less is definitely more here.
Seal Your Work – Use a matt or gloss varnish to protect your masterpiece.
Not only does sealing protect your paint job from chips and scratches, but it also gives your miniatures a professional finish. Gloss varnish can even be used selectively on things like lenses or armour to make them pop.
Experiment with Basing – It adds narrative and flair to your model.
Bases tell a story—are your characters charging through snow, standing in swampy ruins, or perched on volcanic rock? A well-crafted base can elevate your miniature from good to gallery-worthy.
Keep Your Brushes Clean – Extend their life with regular care.
Use brush soap and reshape your bristles after each session—it keeps the tips pointy and ready for detail work. A well-loved brush can last years, saving you money and frustration in the long run.
Have Fun – That’s what it’s all about, after all!
Paint what excites you, try silly colour schemes, and don’t worry about perfection. The hobby should spark joy—and if it’s fun, you’re doing it right.
At Bomran, we believe miniature painting is part art, part science, and all heart. These tips are just a springboard—keep experimenting, keep learning, and most of all, keep enjoying the journey. Every brushstroke is progress, and every model tells a story.
A Masterpiece in Every Model: Final Thoughts
Miniature painting is more than a hobby, it’s a portal to creativity, imagination, and community. Whether you’re building an army, painting for peace, or prepping for your next campaign, the right tools can unlock your full potential. With Bomran by your side, you’re never short on inspiration, supplies, or support.
Each model you paint is a chapter in your creative story. Some might be quick weekend projects, others painstaking labours of love, but all of them are uniquely yours. Don’t worry if your first few attempts aren’t golden demon material; what matters is that you’re improving, experimenting, and enjoying every moment of the journey.
And remember: perfection isn’t the goal, expression is. With each highlight, wash, and drybrush pass, you’re turning raw plastic into living, breathing characters. Keep pushing your limits, keep geeking out over pigments and basing textures, and above all, keep having fun. That’s the real magic behind every miniature masterpiece.
FAQs
What’s the best primer for miniatures?
We recommend Colour Forge Spray Cans—they offer consistent, even coverage and come in a variety of colours.
Can I use regular glue for basing?
Technically yes, but specialised basing glue like The Army Painter’s version gives better results and dries clear.
How do I stop my paints from drying out?
Use a wet palette like The Army Painter’s Wargamer Edition to keep paints moist and mixable.
What brush sizes do I need to start painting?
A good starter set, like the Mega Brush Set, includes detail, medium, and drybrush sizes.
How do I clean my brushes properly?
Rinse them in water immediately after use and store them tip-up. Brush soap also helps.
How do I mix paint colours consistently?
Use a wet palette and consider adding mixing balls to your paint pots for even blending.
Is basing really necessary?
Yes! Basing enhances realism and narrative. It makes your models pop.
What’s the difference between matt and gloss finishes?
Matt finishes are non-reflective and popular for realistic looks. Gloss is shiny and great for specific effects like armour or slime.
Do I need to varnish my models?
Absolutely—varnish protects your paint job from chips and wear.
Whether you’re assembling your first army or upgrading your paint station, Bomran has everything you need to turn tiny figures into big-time showstoppers. Explore our full range of miniature painting tools, and let your imagination run wild.
