How to Prime Resin Miniatures for Best Paint Results

How to Prime Resin Miniatures for Painting

If you're painting resin miniatures, proper priming makes all the difference. Raw resin can repel paint, show layer lines, or chip easily — but a good priming job gives you a clean, durable surface with strong paint adhesion.

🧽 Step 1: Wash Your Mini

Even if it looks clean, resin miniatures may still have leftover residue. Gently scrub with warm water and dish soap using a soft toothbrush. Rinse and let dry completely.

🛠️ Step 2: Check for Gaps or Blemishes

Inspect for seam lines, support nubs, or small print defects. Lightly sand any rough spots with a fine-grit file. You can fill gaps using modeling putty or resin-safe filler.

🎨 Step 3: Choose the Right Primer

  • Spray primers: Fast and easy. Look for brands like Tamiya, Vallejo, or Rustoleum for plastic/resin.
  • Brush-on primers: Great for control and indoor use. Use thin coats for detail retention.

📏 Quick Tips

  • Prime in thin layers to avoid obscuring fine detail
  • Let primer cure fully before applying paint (usually 24 hours)
  • Use white, gray, or black depending on your paint scheme(we do carry 9 colors)

Want your miniatures to arrive ready-to-paint? We offer optional priming and even professional painting on most resin models — just choose your finish at checkout.

Back to blog