The Ultimate $20 Starter Shopping List for Miniature Painting
The Ultimate $20 Starter Shopping List for Miniature Painting
Subtitle: Seriously. That's all you need to start. I'll show you how to skip the hype and spend your money on what actually matters.
https://i.imgur.com/placeholder.png Your entire starter kit for the price of a single premium brush. Let's get started.
Let's be real. Looking at a wall of hundreds of paints, fancy tools, and expensive kits can make you turn around and walk right out of the hobby before you even start. You don't need all that. You just need to be smart.
I started with exactly $20 and a mission to find the bare essentials. This list isn't about getting "the best." It's about getting started. This kit will let you practice fundamental techniques, paint multiple models, and decide if you love the hobby before you invest another dime.
The Philosophy: Spend on Paints, Save on Tools
Your money should go towards pigment that behaves well. You can hack almost everything else. This list prioritizes a core set of colors and a decent brush over branded tools.
The Ultimate $20 Shopping List
Here’s exactly what to buy and where to find it. Prices are based on U.S. craft stores like Michael's or Walmart.
The Core Paint Set: Apple Barrel or FolkArt PROMOabtec 18-Color Set ($9.99)
Why: This is your biggest win. This single $10 set gives you 18 colors, including essential primaries (Red, Blue, Yellow), Black, White, Brown, and Metallics. It’s an unbeatable value for pure experimentation.
Pro Tip: We’ll use the white and black to create shades and highlights.
A Good Starter Brush: Princeton Select Brushes, Size 2 Round ($4.99)
Why: Don't buy the cheapest brush pack. A single, decent brush with a fine point will make learning infinitely easier than a pack of 10 terrible ones that fray immediately. A size 2 round is versatile for both basecoating and some details.
A Super Glue: Gorilla Super Glue Gel ($3.50)
Why: Gel is easier to control than liquid and won’t run everywhere. This is for assembling models and basing.
The Models: Army Men or Bulk Toys ($1.50)
Why: You are learning. Do not practice on a $50 Warhammer kit! A bag of plastic army men, dinosaurs, or fantasy toys from a dollar store is perfect. They have details, they’re cheap, and you won’t fear messing up.
Total Estimated Cost: $19.98
The Free "Tools" You Already Own
Your kit doesn't end there. Raid your house for these:
Palette: A white ceramic plate or a piece of Tupperware.
Water Pot: Any old cup or jar.
Hobby Knife: A sharp kitchen knife (be careful!) or scissors for cleaning mold lines.
Primer (Optional): A can of flat white or gray spray paint from the garage works in a pinch. Just spray in short bursts from 12 inches away!
How to Use Your $20 Kit Like a Pro
Thin Your Paints: This is the #1 rule. Put a dab of paint on your plate and add a drop of water. Mix it until it has the consistency of milk. This prevents gloppy details.
Start with a "Basecoat": Cover the entire model with your main color.
Try a "Wash": Water down some black or brown paint until it's very watery. Brush it over the model. It will flow into the cracks, creating instant shadows and depth.
Drybrush: Dip your brush in a light color, wipe most of it off on a paper towel, and then lightly flick it over the raised areas. Watch the details pop!
You now have everything you need to learn the core techniques of basecoating, washing, drybrushing, and gluing.
This isn't about creating a masterpiece on day one. It's about falling in love with the process without going broke.
What was in your first starter kit? Share your own budget hacks in the comments below!
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