Review: Reaper Bones Learn to Paint Kit - The Ultimate Starter for Miniature Painting?

Meta Description: Is the Reaper Bones Learn to Paint Kit worth it? Our hands-on review breaks down what's inside, the results you can expect, and why it's the top choice for absolute beginners. Read before you buy!

Stepping into the world of miniature painting can feel overwhelming. Between the dizzying array of paints, the need for specialized tools, and the fear of ruining an expensive model, many aspiring hobbyists never make it past the starting line. The Reaper Bones Learn to Paint Kit is designed to smash through those barriers. But does it live up to its reputation as the best beginner kit on the market? We built it, painted it, and are bringing you the definitive verdict.

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Unboxing: What Do You Actually Get?

Right out of the box, the kit makes a great first impression. It’s packaged as a complete, all-in-one solution, which is exactly what a novice needs. No guesswork is required. Inside the sturdy cardboard box, you’ll find:

• Three Miniatures: A Skeleton Archer, an Orc Warrior, and a Fantasy Knight. These are made from Reaper's signature Bones PVC plastic, which is durable, bendy, and crucially—does not require priming.

• 11 Paint Dropper Bottles: You get a curated selection of colors: Bronzed Skin, Dragon White, Dragon Black, Polished Silver, Pure Black, Brown Liner, Dragon Copper, Tanned Skin, Leather Brown, Harvest Brown, and a pre-thinned Soft Tone Wash (a magic-in-a-bottle for beginners).

• Two Brushes: A standard detail brush and a fine detail brush. They are decent synthetic brushes perfect for learning the ropes.

• The Instruction Guide: This isn't an afterthought. It’s a full-color, 32-page booklet that walks you through painting each model step-by-step with clear photos and easy-to-follow instructions.

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The Hands-On Experience: Learning the Core Skills

The genius of this kit is its structured learning path. You don't just get supplies; you get a course in fundamental techniques.

1. Lesson 1: The Skeleton (Basecoating, Washes, Dry Brushing)
   The skeleton teaches you the holy trinity of beginner painting: applying a base coat, using a wash to instantly create depth in the recesses, and dry brushing to pick out the high points. The result is immediate and satisfying, building confidence from the very first model.

2. Lesson 2: The Orc (Layering and Textures)
   The orc build on these skills, introducing layering to create smoother color transitions on skin and teaching you how to differentiate materials like leather, metal, and fabric.

3. Lesson 3: The Knight (Fine Details and Clean Lines)
   The knight is your graduation piece, challenging you to paint larger flat areas (like the tabard) smoothly and to apply finer details with more precision.

By the end, you haven’t just painted three models; you’ve learned a reusable workflow that applies to virtually any miniature you’ll paint in the future.

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Pros and Cons: The Honest Breakdown

The Pros:

• Phenomenal Value: The kit is often priced around $30-$40, which is less than the cost of buying all the paints and figures separately.

• Zero Primer Needed: Removing the priming step is a huge win for beginners, simplifying the process and reducing friction.

• The Guide is Gold: The instruction booklet is the star of the show. It’s patient, clear, and perfectly paced for a total novice.

• Low-Risk Introduction: It’s an affordable way to discover if you even enjoy the hobby without a significant financial investment.

The Cons:

• Basic Brushes: The included brushes are adequate but not great. They may lose their point quickly, and a serious beginner will want to upgrade to a higher-quality brush soon after.

• Small Paint Volumes: The dropper bottles are small. You might run out of key colors like black or white if you use them for other projects.

• Bones Material Quirk: Some advanced painters dislike the slightly soft nature of the Bones plastic, but for beginners, its durability is a major benefit.

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6 FAQs About the Reaper Bones Learn to Paint Kit

1. Do I need to buy anything else to start?

No. This is the kit's biggest strength. You literally just need a cup of water and a paper towel. However, a palette (even a white ceramic tile or piece of parchment paper) is helpful for thinning paints.

2. Is this kit suitable for children?

Yes, with adult supervision. The paints are non-toxic and water-based, but they will stain clothes. The miniatures also have small parts. It's ideal for teenagers and adults working together.

3. The paint seems thick. What should I do?

The guide teaches you to use the paint straight from the bottle. For even better results, try "thinning your paints." Put a drop of paint on your palette and add a tiny drop of water to it. This helps it flow smoothly and avoids obscuring detail.

4. What should I paint after I finish this kit?

You are perfectly prepared to paint any other Reaper Bones figure! They are affordable and plentiful. The skills you learn are also directly transferable to miniatures from Games Workshop, WizKids, and other companies (though those typically require primer).

5. My wash pooled too much on flat surfaces. How do I fix it?

After applying the wash, take a clean, damp brush and use it to "wick away" any large, unwanted pools of wash before it dries. This will leave the shade in the recesses where it belongs.

6. How does this compare to the Army Painter Mega Paint Set?

The Army Painter set is a fantastic paint set for someone who knows they are committed to the hobby and needs a vast color range. The Reaper kit is a superior learning tool designed to teach you how to use those paints effectively from day one.

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Final Verdict: Is It the Best Beginner Kit?

Absolutely, yes.

The Reaper Bones Learn to Paint Kit is the undisputed champion for introducing newcomers to miniature painting. It masterfully eliminates the initial intimidation factor by providing a curated, step-by-step experience that is educational, rewarding, and, most importantly, fun.

While the brushes are basic, this is a minor flaw in an otherwise perfectly executed product. The value for money is exceptional, and the skills you learn are foundational.

Conclusion: If you or someone you know is curious about miniature painting, this is the single best investment you can make. It’s a near-perfect gateway into a rewarding and creative hobby.