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Welcome to the world of miniature wargaming tools, where crafting and painting tiny soldiers, space marines, and fantastical creatures is as much a part of the hobby as the tactical battles themselves. Whether you’re a fan of Warhammer 40k, Bolt Action, or other miniatures games, having the right tools can make assembling and painting your miniature models a much more enjoyable experience. In this blog, we’ll explore the essential miniature hobby tools every painter needs and some that are nice to have. 

Essential Miniature Wargaming Tools 

1. High-Quality Clippers (Sprue Cutters) 

When you’re dealing with plastic miniatures, you need a good pair of clippers. These are essential for cleanly removing pieces from the sprue and making sure your models look their best from the start. And when it comes to sprue cutters as miniature wargaming tools, you really get what you pay for.  

I have used the Army Painter brand, the Citadel brand, and the ultra expensive Tamiya brand. I personally love the Citadel brand (though this is admittedly before they changed the design and jacked up the price). I will say, though, that the Army Painter ones were lousy. Make sure you get something good.  

2. Reliable Hobby Knife 

A sharp hobby knife is crucial for trimming and cleaning up small imperfections on your miniatures. It’s a versatile tool that can also assist in intricate modifications. What you want, whether you get an Xacto or a scalpel, is something sharp, preferably something with extra blades.  

I have learned when it comes to knives—both in miniature wargaming and also cooking—that you’re going to hurt yourself a lot less with a sharp knife that you don’t have to force than a dull knife that you really struggle with. 

3. Wet Palette 

Maintaining the right consistency of acrylic paint is key in miniature painting. A wet palette in a miniature painting tool that helps keep your paints moist and workable for longer periods, which is essential for blending colors and achieving smooth finishes. You can make your own wet palette (see Tabletop Minions video here: Pa-Chow) but I find that Redgrass Games make the best.  

Granted, I haven’t tested extensively, but I did start out with some cheap stuff off Amazon and came to regret it. (One key—make sure you have the right paper. Some of the cheaper Amazon wet palettes have paper that doesn’t do them any favors.) 

4. Painting Handle 

A painting handle is a lifesaver for miniature painters. It steadies the model, making it easier to paint intricate details without smudging your work or straining your hands. There are a million different kinds of painting handle.  

Some people, like me, use Citadel, but I do that mainly because its what my FLGS stocks. Some people just use dowels or old pill bottles with a bit of double-sided tape or even poster putty to secure models on top. I don’t like this method; I feel like it’s not secure enough. But to each their own. 

5. Winsor & Newton Brushes 

High-quality brushes are the cornerstone of miniature painting. Winsor & Newton brushes are renowned for their fine tips and durability, allowing for detailed work on small areas like space marine armor.  

Now you don’t NEED Winsor and Newton brushes. Some professional painters swear by twenty-cent brushes that they can use as disposable brushes. But I will say that when I got my first Winsor and Newtown Kolinsky Sable Brush Series 7, I have never once looked back. It was such an ultimate game changer or me. 

Useful But Not Essential Miniature Wargaming Tools 

1. Special Dice 

While not a necessity, custom dice can add a personal touch to your gaming experience and can be handy in keeping track of specific game mechanics. But what I’m talking about specifically is not the multi-colored D10s, D20s, and the dice you use to play the game, but the special faction-specific dice that Games Workshop and other wargame companies roll out that are essentially six siders but have the 6 or the 1 is replaced with a faction icon. You don’t need these dice and they’re incredibly expensive. 

2. Airbrush 

An airbrush can speed up the base coating process and achieve smooth gradients but isn’t essential for beginners or those on a budget. As a miniature wargaming tool, this is a good one, but not all miniature painters need an airbrush. And if you’re just starting out in the hobby, don’t think that you need to dive into the world of airbrushing. While airbrushes definitely have their place, you really don’t NEED one. 

3. Magnets 

Using magnets for interchangeable parts can be fun and functional but requires additional skills and resources. 9 times out of 10 (in my experience) magnets are used for the novelty of magnets, not because the player is ever going to actually swap out the weapons on a model. Again, they’re a fun thing if you really care (and if your opponent is a strictly WYSIWYG player, but you don’t need them. 

4. Special Water Pot 

A specific pot for cleaning your brushes is a nice luxury, helping to keep your painting area organized and ensuring you clean your brushes properly. I’m a big fan of the Citadel Water Pot, which has special features like a textured bottom for working the paint out of the bristles, and narrow slots on the sides for pulling your brush tips into perfect points. But you don’t need it. You can honestly just use a mug or a jar or a paper cup. 

5. Citadel Tool 

I’m talking specifically about the Citadel texture tool. Now, I love these, and for the money I think they’re worth picking up. But seriously, all you need for this job is a little coffee stir stick or a toothpick, or some other small and rigid tool.  

Tools from specific brands like Citadel are often high quality but come with a higher price tag. While they’re nice to have, there are equally effective alternatives available. 

The Bottom Line 

Whether you’re just starting with miniature wargaming or looking to upgrade your toolkit, understanding what you need—and what you don’t—is key. Remember, the most important tools are patience and practice. Happy gaming and painting!