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Welcome to the fascinating world of Warhammer, a tabletop miniature wargame that has captured the imagination of hobbyists and gamers for decades–but you’re going to need Warhammer hobby supplies. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting your journey, having the right hobby supplies is essential for fully immersing yourself in the Warhammer universe. From assembling and painting your miniatures to creating stunning tabletop scenery, the quality of your tools and materials can make all the difference in your overall experience.

In this blog, we aim to help you find the best supplies to take your Warhammer hobby to the next level. We’ll explore essential tools and materials, discuss various assembly and painting techniques, and share our top recommendations for brands that offer high-quality products. So, strap on your power armor, sharpen your chainsword, and let’s dive into the amazing world of Warhammer hobby supplies!

Essential Tools and Supplies

Before delving into the assembly and painting process, it’s crucial to equip yourself with the right tools and supplies. Here, we’ll outline the essentials and provide specific examples to ensure you have everything you need for your Warhammer hobby.

Hobby knives and cutters

Precision knives

Good precision knives are must-have Warhammer hobby supplies. It allows you to carefully remove parts from sprues, clean mold lines, and perform intricate cuts. Look for a knife with a comfortable grip and replaceable blades to ensure maximum utility.

1. X-ACTO #1 Precision Knife – The X-ACTO #1 Precision Knife is a popular choice among hobbyists for its precise cutting capabilities and comfortable grip. It features a sharp, fine-point blade that’s perfect for detailed cutting tasks, such as trimming plastic, paper, or thin metal.
2. OLFA Standard Art Knife – The OLFA Standard Art Knife is another reliable option for precision cutting. Its ergonomic handle and durable stainless steel blade make it ideal for a variety of hobby tasks, such as cutting through plastic sprues or creating intricate details on miniatures.
3. Fiskars Fingertip Craft Knife – The Fiskars Fingertip Craft Knife offers a unique design that allows for greater control and precision in cutting tasks. With a finger loop on the handle, you can guide the knife with ease, making it perfect for intricate cutting tasks in model assembly and other hobby projects.

Sprue cutters

Sprue cutters are specifically designed to help you remove plastic components from sprues with minimal damage. These specialized tools make quick work of snipping parts without risking damage to the delicate details of your miniatures.

1. Citadel Fine Detail Cutters – One of the most common Warhammer hobby supplies, Games Workshop’s Citadel Fine Detail Cutters are specifically designed for Warhammer miniatures and other plastic models. These cutters have sharp, flat-edged blades that allow for precise cuts, making it easy to remove parts from sprues without causing damage to the miniature.
2. Xuron 410 Micro-Shear Flush Cutter – The Xuron 410 Micro-Shear Flush Cutter is a versatile tool that’s perfect for cutting plastic sprues, as well as other materials such as wire and soft metals. Its ultra-sharp, precision-ground blades ensure clean, flush cuts, which help minimize the need for additional cleanup or trimming.
3. Tamiya Sharp Pointed Side Cutter – Tamiya’s Sharp Pointed Side Cutter is another popular choice among hobbyists for cutting sprues and plastic parts. Its thin, sharp blades provide precise cutting capabilities, and the comfortable grip allows for easy handling during extended hobby sessions.

Files and sanding tools

Needle files

Needle files are essential Warhammer hobby supplies for cleaning up mold lines and smoothing out surfaces on your miniatures. A set of assorted shapes and sizes allows you to tackle various tasks with ease.

1. Tamiya Basic File Set – This set of needle files from Tamiya includes three different shapes: round, flat, and half-round. These high-quality files are perfect for smoothing and shaping plastic, resin, or metal parts in your miniature projects. The ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip for precise filing.
2. SE Needle File Set (10-Piece) – The SE Needle File Set features an assortment of ten different file shapes, such as round, square, and triangular, to accommodate a wide range of filing tasks. These durable files are suitable for working with plastic, resin, and metal materials, making them a versatile option for hobbyists.
3. Nicholson Needle File Set (6-Piece) – The Nicholson 37761 Needle File Set includes six high-quality files in various shapes, including round, half-round, and flat. These Swiss pattern files offer exceptional precision and are ideal for intricate filing tasks in miniature assembly and sculpting. The knurled handles provide a secure grip for accurate filing.

Sanding sticks and paper

Sanding tools help create a smooth surface for priming and painting. Sanding sticks and paper come in various grits, allowing you to choose the appropriate coarseness for each task. The right sanding stick for the right job makes the perfect Warhammer hobby supplies.

1. Tamiya Sanding Sponge Sheet: Tamiya offers a range of sanding sponge sheets that can be cut into smaller pieces and used as sanding sticks. These sheets have an abrasive surface on one side and a soft foam backing. They are available in various grits, such as 180, 240, 320, 600, 1000, and 1500, making them suitable for various sanding tasks, from rough shaping to fine finishing.
2. Squadron Tools Sanding Stick Set: This set of sanding sticks by Squadron Tools includes various grits and shapes, allowing users to sand both flat and curved surfaces effectively. The set contains a mix of flat, round, and triangular sanding sticks, each with different grits, such as 80, 120, 240, and 320. These sanding sticks have a rigid plastic core with abrasive material on the outer surface.
3. Micro-Mesh Soft Touch Sanding Pads: While these are technically sanding pads, they can be easily used as sanding sticks when cut into smaller pieces or folded. The Micro-Mesh Soft Touch Sanding Pads are double-sided, with each side featuring a different grit. They come in a range of grits, from 1500 to 12,000, which allows for incredibly smooth and polished finishes. These pads are particularly useful for delicate work, such as scale model building or fine woodworking.

Glues and adhesives

We have written an entire article about all the various types of glues that are needed (and preferred) as Warhammer hobby supplies. You can find that article here. But the following suggestions boil it down to the basics.

Plastic cement

Plastic cement is ideal for bonding plastic miniatures, as it melts the plastic surfaces and fuses them together. This creates a strong bond that is less prone to breakage.

1. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement: I live and die by Tamiya Extra Thin as one of my Warhammer hobby supplies. This plastic cement by Tamiya is a popular choice among scale model enthusiasts. It has a thin consistency that allows for precise application and capillary action, helping it to flow between the parts being bonded. The cement is suitable for bonding polystyrene and ABS plastic materials.
2. Testors Plastic Cement: Testors offers a range of plastic cement products, including their standard plastic cement in a tube. This cement is designed for bonding polystyrene plastic parts together and works well for assembling plastic model kits. It has a slightly thicker consistency compared to Tamiya Extra Thin Cement and comes with a fine applicator tip for accurate placement.
3. Plastruct Plastic Weld: Plastruct’s Plastic Weld is a liquid plastic cement that is designed to bond various types of plastic materials, such as polystyrene, ABS, and acrylic. It works by softening the plastic surfaces and creating a strong bond as the solvent evaporates. The cement is commonly used in architectural models, dioramas, and plastic model kits. It comes in a bottle with a brush applicator for easy and precise application.

Super glue

If you’re delving into resin, metal, and many terrain and basing applications, supper glue is one of the necessary Warhammer hobby supplies. Super glue (cyanoacrylate) is a must-have for bonding resin and metal miniatures or securing delicate parts. It dries quickly and provides a strong bond.

1. Loctite Super Glue Ultra Liquid Control: This super glue by Loctite features a user-friendly, precision applicator and a liquid formula that provides fast bonding and dries transparent. It is suitable for bonding a variety of materials, such as metal, rubber, ceramic, wood, leather, and most plastics. The Ultra Liquid Control formula is designed to offer better control and minimize mess during application.
2. Gorilla Super Glue Gel: Gorilla Super Glue Gel is a no-drip, thicker formula that is suitable for vertical applications and bonding porous or uneven surfaces. It bonds materials such as metal, ceramic, wood, paper, rubber, and certain plastics. The gel formula allows for better control during application and reduced mess. It dries quickly and forms a strong, lasting bond.
3. Bob Smith Industries BSI-157H Maxi Cure/Insta-Set Combo Pack: This combo pack includes two types of super glue by Bob Smith Industries: Maxi Cure, a thick gap-filling cyanoacrylate adhesive, and Insta-Set, an accelerator that speeds up the curing process. The Maxi Cure glue is designed for bonding materials like wood, metal, rubber, and most plastics, while the Insta-Set accelerator can be applied to the glue joint to reduce the cure time significantly. This combination is especially useful for applications that require rapid bonding and handling.

PVA glue

PVA glue, or white glue, is perfect for attaching basing materials, scenery elements, and other decorative parts. It dries clear and is easy to work with.

1. Elmer’s Glue-All: Elmer’s Glue-All is a versatile, multi-purpose PVA glue that is suitable for a variety of applications, including crafts, home repairs, and woodworking. It dries clear and is non-toxic, making it a popular choice for both children and adults. It can be used on materials like paper, fabric, leather, and wood. Definitely my favorite PVA glue and a staple on my Warhammer hobby supplies shelves.
2. Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue: This PVA glue by Aleene’s is known for its strong, tacky hold and is commonly used in various crafting projects, including paper crafting, fabric, and mixed media. Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue dries clear and flexible, providing a durable bond. It is also non-toxic and can be easily cleaned up with water before it dries.
3. Mod Podge Matte: While Mod Podge is primarily known as a decoupage medium, it is also a PVA-based adhesive. It can be used to bond paper, fabric, and other porous materials to surfaces like wood, canvas, and ceramics. The matte finish version of Mod Podge dries clear and provides a non-glossy, smooth appearance. In addition to its adhesive properties, Mod Podge can also be used as a sealant and protective coating for various craft projects.

Painting supplies

Paints

Acrylic paints

Warhammer hobby supplies wouldn’t be Warhammer hobby supplies without paint. Acrylic paints are the go-to choice for painting Warhammer miniatures. They are water-soluble, easy to work with, and available in a vast array of colors. Many brands offer specific paint lines tailored to miniature painting.

I’ve written an entire article breaking down all the major paint brands, but this is a pretty good summation of what we found there. For deeper reading, click here.

1. Citadel Paints: Citadel Paints, produced by Games Workshop, are specifically designed for painting miniatures used in tabletop games like Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer Age of Sigmar–certainly Warhammer hobby supplies on nearly every shelf. They offer a wide range of colors and finishes, including base paints, layer paints, shades, and technical paints for effects like texture and glazing. Citadel Paints are acrylic-based and come in small pots, making them easy to work with when painting fine details on miniatures.
2. Vallejo Model Color: Vallejo is a well-known brand in the miniature painting community, offering a wide range of acrylic paint colors and finishes suitable for miniatures and scale models. The Model Color line is highly pigmented, providing excellent coverage and color intensity. These paints come in dropper bottles, which make it easy to control the amount of paint dispensed and mix custom colors.
3. Reaper Miniatures Master Series Paints: Reaper Miniatures produces the Master Series Paints, a line of high-quality, water-based acrylic paints designed specifically for painting miniatures. They offer a wide selection of colors, including metallics and special effects paints. The Master Series Paints are known for their excellent flow, coverage, and durability, making them a popular choice among miniature painters. These paints come in dropper bottles for precise dispensing and color mixing.

Specialty paints

Specialty paints, such as metallics, fluorescents, and color-shift paints, can add unique effects and visual interest to your miniatures.

1. Citadel Technical Paints: Games Workshop offers a range of Citadel Technical Paints specifically designed to create various effects on miniatures. For example, their “Nihilakh Oxide” paint creates a realistic patina effect on metallic surfaces, while “Blood for the Blood God” creates a glossy, wet blood effect, and “Nurgle’s Rot” is a glossy putrescent color, something like pus or bile. These paints allow miniature painters to achieve advanced effects and enhance the realism of their models.
2. Vallejo Liquid Gold: This is a range of alcohol-based metallic paints by Vallejo that are designed to produce a highly realistic and shiny gold finish on miniatures. The Liquid Gold series includes various shades of gold, such as “Old Gold” and “Red Gold,” allowing painters to achieve a wide range of metallic effects. Due to their alcohol base, these paints require specific handling and thinning techniques, but they result in a striking and realistic metallic appearance.
3. Green Stuff World Chameleon Colorshift Paints: Green Stuff World produces a line of Chameleon Colorshift Paints that change color depending on the angle of the light and the viewer’s perspective. These paints contain special pigments that create a unique, iridescent effect on miniatures, making them stand out on the tabletop. The Colorshift Paints can be used on a variety of surfaces, including plastic, metal, and resin, and are suitable for airbrush or brush application.

Brushes

Synthetic brushes

Synthetic brushes are an affordable option for hobbyists, making them a staple of Warhammer hobby supplies. They are easy to maintain and suitable for various tasks, such as base coating and applying washes.

1. Army Painter Wargamer Brushes: Army Painter offers a range of synthetic brushes specifically designed for miniature painting. Their Wargamer Brushes feature synthetic bristles with fine tips, making them suitable for detail work, basecoating, and layering. Some popular brushes in this line include the Wargamer: Regiment brush, Wargamer: Small Drybrush, and Wargamer: Insane Detail brush. (In my deep dive into miniature brushes, I picked Army Painter as the best all-around brush–the Regiment brush in particular as my go-to all-needs brush.)
2. Winsor & Newton Cotman Brushes: The Winsor & Newton Cotman series features synthetic brushes made with high-quality blended synthetic fibers that provide excellent spring and durability. While they are primarily designed for watercolor painting, their fine tips and excellent paint-holding capacity make them suitable for miniature painting as well. Some popular choices for miniatures include the Cotman Round brushes in smaller sizes, such as 000, 00, 0, and 1.
3. Princeton Velvetouch Miniature Brushes: Princeton’s Velvetouch line includes a range of miniature brushes with synthetic bristles designed for detailed work in various art mediums, including acrylic paints used for miniature painting. The brushes feature a blend of synthetic fibers that provide excellent control and precision, making them suitable for fine details, tight spaces, and intricate designs on miniatures. Some popular brushes in this line include the Mini Round, Mini Liner, and Mini Angle Shader in various sizes.

Natural hair brushes

Natural hair brushes, such as sable or kolinsky, are prized for their ability to hold a fine tip and maintain shape. They are perfect for detail work and precise layering. When you need your Warhammer hobby supplies to level up a bit, natural hair brushes are a good place to turn.

1. Winsor & Newton Series 7 Kolinsky Sable Brushes: These brushes are widely considered the gold standard for miniature painting. Made with high-quality Kolinsky sable hair, the Winsor & Newton Series 7 brushes provide excellent paint-holding capacity, precise control, and a fine point for detailed work. The brushes are available in various sizes, with popular choices for miniatures including sizes 000, 00, 0, 1, and 2.
2. Raphael 8404 Kolinsky Sable Brushes: Raphael’s 8404 series brushes are made from premium Kolinsky sable hair, offering excellent paint flow, a sharp point, and great spring. These brushes are highly regarded by miniature painters for their fine detail work, smooth paint application, and durability. Commonly used sizes for miniatures include 000, 00, 0, and 1.
3. Da Vinci Maestro Series 10 Kolinsky Sable Brushes: The Da Vinci Maestro Series 10 brushes are another popular choice for miniature painters. Crafted with high-quality Kolinsky sable hair, these brushes provide excellent paint retention, a sharp point, and good spring. The brushes are available in a range of sizes, with sizes 000, 00, 0, 1, and 2 being suitable for most miniature painting tasks.

Painting accessories

Wet palette

A wet palette is an essential one of the Warhammer hobby supplies for paint management and blending. It helps keep your acrylic paints hydrated and workable for longer periods, improving the painting process.

1. The Army Painter Wet Palette: The Army Painter offers a wet palette designed specifically for miniature painting. It features a lidded plastic container with a sponge and palette paper sheets. The sponge holds water, keeping the palette paper moist, which in turn prevents the acrylic paints from drying out too quickly. The lid helps maintain moisture levels and can be used to store the palette between painting sessions.
2. Masterson Sta-Wet Handy Palette: The Masterson Sta-Wet Handy Palette is a popular choice among artists and miniature painters alike. It includes a lidded plastic container, a sponge, and special palette paper. The sponge ensures that the palette paper remains damp, which keeps the acrylic paints workable for an extended period. The lidded container allows for easy storage and transport, helping to maintain moisture levels.
3. Redgrass Games Everlasting Wet Palette: Redgrass Games offers a premium wet palette designed with miniature painters in mind. The Everlasting Wet Palette features a robust plastic container with a lid, a hydration foam pad, and hydration paper sheets. The foam pad and hydration paper work together to keep the acrylic paints moist and workable for extended painting sessions. The palette also offers optional accessories, such as a wavy well for mixing inks and washes, and is available in two sizes: Painter and Studio XL.

Paint racks

Organizing your paints with a paint rack not only keeps your workspace tidy but also helps you find the right colors quickly.

1. GameCraft Miniatures Paint Rack: GameCraft Miniatures offers a range of wooden paint racks suitable for various brands of miniature paints. These paint racks are available in different sizes and configurations, allowing you to store dropper bottles, pots, or even spray cans. The racks can be assembled easily and placed on a tabletop or mounted on a wall to keep your painting area organized and accessible.
2. Vallejo Wall Mounted Paint Display: Vallejo produces a wall-mounted paint display designed specifically for their range of paints. The paint rack is made of durable plastic and can hold up to 43 Vallejo paint bottles, including the Model Color, Game Color, and Model Air lines. This paint display is an excellent space-saving solution for keeping your Vallejo paints organized and within easy reach while painting miniatures.
3. The Broken Token Modular Paint Rack: The Broken Token offers a modular paint rack system that can be customized to fit your specific needs and space requirements. These wooden paint racks come in various configurations, including corner units and straight sections, with options for dropper bottles, paint pots, and brush storage. The modular design allows you to expand and reconfigure your paint storage as your collection grows, ensuring a well-organized and efficient painting space.

Mixing mediums

Mixing mediums help modify the consistency, transparency, and drying time of your paints, providing more control over your painting techniques.

1. Vallejo Glaze Medium: Vallejo’s Glaze Medium is an acrylic medium designed to thin paints and create smooth, transparent glazes on miniatures. When mixed with acrylic paints, it improves flow, extends drying time, and increases transparency without compromising the integrity of the paint film. This medium is particularly useful for creating subtle color transitions and blending on miniatures.
2. Liquitex Slow-Dri Blending Medium: This acrylic medium by Liquitex is designed to slow down the drying time of acrylic paints, allowing for better blending and smoother color transitions on miniatures. The Slow-Dri Blending Medium can be mixed with acrylic paints to extend working time and improve flow without thinning the paint too much. It is especially useful when working on complex color blends or wet-in-wet techniques on miniatures.
3. Citadel Lahmian Medium: Citadel’s Lahmian Medium is a versatile, matte medium that can be mixed with Citadel Paints to thin them, create glazes, or alter the consistency of washes. It is specifically designed to work with the Citadel paint range, ensuring compatibility and consistent results. By using Lahmian Medium, you can achieve smoother paint application, better blending, and increased transparency without changing the finish of the paint.

Miniature Assembly and Preparation

After gathering the essential tools and supplies, it’s time to focus on assembling and preparing your Warhammer miniatures. Proper assembly and preparation can make a significant difference in the final appearance and quality of your painted models. In this section, we’ll explore various techniques and provide specific examples to ensure your miniatures look their best.

Cleaning and prepping miniatures

Mold line removal

Mold lines, which are thin lines left by the casting process, can detract from your miniature’s overall appearance. Carefully removing mold lines with a hobby knife, file, or scraper ensures a smooth surface for painting.

1. Citadel Mold line Remover: The Citadel Moldline Remover is a precision tool designed by Games Workshop specifically for removing mold lines from plastic and resin miniatures. It features a curved, flattened edge that can be used to gently scrape away mold lines without damaging the miniature’s surface. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip and precise control during use.
2. The Army Painter Hobby Knife: While primarily designed as a hobby knife, this tool can also be used to remove mold lines from miniatures. Its sharp, flat cutting edge allows you to trim away mold lines and excess material with precision.
3. Flex-I-File 611 Flex-Pad Set: The Flex-I-File 611 Flex-Pad Set includes a set of abrasive pads that can be used to remove mold lines and smooth surfaces on miniatures. These flexible pads are available in different grits and can be used for various stages of mold line removal, from coarse material removal to fine polishing. The pads can be bent and shaped to conform to the miniature’s surface, allowing you to remove mold lines from curved and intricate areas with ease.

Gap filling and green stuff

Sometimes, miniatures can have small gaps or imperfections in their sculpt. Gap-filling products and putties, such as green stuff, can be used to correct these issues and create a seamless finish. Almost every Warhammer hobby supplies shelf has some form of gap filling green stuff or Milliput.

1. Green Stuff: Green Stuff, also known as Kneadatite, is a two-part epoxy putty commonly used for gap filling, sculpting, and modifying miniatures. It consists of a blue and a yellow component that, when mixed together, create a green putty with excellent adhesive properties and sculpting characteristics. Green Stuff can be used to fill gaps, create custom details, or repair broken parts on miniatures made of plastic, resin, or metal.
2. Milliput: Milliput is another two-part epoxy putty that can be used for gap filling and sculpting on miniatures. It is available in various grades, such as Standard, Fine, and Superfine, which differ in texture and working properties. Milliput can be mixed and applied to miniatures to fill gaps, create custom details, or repair broken parts, and it can be sanded, carved, and painted once cured.
3. Tamiya Putty: Tamiya Putty is a modeling putty available in different formulations, such as Basic Type and White Putty. It is primarily used for gap filling and surface smoothing on plastic models. The putty is applied to the model with a spatula or brush and can be sanded smooth once it has dried. Tamiya Putty is suitable for filling small gaps, seams, and imperfections on miniatures and models.

Note that Green Stuff, Milliput, and Tamiya Putty are all used for similar purposes in the context of miniature assembly and modification, but they have different properties and working characteristics that make them suitable for different applications and preferences.

Assembling miniatures

Pinning

Pinning is a technique used to reinforce the bond between separate parts of a miniature, particularly for metal and resin models or larger, heavier components. By drilling small holes in the parts to be joined and inserting a metal pin, you create a stronger connection and reduce the risk of breakage.

1. Gyros Swivel Head Pin Vise: The Gyros Swivel Head Pin Vise features a rotating swivel head that allows for easy, precise control while drilling. It has a comfortable grip and can accommodate drill bits with shank sizes ranging from 0.1mm to 1.2mm. This pin vise is ideal for drilling small holes in miniatures, model parts, and other delicate objects.
2. Excel Blades 70005 Pin Vise: The Excel Blades 70005 Pin Vise is a compact, durable tool designed for precision drilling in small-scale projects. It has a knurled grip for easy handling and comes with four collets that can hold drill bits ranging from 0.25mm to 3.0mm in diameter. This versatile pin vise is suitable for drilling holes in miniatures, models, and various hobby projects.

Magnetizing

Magnetizing your miniatures allows you to swap out different weapon options, limbs, or other components easily. By attaching small magnets to the parts you want to interchange, you can create a versatile collection of miniatures for various gaming scenarios.

1. Neodymium Rare Earth Magnets (2mm x 1mm, 3mm x 2mm, 5mm x 2mm), The Magnet Baron: These small, disc-shaped magnets are perfect for magnetizing smaller parts and accessories on miniatures, such as weapon options or arm swaps. Their compact size and strong magnetic force make them ideal for maintaining a secure connection between parts while remaining discreet and minimally visible.

Please note that these sizes are just examples, and magnets for miniatures come in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different needs and preferences. Always ensure that the magnets you choose are appropriate for the size and weight of the miniature parts you intend to magnetize.

Basing and scenery

Materials and techniques

Creating an interesting and thematic base for your miniatures can enhance their overall appearance and immerse them in the Warhammer universe. Consider using a variety of materials and techniques to create different textures and landscapes.

1. Citadel Texture: Agrellan Earth – Citadel Texture paints are designed to create a variety of textured effects on miniature bases. Agrellan Earth is a crackle paint that, when applied thickly to a base and allowed to dry, forms a cracked, earth-like texture. This effect can be used to create a realistic, dry, and parched landscape on your miniature bases.
2. Vallejo Texture: Pumice – Vallejo offers a range of texture products called Diorama Effects, designed to create different ground textures for miniature bases and dioramas. Pumice is a fine-grained, acrylic-based paste that can be applied to bases using a brush or spatula to create a sandy, desert-like texture. Once dried, it can be painted and weathered to achieve the desired appearance.
3. AK Interactive Terrains: Asphalt – AK Interactive produces a line of terrain products for creating various ground textures on miniature bases and dioramas. Asphalt is an acrylic texture paste that, when applied to a base, creates a realistic asphalt or tarmac surface. This texture is ideal for urban or modern-themed miniature bases and can be painted, weathered, or combined with other materials to create a more dynamic scene.

Basing tools

Using the right tools can make the basing process easier and more enjoyable. Consider adding a few specialized basing tools to your collection for precise application and manipulation of basing materials.

1. Citadel Texture Tool: As dumb as it sounds, this little tool is one of my top five Warhammer hobby supplies on the hobby desk. You wouldn’t think it would be so much more useful than a coffee stirrer, but it IS. The Citadel Texture Tool is a dual-ended tool designed to help you apply Citadel Texture paints and other basing materials onto your miniature bases. One end of the tool has a flat, shovel-like spatula for applying and spreading texture paint or paste, while the other end has a narrow, pointed tip for creating precise lines, patterns, or reaching small, tight areas on the base.
2. Green Stuff World Texture Rolling Pins: Green Stuff World offers a variety of texture rolling pins that can be used to create detailed, patterned textures on a variety of basing materials, such as Green Stuff putty, Milliput, or air-dry clay. These rolling pins come in various designs, including cobblestone, brick, and wood planks, allowing you to create realistic ground textures and patterns for your miniature bases quickly and easily.
3. Tamiya Modeling Brush (Pointed): A pointed modeling brush, such as the Tamiya Modeling Brush, can be a versatile tool for applying and manipulating basing materials on your miniature bases. The fine, pointed bristles allow for precise control when applying basing glue, pigments, or small flock and scatter materials to create realistic and detailed ground effects, such as grass, gravel, or dirt.

Painting Techniques and Tips

Weathering and battle damage

Chipping and scratches

Adding battle damage, such as chips and scratches, can give your miniatures a realistic, battle-hardened appearance. Use a small brush or sponge to apply small amounts of contrasting paint to the edges and raised details of your model.

1. AK Interactive Heavy Chipping Effects: AK Interactive’s Heavy Chipping Effects is an acrylic-based fluid that helps create chipping effects on painted miniatures. Apply this product between the base layer of paint and the top layer, and once the top layer is dry, use a damp brush or toothpick to gently remove paint in desired areas, revealing the base layer beneath and creating a chipped paint appearance.
2. Vallejo Chipping Medium: Vallejo’s Chipping Medium is a water-based medium designed to create paint chipping effects on miniatures and models. Apply the Chipping Medium over the base paint layer, let it dry, and then apply the top paint layer. Once the top layer is dry, moisten a brush or sponge and gently rub the paint surface to create realistic chipping and worn effects.
3. MIG Productions Scratches Effects: MIG Productions’ Scratches Effects is an enamel-based product formulated to create chipping and scratching effects on painted models. Apply this product over the base paint layer, let it dry, and then apply the top paint layer. After the top layer has dried, use a brush, sponge, or toothpick moistened with enamel thinner to gently remove paint in desired areas, creating scratches and chipping effects.

Rust and corrosion

Rust and corrosion effects can add depth and realism to your miniatures, particularly on metal surfaces and vehicles. Specialized weathering products can help you achieve realistic rust effects.

1. AK Interactive Rust Effects: AK Interactive offers a range of Rust Effects products designed to create realistic rust and corrosion effects on models. The Rust Effects line includes various rust-colored pigments, washes, and texture products that can be used alone or in combination to create convincing rust and weathering effects on miniatures.
2. Vallejo Rust and Chipping Effects: Vallejo’s Rust and Chipping Effects is a range of water-based, acrylic paints designed to simulate the appearance of rust, corrosion, and chipping on miniatures. The Rust and Chipping Effects range includes a variety of colors and finishes that can be applied in layers and with different techniques to achieve a realistic, textured rust appearance.
3. Secret Weapon Miniatures Rust and Corrosion Pigments: Secret Weapon Miniatures offers a range of rust and corrosion pigments that can be used to create realistic weathering effects on miniatures. These finely ground pigments can be applied dry or mixed with a medium to create a paint-like consistency and then applied to the miniature’s surface. Once applied, the pigments can be manipulated to create the desired rust and corrosion effects, such as streaking, oxidation, and patina.

Showcasing and Protecting Your Miniatures

After investing time and effort into assembling, painting, and basing your Warhammer miniatures, it’s essential to showcase and protect your hard work. In this section, we’ll explore various display and storage solutions, along with maintenance tips to keep your miniatures in pristine condition.

Displaying your miniatures

Display cases

Display cases are an excellent way to showcase your miniatures while protecting them from dust and damage. Choose a display case that suits your collection size and style, and consider adding lighting to enhance the presentation.

1. Artis Opus Display Cases: Undeniably attractive, these cases, which come in a wide variety of sizes, will make any miniatures look amazing. Though capacity is limited due to shallow depth, the interior lighting really makes these cases look stunning.
2. Ikea Detolf Glass-Door Cabinet: The Ikea Detolf Glass-Door Cabinet is a popular option among miniature hobbyists for its affordability and versatility. It features four tempered glass shelves and a lockable door to protect and display your miniatures. The cabinet measures 43 inches tall by 16 inches wide and 14 inches deep, making it suitable for displaying both individual miniatures and larger collections.
3. DisplayGifts Miniature Display Case Cabinet: The DisplayGifts Miniature Display Case Cabinet is a compact and elegant display case designed to showcase individual miniatures or small collections. It features a clear acrylic front and sides, a wooden base and top, and a hinged door with a lockable latch. The display case measures 9.5 inches tall by 11 inches wide and 4.5 inches deep and can be placed on a shelf or tabletop to showcase your miniatures.

Storing and transporting miniatures

Foam trays

Foam trays provide cushioned protection for your miniatures during storage and transportation. Choose trays with slots sized for your specific models, and look for modular systems that can be customized to accommodate your growing collection.

1. Battle Foam: Battle Foam offers a range of foam trays and carrying cases designed specifically for storing and transporting miniature collections. Their trays are made from high-quality foam, which can be customized to fit the shape and size of your miniatures, ensuring a snug and secure fit. Their carrying cases come in various sizes and styles, such as backpacks, duffel bags, and wheeled cases, to accommodate different miniature collections and travel needs.
2. Feldherr: Feldherr is another popular brand of foam trays and carrying cases for miniature collections. Their trays are made from high-quality foam and come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including trays with customized slots for specific miniatures. Their carrying cases are available in different sizes and styles, such as messenger bags, backpacks, and hard cases, to provide durable and safe transport for your miniatures.
3. KR Multicase: KR Multicase offers a range of foam trays and carrying cases designed for storing and transporting miniature collections of various sizes. Their trays come in different shapes and sizes, with customizable slots for individual miniatures or foam blocks for larger collections. Their carrying cases are available in soft or hard cases, with different sizes and styles, including backpacks and wheeled cases, to accommodate different travel needs and collections.

Magnetic storage

Magnetic storage systems use magnets to secure your miniatures during transportation, reducing the risk of paint chipping or damage. Attach small magnets to the bases of your miniatures and use a metal-lined storage case or transport bag for a secure and efficient storage solution.

1. Battle Foam Magna Rack: Battle Foam’s Magna Rack is a modular magnetic storage system designed specifically for miniatures. It features a series of magnetic trays that can be stacked and arranged to fit different miniature collections and storage spaces. The Magna Rack’s trays are made from a durable, high-quality plastic and come with a flexible magnetic sheet that adheres to the base of your miniatures, keeping them securely in place.
2. GameCraft Miniatures Magnetic Figure Case: The GameCraft Miniatures Magnetic Figure Case is a compact and portable storage option designed for individual miniatures or small collections. The case features a clear plastic lid, a sturdy foam base, and a layer of adhesive magnetic sheeting to keep your miniatures securely in place. The case measures 7 inches by 5 inches by 1.5 inches, making it an ideal size for carrying in a backpack or luggage.
3. Citadel Skirmish Figure Case: The Citadel Skirmish Figure Case is a magnetic storage option designed specifically for Games Workshop miniatures. It features a sturdy, hard plastic case with a clear lid, foam inserts, and a layer of magnetic sheeting to keep your miniatures securely in place. The case measures 12.5 inches by 9 inches by 3 inches, making it suitable for larger miniature collections or for travel purposes.

Takeaways

In conclusion, the Warhammer hobby is a multifaceted experience that offers endless opportunities for creativity, strategy, and camaraderie. By investing in the best hobby supplies, such as tools for assembly and painting, display and storage solutions, and terrain and gaming accessories, you can ensure that you’re well-equipped to get the most out of your Warhammer journey.

Remember that practice and experimentation are key to refining your skills and achieving the results you desire. As you progress in the hobby, don’t hesitate to explore new techniques and products to continue improving your miniatures and gaming experience. Most importantly, enjoy the process and take pride in the stunning collection you create, both on and off the battlefield.

With the right tools, supplies, and a passion for the Warhammer universe, you’re well on your way to creating a world of epic battles, heroic champions, and unforgettable stories. So gather your miniatures, prepare your battlefield, and immerse yourself in the thrilling and rewarding world of Warhammer.