Helping Your Child Paint Warhammer Figurines: Simple Tips

Painting Warhammer figurines can be a fun and creative activity to share with your child. However, it’s important to remember that this isn’t a competition to get perfectly painted figurines, but a way to learn and have fun. Here are some tips to help guide your child through this adventure!

Don’t Be Too Ambitious

It’s normal to want the figurines to look amazing, but remember that your child’s first efforts won’t be as polished as those of an experienced painter. The key is that your child feels proud of their figurine. The goal is not immediate perfection, but gradual improvement. Figurine by figurine, your child will understand techniques better and improve over time. Encourage them to appreciate each step, even the small imperfections!

Let Your Child Choose the Colors

One of the most exciting aspects of painting figurines is the ability to let the imagination run wild. If your child wants their Skaven to be pink and yellow, let them! This will allow them to personalize their figurines and take ownership of the experience. However, to avoid a chaotic result, it can be helpful to limit the number of colors used. For example, one color for the wood, one for the metal, and 1 or 2 colors for the fabric and skin.

If the army has identical units, like the Skaven Clanrats, it can be a good idea to assign each unit a different color to distinguish them more easily on the battlefield. This makes the game flow more smoothly and helps your child better understand the organization of their army.

Protect the Work Area

Painting can be messy, so it’s a good idea to prepare the environment. A tablecloth or plastic sheet is a great option for protecting surfaces. Your child’s hands (and possibly their clothes) will likely get stained, so an old t-shirt or apron is highly recommended. Also, have some wipes or cloths handy to clean up any spills quickly. This will save you trouble, and your child can focus on what matters most: painting!

For the First Sessions, Do the Heavy Lifting

In the first painting sessions, it’s better to do everything except the painting! Prepare the paint, dilute it, and load the brush yourself. Let your child observe and understand what happens with the paint, how to reload the brush, and most importantly, how to use the right amount. Encourage them to see what happens when the brush runs out of paint, or when they’ve added too much.

As time goes on, you’ll be able to give them more responsibility, until they become fully independent. Once they’ve mastered the technique a bit more, you can paint alongside them, sharing creative moments together.

Paint in Groups

A good method is to paint a small group of figurines at once. For example, start by painting all the wood on every figurine in the group, then move to the metal, and so on. This avoids constantly changing paints and makes the process more fluid. It also allows you to see immediate progress, which is very rewarding for a child.

Play with the Figurines, Even if They’re Incomplete

It doesn’t matter if the figurines aren’t fully finished or if they’re not as perfect as you would like. The important thing is that your child can use them on the battlefield. Seeing their figurines in action strengthens their connection with the hobby and gives them a sense of pride, even if the work is still in progress. It also gives them a better understanding of how their painting impacts the game.

If you’re not sure where to start, our progressive battle guide is here to help.

Painting Warhammer figurines with your child is a fantastic adventure that combines creativity, learning, and fun. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to guide them through their progress while sharing special moments together. So, grab your brushes and get ready to paint!