21 things to buy next / What I think you should be spending your money on

[@AbyssalMinis]

This channel is criminally underrated. Top notch production and info. Thank you

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks A, I appreciate hearing it.

[@DBomb84]

Also love the sens of humor :)

[@jeremielemaire1934]

ive only discovered this channel in the past two weeks and the production is unparalleled to any other youtuber in the hobby. i dont get how its so "clean"

[@52Miniatures]

@@jeremielemaire1934 Thank you J, I appreciate it.

[@aunderiskerensky2304]

yea i agree, glad i followed over from miniac. hope to see a collab sometime.

[@nightfire734]

Big tip: Check your local game store for any of these before hopping on amazon. It's very easy and tempting to hear something online and order it in a few clicks right then, but supporting your LGS goes a long for them and you get to see the product in person first.

[@52Miniatures]

Most definitely. I buy everything I can from my LFGS. Not only to support but because I usually leave with products I need, recommended by the staff (or even testing in store) rather than shopping blindly online.

[@tftf60]

10 month after publishing, this video is still gold!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks T!

[@wait4tues]

A scrap miniature. Best advice I've ever heard. I can't believe I've never heard of anyone else using one nor thought of doing that. Brilliant.

[@52Miniatures]

I wouldn't go without. I think I have four of them now, following around. And I just keep re - priming them when they get to messy.

[@RedFlameGamer]

This video (Hell the whole channel really) deserves so much more attention than it's getting. The presentation's excellent and the advice here is very solid and well spoken and gave me some new things to think about down the line. I'm glad I stumbled upon it!

[@52Miniatures]

Wow, thank you R! I appreciate it.

[@aunderiskerensky2304]

99 percent isopropyl soaking bin has been really good to me as well for paint removal, and has NOT harmed any of the minis. i've had a group of first born in a soaking tupperware for like 3 months cause i keep putting them off, and they are completely fine.

[@52Miniatures]

Yeah. I'm going to try this next :)

[@brutismaximus1]

This guy: Excellent advice Me: Walks out with more minis to add to my pile of shame.

[@52Miniatures]

It is known to happen !

[@orthy853]

This is the channel for those who are starting and it’s an honest, upfront, no frills channel and I have taken more “logic” away from it then almost anyone else.

[@coalitionofrob436]

Never cease to be amazed at your conversational style, and impeccable English!

[@52Miniatures]

Well thank you 🙏

[@TriptonStudios]

Top notch production indeed! I said to my girlfriend this is like watching a show about miniature painting on A&E or BBC!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks T! I really appreciate it.

[@tonybayer2546]

One thing I'd like to add for scrap miniatures, is that green plastic army men work great. They're cheap, can be bought in bulk, and it saves you from using up models that can actually be used for something. When I got into this hobby, I painted 20-30 army men before I was confident enough to paint my first Space Marines, and because of this they actually came out pretty well. Great video btw, will definitely consider mixing balls and tufts.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Tony, that a good Idea!

[@CraigHitch]

Just wanted to say thank you for the tips! The whole section about "hobbying on" really struck a cord with me. I have 3 young children so obviously, I have zero space to hobby in right now and I also cant leave anything lying around for the children (I prefer the term demons) to get their mitts on. I just wanted to add that for anyone in a similar situation, I found that a portable paint station (the one I use is Army Painter) has been a life saver. I basically store all my models, paints and tools etc in plastic modular storage, and then when the kids are asleep and I have a couple of hours spare of an evening, it is a simple case of getting the containers out, setting up my paint station and then getting cracking. As you said, you don't need "everything" to be able to hobby, it is just about using the items that best suit your own situation. Massive thank you for emphasising this! Love the videos.

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Craig, I really appreciate you comment. It keeps me making more videos :) I'm glad to hear you get some hours of hobby time in every now and again.

[@wasteyelo1]

Incredibly valuable advice and an exceptional command of sarcasm.

[@52Miniatures]

Am glad to hear that. I don’t think that list has changed much... maybe ad textured rolling pins... and there should have been food on the list... I always forget to eat when I paint and then complain over the shakes that get worse and worse.

[@evidentside]

As a Scot that uses sarcasm as conversational currency, I concur and second this statement. Brilliant!

[@PzFalconer]

Aside from everythhing else that's good about this video, it's very refreshing to hear advice from someone who also lives it a flat and has to approach their limited hobby space smart instead of wide.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks P! It is more and more challenging with the channel, to stay limited. If it was not for that.. I think probably a few boundaries are a good thing 😂

[@PzFalconer]

@@52Miniatures still, even with your relatively small set up you manage to produce quality content which rivals that of people with proper home studios. This is impressive! Totally wish you to overcome all the challenges you face.

[@52Miniatures]

🙏

[@aehink143]

Oh man, the toothbrush scene got a laugh there.

[@52Miniatures]

Ha ha! Guess I’ll have to make a “different ways of shaking your paint” sketch one day.

[@willmendoza8498]

Same. I was not prepared for that.

[@VASM160689]

@@52Miniatures yes!

[@aunderiskerensky2304]

after abusing several army painter brushes i finally bought a tiny and a medium windsor and newton, and they are completely different behaviours. The newtons hold paint better, release paint smoother, clean better. i never thought they would make such a huge difference but i'm glad i learned to take care of them before i bought them.

[@52Miniatures]

Nice! And I would agree :)

[@schizosamurai8840]

I admire how level-headed your demeanor is

[@52Miniatures]

Well thank you Lemon

[@Felipe.Portugal]

Just found out about the channel through Midwinter Minis and Miniac and I'm very pleasantly surprised. Great advice, lovely camera angles, strappingly handsome guy with buttery smooth voice and beautiful minis... Yep I'm here to stay for sure!

[@52Miniatures]

Welcome to the channel F! I'm very glad for the recommendations.

[@SerPounce23]

The book point is legit. Ive forgotten my favourite paint recipes so many times.

[@52Miniatures]

Definitely something well worth investing in!

[@BjornFriborg]

@@52Miniatures It is, and great tip with having the paints in there as well. I have a google docs that I put my recipes in - helps me because it is always accessible from my phone and I have a tendency to forget to bring stuff when I go to a mate's place and paint. Also the google docs recipe is also helpful if you want to share your recipes with other people.

[@52Miniatures]

@@BjornFriborg Good idea!

[@goofytroopy123]

It makes me feel comfortable to see someone that does the same as me just uses the coffee table for hobby stuff and then clean everything up. I have children and it is so hectic to try and do building and painting in my living room with them running around.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Dave, I must admit to now having my own little desk. There was an opening in real-estate in the living room. But I mainly blame video creation. Rigging up my camera every single time I film for videos was taking its toll.

[@TheMarmicz]

Hey, I just want to say thank you for the points you made at the end of the video, about making it work somehow. As someone who has rarely time to paint due to adult life responsibilities, this resonated a lot with me. Often times I come across videos where they showcase various styles that look great, but just the equipment and paint range they use costs a fortune that I can't justify. I really love your modest style of videos. Great stuff. Thanks.

[@52Miniatures]

Good to hear it. I think after a while it is difficult to keep perspective. I mean, making videos like this... I buy a lot of stuff to say the least. I get sent stuff for free. I really do now need a solid setup, to save time. But this is not really part of the "normal" hobbying. Having all this stuff around is sometimes blinding.

[@davidvargas7624]

This is my new favorite KZbin hobby Channel. I wish you the best kind sir, and I Will definetly check all videos (and wait for many many more.)

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it :) Welcome to the channel!

[@fernandoarrellaga6035]

Tip for a cheap paint rack. Desing one an then you can cut it in wood with your friend laser cutting machine ( you should have a friend with that machine, the machine is awesome). If you don't have friends with interesting machines you can print the desing and make one from foam board or even wood, but that's more work. Filament printers are fine too i guess, but that's 3d modeling, a little more complex than a 2d desing.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Fernando. I don't have a friend with a laser cutting machine. But I did build one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmKceqBjgb1rnZI

[@duogemstone]

My suggestion would be a nail polish shaker, works great with the small miniature paint pots/dropper bottles to make sure every thing is mixed well and saves your arm. Quite a few good things can be found in the nail polish section of a store as that's also where I got my lamp ( LED, 3 brightness levels and 3 light types white, blue and red. Even has a usb port on the bottom )

[@zamo9660]

For sure! I hear you, there's also micro cristal balls supposed to be nail decoration but can be used to fill skull eye sockets, as pimples in nurgle figures, rivets... Nail polish section is a gold mine for hobbyists. And do not forget to get makeup sponges and brushes, these rock for weathering and dry rushing respectively.

[@52Miniatures]

I need to find the nail polish section! Thanks Duo!

[@sethpeterson8261]

One thing almost no one ever mentions that would be my #1 thing people should get are jewelers magnifying glasses. I use Beileshi 2 Led ones, they're cheap (less than $20) and I keep the 2.5x magnification lenses in them. I can't believe how long i went without using these, but I will not paint without them. Gamechanging. Painting handles - great except that you have to remove the mini to paint the entire base Varnish - Vallejo brush on satin. Will never go back to spray or matte (except when needed as an effect) Paint remover - Clean Slate rmvr 2.0 is the best and fastest I've used so far Table lamp - Phive multi-temp gooseneck led lamp Wet pallette - I use the same one you showed Paint balls - I use the Army Painter ones too Crackle paint - Never tried it but now I will Small book - I'll consider it Needle files - Not sure why I'm still scraping with an exacto Tiny drills - Probably should get one of these

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks! Scraping with an exacto is not to be underestimated. I use that most of the time. The needle files are a great compliment for everything an exacto can't do - and when you end up with a "finecast" or metal mini... thats when you really appreciate them.

[@RobertOfficer]

The paint bottle rubber banded to the toothbrush is brilliant.

[@52Miniatures]

😂

[@Dimanti88]

My favourite thing I recently got and made a huge improvement to painting fine details is "flow enhancer". It makes the paint flow out of your brush in a much more controlled way and the paint doesn't dry in your brush as fast as it normally would. Also less brushstroke texture when you apply the paint.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks D! The stuff one gets for airbrush?

[@Dimanti88]

@@52Miniatures it's called Daler Rowney flow enhancer, I got the tip from Sorastro's painting channel, he's a great painter and his videos are very calm. I don't know if the flow enhancer is supposed to be used for airbrushes, I just know it works great for normal brush work.

[@52Miniatures]

@@Dimanti88 thanks!

[@avocato1135]

You're fast becoming one of my favourite content producers in the wargaming/hobby painting world! A few things I can suggest if I may? Paint stripper, If you're in the UK or somewhere in the world that sells it, go to a pound shop or supermarket and grab some Dettol, cheap and works pretty well. Mixing balls: grab a pack of cheap plastic BBs, you get far more of them and they do exactly the same job, I had some left over from when I used to airsoft, and I've barely made a dent in mine, having filled atleast 100 pots since I started. :)

[@52Miniatures]

Thank A! Yeah, I've been given tips about Dettol, just don't know if I can get my hands on it (I'm in Sweden). But thanks for the tips!

[@viktorlundstrom780]

You explain these things in a calming way for me. I have a hobby space in my livingroom also but it consist of a industrial shelving unit 120cmx200cmx70cm it can hold everything from 3d printer to painting area on another shelf. for people living in small flats I would recommend it as with a bit of imagination the can really hold a lot and with a bit of actual artistic talent, they can even look acceptable for your partner.

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it V, and your quite right. I plan do do a little video about this kind of stuff as well.

[@13Robzilla]

On the idea of keeping a painting journal, I can't recommend google drive enough for this. Unlimited storage of google docs. You can organize them in folders to your liking, my favorite part is the price...free. A year later when someone asks you how you painted something you can just pull it up. Being able to add to something while on the go helps a lot too since inspiration strikes at inopportune times it seems. Great video, thanks for sharing and please be safe!

[@52Miniatures]

Very true! Personally I like to stay “off screen” when painting... just to relax from accidental email checks :) but electronic notes are a lot easier to edit and sort. 👍

[@13Robzilla]

@@52Miniatures i just have something voice that types into notepad then copy paste into a new google doc to edit and sort. For me its more about the ability to do whenever and wherever. Bad luck I guess.

[@ramenron]

You have a unique and valid voice in this space. I would add to your to your list by suggesting a not inexpensive bottle of whisky. Pouring out a wee dram before starting a session with the hobby really sets a tone. ;-)

[@52Miniatures]

My alter ego that is in no way a responsible KZbin creator that in no way wants to encourage any forms of substance abuse agrees with you. Of course enjoyed responsibly. But that’s not me talking, it’s the alter ego.

[@ramenron]

@@52Miniatures Skål!

[@philgee486]

Amen Brother! though for me it's a bottle of Hendrick's (other deep and complex tasting intoxicants are available...)

[@langezek]

@52 Miniatures It can actually be super useful for people who shake a lot as it's a depressant. I cant have sugar or coffee before I paint, but a (responsible) drink can really quell the tremors

[@Ljaysauz]

@@philgee486 2 parts hendricks to 3 parts fevertree elderflower tonic: the best G&T I've ever had.

[@swsot]

Getting back into the hobby, originally started when I was about 9 and then life happened but I feel so lucky to have come across this channel, the perfect blend of beautiful camera work, painting, advice and wit. It's safe to say that I'm not only addicted to miniature related things but also this channel

[@52Miniatures]

I'm glad to hear it S, welcome to the channel. Hope the videos can continue to inspire.

[@michaelspitz9151]

Thanks, this really inspired me to be more diligent with what I purchase for my hobby and to not take what I have for granted.

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it M! Thanks

[@raskov75]

Can we just take a second to drool over the way my man lights himself? Look at those shadows! Feel like I'm looking a panel of a graphic novel.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks B!

[@Plan3tBob]

I was thinking the same!

[@chrisashcroft2111]

I found the first twenty minutes really helpful, but those last six minutes were amazing for me, so thank you. I’ve not been able to put into words why I don’t mind that I don’t have a dedicated hobby space to my girlfriend. It just gives me the freedom to paint anywhere. And as for paints, I’ve finally decided that I don’t need to buy all the paints listed on the box to paint a unit, and I’m just going to paint them my own colours. Thank you very much

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it Chris, thank you for letting me know :)

[@durzod2052]

This may be just a US thing, but I highly recommend using the styrofoam trays that grocery stores package meats with. Wash them thoroughly & let them dry. I use them to hold mini projects. Easier to grab a single tray to work on than carry a box or whatever else. There is a slight rim around the edge (depending on what was in it) that helps keep things together. They're great for model building, as you can cut parts from sprues and have a place to put them where they won't go wandering. The best part: it keeps them out of the landfill! They can also be used to sort out units when playing. Easy to carry that reinforcing unit from the sideboard to the table. When they start o break (and they will) use the pieces in your basing and/or terrain. +1 to the whiskey, though a glass of wine works, too.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks for the tip D, I appreciate it. There sure is a lot of packaging around, that's for sure. Especially during this pandemic. All these things delivered have brought me a wealth of little boxes to store hobby stuff in :)

[@pazuzu_666]

14:06 I was expecting Brent from Goobertown Hobbies to make an appearance!

[@52Miniatures]

Maybe he did without us noticing.

[@ArnoldBrad]

Varnish. I always gloss coat every model. Let that dry thoroughly then hit it with a flat varnish to kill the shine. Gloss coat is thicker and harder than flat (generally), giving better protection.

[@52Miniatures]

True A, I’m doing the same.

[@Wijkert]

I like the paint book idea. I did the same for all my colors but combined it with answering another question I had and that was how all my paints airbrush. So I have a big book (A3 format) with all my paints (except for my oil paints) which I use to decide which pains I am going to use. I was a lot of work (just like most of us I have many paints), so not keen to do it again, but I do regret not painting a vertical bar of black paint, so I can see how the paints covers over both black and white. that also makes it easier to see if there is white/grey paints mixed into the green for example because if would cover the black much better and therefor be less suitable as a translucent paint for glazing and going over a zenithal prime for example.

[@52Miniatures]

Now you are going expert level! But true. Having a black line would be a nice thing. So now we need to develop a notebook with half and half white / black pages?

[@Wijkert]

@@52Miniatures that is the dream! ;)

[@alcovitch]

I think the only comment I'll make, is that, having a limited area to paint myself, having paint bottles all over the place taking up valuable space was depressing. It got to a point i didn't want to paint anymore. I got myself some nail polish racks and stuck 2 on the wall with Command Strips and it's a huge change. Now everything is organized and tidy and the space to paint is much more inviting.

[@52Miniatures]

The most important thing is to figure out what works individually and what is possible to do with the space available. Sounds like you found what works for you.

[@evidentside]

Just came across your channel. Really enjoyed watching this video. Your relaxed but genuine and off cuff style hit the spot. Could watch many hours of you chatting. Straight to the point in a very human and light hearted way. Great!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Mark. I appreciate it.

[@kristianknutson4703]

Never thought of a note book for my paint schemes, but it is genius. Thank you!

[@52Miniatures]

I'm very glad for my little book. As long as I remember adding the new paints I buy :)

[@moojoos4496]

Ive been painting for over 30 years and I still learned something from this. Awesome content sir. (also having a painted thumb is the sign of a true mini painter :) )

[@52Miniatures]

Very glad to hear it M! Thank you for letting me know :)

[@TriptonStudios]

Also I can recommend the Ottlight! It’s a bulb that can go in your standard Alvin mounted desk lights I use 3 on the fan in my room and 2 desk lamps. The bulbs are 15usd each but I’ve been using the same bulbs I bought 5 years ago! I was so taken by how clear they make the colors! I highly recommend this bulb for anyone that’s looking for better light but already has drafting style swing arm lights that take a standard screw in bulb

[@52Miniatures]

Okay! I'll check that out. Thank you :)

[@TriptonStudios]

@@52Miniatures for you, your lighting that you use for Videography is prob better than the ottlight. I More wanted to recommend it to your followers and viewers who don’t have the photograph lights and who may still be using regular bulbs in their lamps. The ottlight does have the same problem as your lights, they show colors so vibrantly and then when you get them in normal light it’s like, wait a min this isn’t how I remember this looking. Cheers!

[@guylaindeschenes9793]

For the lamps, just changing the bulbs for daylight bulbs is a nice improvement.

[@52Miniatures]

Definitely Guylain!

[@BreakingDamian]

This is the channel I was looking for a long time... Thank you.

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it it Damian! Welcome :)

[@alangilbert8627]

I'm new back to the hobby after a 32 year break but I'm taking this up with my son this time so I'm having to buy for 2 of us. It's fine though, after buying our first 40k recruit box set for each of us and a box set of paints to share. I then explained to my son how expensive this hobby can be so not to expect to much to quickly. I spend about £20 each week when I take my son to his painting class at our local warhammer store. We now have quite a collection of stuff and we're only about 4 months in.

[@52Miniatures]

Lovely. Welcome back to the hobby. And great to hear you brought your child along. Also. Great thing that your local warhammer store has painting classes for kids. Fabulous.

[@MichaelAlthauser]

I'm glad I stuck around for the rambling at the end, and I think you made some great points about hobbying regardless of what your hobby space looks like. I also really like seeing other people's hobby areas, and how they organize their work flow. And I appreciate that your cutting mat is stained and dirty... it's seen some good use.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Michael! I appreciate it.

[@Adol666]

The best way to shake your paints is to get a nail polish shaker. You strap your paint bottle in and its literally done in under 10 seconds. You can get one of Amazon for like $25-30 dollars

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks! For now I enjoy the exercise 😂

[@Szized]

started to use a pair of socks. you can do even 2,3 paints(non Citadel) at the same time, swirl it back and forth. done.

[@guilherme17143]

As someone who paints in the kitchen table, this video was awesome, I simply love your channel !

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Z! I appreciate it.

[@socalastarte6727]

Very interesting list. I’ve been painting for quite sometime and have a bit of a routine that works for me. Many items on your list have piqued my interest. Very concise, professional video. Thank you sir

[@kaijuk]

I feel very lucky to have found this channel, thank you for the hard work you put into these videos to help people new to the hobby ❤️☺️👍

[@kaijuk]

p.s. Congratulations on hitting 40k subs 🤗🙌❤️

[@52Miniatures]

Well thank you Caroline, and welcome to the channel.

[@Blimsky]

Once you get a wet pallette, you'll want a workspace because you can sit down and carry on painting whenever you want without fuss, close the lid and rinse your brush and you're free to come back whenever you get 5 minutes. Just sit down and paint...completly changes the way you paint because you don't have to chuck the paint on before it dries, you can close the lid and leave your model to dry whilst you have a cup of tea.

[@52Miniatures]

Yeah, I have one now, a workspace that is. But not a luxury every one has :)

[@Blimsky]

@@52Miniatures wet pallete kinda makes you find a space for it to live, it's like getting a new plant or pet... needs a place to sit, watering and having its paper changed regularily, keep it happy and you can paint at the drop of a hat

[@52Miniatures]

@@Blimsky Hah! very true :)

[@danspencer1281]

The notebook of paint colour is bloody genius. I shall be using that one. As I type this it occurs to me that I may add the colour over a few undercoat colours as well, to see the difference.

[@52Miniatures]

I try to do really thick and then smudge it out thinner... to get it all in the one stroke.

[@danspencer1281]

@@52Miniatures Ah good thinking. I am very much enjoying your channel. I am watching a couple of vids while I paint. I found you thanks to Luke's vid. With all this great minature painting content, it really is the best time for this hobby.

[@52Miniatures]

@@danspencer1281 I'm glad to hear it, it was a very nice thing of Luke to do :)

[@archfrank]

Regarding your final point, I found out that I was more productive and learning more when I had a very limited array of paints and tools (and minis, but I refuse to admit I have to buy less minis so let's ignore this for now). As I started to buy more analysis paralysis started to become a thing and now I need to re-focus on getting things done! Also I work on the corner of my computer desk at home, so I'm with you on team smallhobbyspace - hopefully upgrading to a dedicated desk when I move to a house next summer

[@52Miniatures]

Yeah, new stuff is also strange in the way that, I at least, put older stuff aside - even though the older stuff might actually be “better” suited for the task at hand, but I for some reason tend to grab whatever is new. Kind of making a video about some of this stuff right now...

[@archfrank]

@@52Miniatures I had this very experience with brushes, bought some finer point synthetics that were too long (still need to saw them) and some cheap sables that were too big which eventually made me realize my cheap synthetics were just fine for what I am doing. Still going to try and get my hands on the ones everyone seems to recommend, but it mostly proves your point!

[@janbiela8596]

Good advice and great closing words! I definitely recommend anyone to get a “proper” light very soon when starting with this hobby. In my case it’s two IKEA desk lamps (one on the left side and one on the right, so I don’t cast a shadow on the mini) with daylight bulbs. And by daylight bulbs I don’t mean the 6500k ones from the super market (their light is so cold it’s blue). Instead look for something in the 5800k range online. From my experience they also don’t need to be too bright as this will hurt your eyes. Sorry for rambling, but so many people out there just recommend bulbs that are bright like the sun and that didn’t work out for me at all. I don’t think it’s particularly healthy for your eyes either.

[@52Miniatures]

Yes! I wanted to do an entire video about lighting but as I was in the stages of recording @tabletopminions but one out. So I’ll wait a while before putting one out. Light is very important especially if one is hobbying for long periods. Aiming for daylight is great. I think my lamps are set at about 5500k. But also to harsh a light can be missinformative while painting... anyway! Have a lovely weekend Jan!

[@zamo9660]

Colour is the way objects refect light and how it's read by our eyes so basically yes: light or proper light is key if you are painting.

[@c.michaelpatrick6473]

Just stumbled upon your channel and there’s so much to learn here. The book idea for logging your paints is a bit of genius if you ask me. Definitely got a long term subscriber.

[@52Miniatures]

It serves me better and better. It’s amazing how objective paint choice becomes when just looking at the actual dry paint.. out of mini context like this.

[@28mmRPG]

I'm getting old and I get a lot of medications to keep me going, I have a lot of empty prescription bottles, which have saved me from buying "handles". For stripping paint, I use "Totally Awesome", its cheap, I buy it from the dollar store for cheap and it works on all paint (I use both oil and acrylic). I stick with 2 paint companies, Vallejo and Army Painter. They have the best price/and package deals... and staying with fewer companies means spending less money. Gamblin 1980 is the best for price and quality for oil paint. My Wife manages a paint store so buying paint for terrain is cheap for me, lol. I bought empty mini-snap-top paint bottles for oils, I like using the empty mini dropper bottles from Army painter to keep Gamsol or water or flow improver in... makes it easy to add to paint in consistent quantities. Paint rack makes it easy to find my paint by sight.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks for all the tips!

[@VASM160689]

For those who (luckily) don't have prescription pills bottles, you can use spice flasks, those small glass flasks with oregano, etc, which have the bonus that you can have several corks/tops/whateverthethingsthatclosethemarecalled and you just switch minis by changing the cap.

[@andy430jugo]

I started painting miniatures around month ago and obviously spent hours on YT watching different tutorials, and what a pleasant surprise this channel is! Apparently you can make impeccable quality, funny videos without making stupid jokes and having 1000+ paint bottles around you (of course in special holders). Since I`m painting space marines (obviously), especially 10:10 struck me like lightning. Great work.

[@52Miniatures]

Welcome to the channel Andy! And thank you. Although, I do think I have developed into one of them with special holders 😂 But at least I made them myself, and mainly I blame KZbin for the whole thing.

[@andreaswillemsen9889]

You are the Bob Ross of Miniature Painting.

[@52Miniatures]

Hah! Thanks Andreas :) And thank you very much for the extra support.

[@dungeonsdragonsandkolinsky185]

You have very very very quickly become my favourite KZbin channel for all things miniature painting

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear you like the videos 🙏

[@dungeonsdragonsandkolinsky185]

@@52Miniatures love the videos and how honest you are with the journey we're all on in painting little pieces of plastic ❤️

[@darkowl9]

Tamiya TS-80 is a good very matte varnish, and protects quite well. It's a smaller can though, and the chemicals in it are heinously nasty, so mask up.

[@52Miniatures]

I've become very fond of the Ak interactive (Ultra?) Matte.

[@michaelbkchristensen4135]

So spot on! And love to the dry sense of humor! 😁

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you!

[@steveisaak4320]

I stumbled upon your site in my feed. I have only seen two of your videos and enjoyed both. You explain things well and clearly. Thank you

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Steve, I appreciate it.

[@noirceuillesombre3472]

Really appreciate this segment. It really provided a practical perspective on the hobby and has inspired me to push forward even though I may not have all of the accoutrements, one might think are mandatory. (I don't have a dedicated hobby space, for instance) My pile of shame is piling up, so I'm thinking it's time I actually sat down and started building and painting. Thank you for this video. Namasté 🧘🏻‍♂️🙏

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks for watching :)

[@OriginPainting]

Thanks for sharing how you hobby. Its always nice to see how people come up with ways to do the things that they love.

[@52Miniatures]

My pleasure! At the moment I’m trying to paint minis in a woodwork shop out in the country house... fighting a deadly campaign against dust and dirt. Have a great weekend!

[@ruin8tion]

He's the Jeff Goldblum if minipainting minus the creepiness. Dapper, and entertaining.

[@52Miniatures]

I'm glad to hear it's minus the creepiness :)

[@stefanblackadder5236]

You are absolutely compelling!

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it S, thank you

[@damianmonaghan3205]

Ok, having discovered this channel with your metallic experiment on syll'eske, and going back through some videos that catch my interest. Was not expecting the tooth brush to help shake paint. Hat off to you sir.

[@52Miniatures]

Ha ha! My pleasure D :)

[@Narthadus]

1 peace of quality....you and what you do is awesome. Thank you

[@danielpheasant4778]

As a newbie, I should have seen your video first. Thank you and I really enjoy your style of going over things. GREAT EFFORT :)

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks D, welcome to the channel. Hope you stay for more :)

[@paulomelo1084]

great video. for mixing balls you can get air soft bb balls from a sports store. Choose the 6mm metal ones.

[@theezekarion164]

I have all the unnecessary stuff even the hobbie room so now i must get 3d printer, Hot Wire Cutter & What else was it? Already Got $500 airbrush & $1600 table of ultimate gaming also I've got six 2,000pts armies working on 3 more this year and I've been doin this hobbie now almost a year

[@philgee486]

Great thinking and articulation of ..well thoughts really. A few things about painting handles occurred whilst listening, Painting handles - bought a few and still use some of them for larger based models but: 2ltr bottle caps ( which are very easy to accumulate a hundred of (seriously), fit onto the generic small 250ml bottles I buy lemon juice in. Five or six (I do keep more in the draw for big batches but you don't need them) supermarket lemon juice bottles each with a magnet and a few pebbles dropped in for extra ballast and then topped up with an inch of PVA to fix it all and you have magnetised painting handles that fit the hand beautifully. Glue a bit of tea towel around them for more grip if you feel like it, I'm not sure it was worth bothering. One of mine has a built in small plastic magnifier on a wire hotglued to the side of the bottle under the tea towel and that definitely wasn't worth bothering until I bent it over to use as a brushrest during free hand. Each figure's base gets a flattened blob of totally reusable butyl rubber (much, much stronger than bluetack and you can buy a 5m reel of it for fitting car windscreens for £4 on ebay - get some and you'll love it - thanks to the genius Marco Frisoni at NJM for the tip) to fix it to a bottle cap. They now screw on and off a "handle" as I move through the batch and still sit happily on the desk whilst waiting for their next turn on a handle. I have a couple of flat biscuit baking sheets on the painting desk under my cutting mat for the magnets to grip and now I can put my painting handles down anywhere over them without them falling over. (Any steel sheet will do, tinsnips waiting so the next washing machine we scrap loses a side to make a nice custom U shaped magnetic border for under my cutting mat.) Incidentally I also have a magnetic base on my main lamp that I found grips the paint shaking balls in my paint pots and makes it much less likely they'll get knocked over. Any strong (speaker) magnets glued to a bit of wood will work instead, make a custom paint stand. I also have a magnetic strip meant to hold kitchen knives screwed to the sidewall of my window so models can dry there quickly in the sun. (Painted it gloss white to match the frame so it really doesn't look ugly, wife didn't notice it for the best part of a year - "what's that in the window?" "Dunno, think it's to reduce condensation because it seems to be magnetic....". Make sure the magnets are the right way up in the bottle, one of mine repels it instead! Duh!)

[@52Miniatures]

Wow, thank A. Yeah, I have not yet entered the magnetic world much. I will probably magnetize my army, and I guess getting into the habit of doing that may lead down you path. I used to just put bluetack under the base and stick it on an old paint container. But they wiggle around to much. Got a bunch of the ones I use and have not thought much about it since.

[@philgee486]

@@52Miniatures A magnet in the base of the painting handle helps given the bottles are handsized, so a bit tall and easily knocked over otherwise. Tried a magnet in a bottlecap but the butyl rubber holds bases much more firmly and that's essential. Plus it's ideal when a mini or a sub-assembly is off the base and on a pin instead. (I do sculpt some stuff of my own too)

[@philgee486]

My figures are magnetised with magnetic strip for gaming transport. I used flattened sheets from tin cans glued into the bottom of fishing kriel drawers for them to stick to. Bigger models get two or three neodymium magnets, still can't throw my boxes around but otherwise couldn't be easier.

[@52Miniatures]

Yeah, I will probably head that way to.

[@samuelbroad11]

Golden acrylics has a water based brushable and sprayable (airbrush perfect) Matt varnish with UV protection added that is super velvet lush matt finish, called Matt Polymer Varnish w/UVLS highly recommend it.

[@52Miniatures]

I'm a super matte person myself, but thanks for the tip. I did get some of their transparent paints the other day though.

[@samuelbroad11]

@@52Miniatures If you get the chance try it out. Jatta Bra!

[@johnathanrhoades7751]

"funnier than you are" good luck. I am particularly partial to dry humour, so you are, so far, the funniest (to me) Miniature KZbinr that I watch 😄

[@52Miniatures]

Hah! Glad to hear it J, thank you.

[@BjornFriborg]

I agree with Johnathan. Henry from Cult of Paint also has a great dry humour.

[@Szized]

I like your approach, humble, honest, funny, practical . Ideal length when I wash the dishes too :D

[@Szized]

one thing I would add if I may, (and you can live without it but for me was a huge improvement) magnifying glass.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks S! I can definitely see how magnifying glasses would be a thing. For now I'm going for the approach, "if I can't see it, I won't see it later either". But I know there is flaws in that theory :)

[@Szized]

I agree, for me I can paint much cleaner, have a bit shaky hand so definitely helps, Im not keen on painting every small bit e. g. chains one by one :)

[@saintcityriot1]

I agreed with pretty much everything on this list, and added a few things to my shopping list. Wonderful video!

[@52Miniatures]

Fabulous :)

[@BjornFriborg]

Interesting that this video pops up just as I am browsing for a new apartment, because my girlfriend thinks I should have a hobby room and not invade our livingroom all the time. :P You make excellent points - I will forward them to my residential high command. :D

[@52Miniatures]

I hope command comes to pleasing decisions :)

[@rockkiller124]

This is one of the most informative videos for beginners

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you!

[@SubversionArts]

I love this video. Thank you for putting it together. Delightful.

[@52Miniatures]

Great 👍 I’m glad you love it 😊

[@samuelbroad11]

Paint non Games workshop miniatures too everyone, the high details can be very intimidating, the joins fiddly and difficult to seal. Some simpler sculpts can really improve your style.

[@52Miniatures]

Good point Samuel! Thanks.

[@nameisbad]

Oh it just came to me why you named your channel this, soul wars, 52. Nice, I got into the hobby again with the dark imperium box and the soul wars box. Thanks for the help, your channel has been really helpful, I started with the quest for the holy grail of metal.

[@52Miniatures]

Yeah :) glad to have you aboard!

[@kosachilles2504]

The book is a great idea!

[@52Miniatures]

I use it a lot, one of my best "tips" :)

[@BADbadkittyCAT]

Effortlessly hilarious! Thank you

[@52Miniatures]

💜

[@TheGoodMood]

Great ideas here. I love the one of making a catalogue of your paint colours. I'd considered the idea of getting a note booklet for recipes but had never thought to use it like that! 🙏

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks! It’s nice to have something to flip through when considering new schemes. And having all the same “reds” or “blues” or whatever next to each other is really helpful.

[@Born_Stellar]

I test paint on my regular models. Used to use a throw away one but I figure this way when I try 4 or 5 ideas, one is the good one and then you have 1 mini already done! and paint is so thin i just go over the others.

[@52Miniatures]

Thats a good plan. I do keep some test minis for the crazy stuff though.

[@allstatejake]

Stumbled into this channel by suggestion and it's great! Went back and watched a bunch of your videos and your sub count should be way higher, you're one closer to whatever your goal is, keep it up.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks A! I appreciate it :)

[@JCetto.2612]

Thank you Algorithm for suggesting this channel! Subscribed! This content is so awesome!! Greetings all the way from Lima, Perú!!

[@52Miniatures]

Hola 👋 Welcome to the channel!

[@JCetto.2612]

@@52Miniatures Thank you very much! Glad to be here!

[@nstiles42]

I'll put my free painting handle against the Citadel one any day of the week: Mento's Gum (50 pieces, clear plastic) and some sticky tack. First, it's ergonomic by design; it doubles to hold my bits for conversions and basing material (the one holding sand is nice and heavy for bigger models), and due to the price, I currently have 8 of them in front of me right now, as I batch paint some items. I believe 8 Citadel handles would cost about $80 usd and not double as storage?

[@52Miniatures]

Nice Nathan. That definitely works. I used to use old pots of paint, but I got tired of the the blue tack not holding things in place over time.

[@manuelgaertner6834]

about the hobby and keeping it lagom. Great video!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks you O!

[@michaelinOZ]

Great vid. For bases (especially mass armies) I highly recommend vallejo texture dark earth. Huge jar which will last forever.

[@52Miniatures]

Nice one!

[@rmorris4598]

For bases I find that Simplegrout premixed grout is basically the same thing. On Amazon, Vallejo texture dark earth is almost 20US for 200ml. You can get Simplegrout for around 15US and you get almost 950ml. It makes hundreds of bases for a fraction of the price.

[@michaelinOZ]

R Morris uh. That’s expensive. It’s 10€ here (around 12$) and lasts forever...

[@rmorris4598]

@@michaelinOZ Uh well, in the event that people other than where you are watch this, it's a big savings. And it is at least equal in quality. The point being that we should look outside of the hobby for better solutions and not be brand name drones.

[@noahwilson422]

hahahahaha.. For a split second I thought for sure you were going to stick that pipette in your ear. ouch. I have a coolish/daylight/florescent architectural drafting lamp (because I'm old) and a standard Luxo with a warm filament lamp, It helps me balance different lighting situations.

[@52Miniatures]

Ha ha.. pipette brain sample anyone? Yeah, lights play a pretty big role in the painting experience. Both as a “working environment” type thing, painting under a bad light can be pretty strenuous. But also in the end will effect the end result. Checking what stuff looks like under different sources is a good idea, especially if painting for tabletop. I find a lot of my minis look dull on the tabletop because I’ve been painting under a too bright / contrasty light.

[@Jokerr912]

Just found your channel and it is absolutely AMAZING! Love the content and the fact that you're a Swede makes it all the better IMO (I come from a Swedish family). Your models are phenomenal and have inspired me to work on improving my skills. Tack.

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it J, and welcome to the channel :) I'm glad to hear the videos inspire.

[@DarkAvatar1313]

9:05 About not having a bottle rack, if looking for one to buy avoid ones made for "hobby" customers and such because they tend to be very overpriced. Instead look up racks for nail polish or make-up they tend to be at least half as much and are essentially the same thing.

[@picassawi5578]

Just discovered your channel and I listened (I don't usually watch as eyes are on the workspace) with great interest, in general I agree with most of the stuff, I am not strictly a miniature painter - so I do strongly disagree with one point but that at the end. I'll start with what struck me most - the practice miniature. I've been painting for quite a number of years, but never thought of this brilliant idea, nor did I ever hear about it. It's so obvious now that You've said it. Now as I totally agree with the majority you said especially paint handle, water pallette, experimenting with brands and especially the "excuses" part. There is a lot of stuff on the market that is not needed and I've made a lot of mistakes spending money on things I really didn't need. If you really paint a lot a paint rack is very useful but not essential. And I don't make videos but do take a lot of pictures, as Instagram is my main social media. I do it with my iphone and no onei believes that - so I would say expensive camera is not needed - but you basically said that so I don't judge on people who like their big cameras. The thing I do strongly disagree with - together with painting miniatures I am building a city for them with a lot of vegetation and trees. And Vallejo Moss and Lychen is very important :D I raised my head when you made a pause and saw what you written on the screen!!!! ;) cheers, good video for newcomers and few very very good tips

[@52Miniatures]

Hey P! I appreciate it! There are a lot of things one can buy... and most of them are surplus, not things actually needed.. just more the kind of thing that "we can't resist buying". I feel like a bit of a hypocrite with this, as I now have a lot of these things. Partly because I test things for the channel, because I get given stuff, also because I can't sometimes stop myself. But a lot of it is not necessary. Now to the important thing - how do you use the Moss & Lychen? Because I just don't get it. It's like just a paint... or? Please let me know.

[@picassawi5578]

@@52Miniatures no need to feel like a hypocrite or any kind of regrets as -"a) those who are really serious and commited want to try new things to improve and 2) you serve as a warning with your video :) Moss and lychen is great for trees for example. It's very bright but will fade if diluted and you can either place small dots or stipple some on the bark. You can do the same on buildings that are covered in moss or foliage to give a subtle contrast. For miniatures I don't see too much use, that's true, maybe some Ents or woodelves but it is an enviroment effect after all :) I would invite you to see my work on instagram but I did listen to you saying you don't like tudor style buildings in your build 😂 but I also saw you follow Tabletop World on Instagram and I did win their diorama competition this year with my city so perhaps you'll take a look ;) cheers

[@52Miniatures]

@@picassawi5578 I will have a look! Thanks P

[@DeadBeatDevin]

I'm so glad I clicked on your video! You give great advice, and I love all of the subtle and not-so-subtle jokes. I'm looking forward to watching your other videos :)

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks! Sometimes subtle is just to subtle.

[@paulhetherington8927]

Thanks!

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Paul!

[@Sampan24]

Riktigt kul att se ännu en grym kanal från en svensk inom denna fantastiska hobbyn! 😊 Riktigt bra och mysig kanal!

[@52Miniatures]

Tack Samuel!

[@Ilidan1985]

I really like your setup for light and sound! Really great channel!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks I! Much appreciated.