5 Beginner Mistakes RUINING Your Miniature Painting (and how to fix them)

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In this weeks video, we go over the most BASIC Mini painting tips I wish someone had told me for 2023. I go over things like how to load paint onto your brush, hidden dangers to avoid when miniature painting, tricks on layering, thinning your paint, and more! This is a great beginner guide to miniature painting, but will help you improve no matter your skill level. These are all the tricks I wish someone had told me!
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Lyla Mev The Mini Witch creates beginner miniature painting tutorials and easy-to-understand guides for Warhammer, dungeons & dragons, and more. My favorite things to paint are sisters of battle, display quality miniatures, and focusing on having fun.
00:00 Intro
00:40 How to Load Your Brush Correctly
1:58 A Hidden Danger
3:40 Is There a Right Way to Layer?
5:06 Why Your Wet Palette isn't Working
6:07 Handling Uneven and Splotchy Paint
6:50 Nothing Else Matters Without This Trick

[@Walboro]

You can never do too many beginner tips videos teaching traditional painting techniques, especially in the age of contrast/speed paints (I think they’re mostly popular because people don’t know the basics tbh). Always the best miniature teaching content on youtube Lyla. #NotificationSquad

[@theghosty99]

Honestly as someone who has done both: These beginner tips help with speedpainting just about as much as with traditional. KZbinr mini painters have made speedpaints look like they're just Talent In A Bottle, but my speedpainted minis suffered from all the same issues as my attempts at more traditional painting did until I watched videos like this one, that taught me the basics everyone else seems to forget to teach. Not knowing how to properly load your brush, or to use long even strokes, or how to protect your brush from damage, speedpaints can't make up for that.

[@eldraque4556]

been painting for years, still watch these videos, you can't master the basics too much and there's always something I've missed or some one has a new perspective that really helps

[@Gabberz123]

It finally happened! A beginner tips video where I knew and do all the things already :D (That's not to say these tips aren't great, they are, just an indicator to me that I'm growing as painter). Keep up the great work, love your channel!

[@captnwinkle]

Lol that feeling is awesome righr?! We don't suck so much!

[@pkkriz8610]

Getting back into painting after 20 years away, I'm always amazed by how much videos like this have taught me, even basics like these. While I knew most of these this time, it took hours of trial and error to figure it out. I've improved so much watching videos like this, thank you for making them.

[@thattabletopguy]

The curse of knowledge is strong with miniature painters on KZbin - excellent video, and great presentation! Color selection for me is still a struggle, as well as how big of a jump in value I need to make with each layer.

[@bluenine85]

The tip about the back of your paper blew my mind, so obvious but I'd never thought of it or heard of it before

[@SuouEtsumi]

I honestly still struggle with getting the right paint consistency, so these kind of tips and nice close up shots really help!

[@chuckrodgers2018]

I really needed this one! No one ever taught me how to load my brush properly. I've been struggling for a few years now. I can't wait to work on this tomorrow. Thank you so much!

[@angelobartolomei7683]

Wow.... I just looked up best paint for airbrush, and here you are!!! I learned so much about airbrush techniques in the last 25 minutes, then I have in the last 15 years....... Thank you, definitely subing and smashing the bell!!!

[@ced1106]

Best knitted brow, ever! Your facial expressions externalize what I feel internally. Towards painting. :D

[@portercore]

Man, content-wise, this video is awesome. But it also feels like a huge step up in quality/production (not that others have been poor at all). Thank you.

[@longriflem14]

Lyla, I have to say your videos are awesome! And actually picked up a couple minis because of you. And you and you painting have helped me with some post military service stuff so thank you. I have a question,suggestion, request. I am a scale model builder and have an F of a time doing figures. Could you possibly do a video of doing some 1/35 scale figures there are videos out there but are more on the super advanced side of house and over the top for some new to painting. Or say a comparison of how to paint scale figures to Minis. I think would be cool. I would even donate a kit to you. I hope this finds you well, and keep kick ass love the content.

[@alphaleigpyne]

That's a good advise with the grip hand and painting on desk in a proper posture. The water drops on the brush are annoying. Mostly when painting the eyes details and it floods that part of the miniature!

[@wookietunes]

just have to say, after watching your AMAZING Squarespace ad, i wish i had a need to start up a website to better honor your masterpiece!

[@darkseraph666]

This is great. I've been painting for so many years and stuck in bad habits. I never learned the basics, just jumped into it. KZbin didn't exist back then. But now I'm seeking to try new things and get out of my comfort zone.

[@5stringaustin]

Your painting is so gorgeous!! Love your videos ❤❤❤

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Nice video. Hopefully it helps many people. Keep up the good work.

[@netherjosh]

Thanks for the stroke tip especially. Was waiting to see if you'd cover that because it's definitely what I'm struggling with the most.

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

Ive been doing it and experimenting with aany type of paint since the 80s. I learned some fundamental stuff from you thirty forty years after the fact. Thanks xx

[@Digihubtcg]

Your are very helpful and extremely beautiful. Thank you

[@michaellawhorn1355]

I've been painting for a few years and this video was still super helpful. I love your delivery and find your videos really informative.

[@phoen31]

That tip about long strokes is super helpful. I was painting with short strokes and it was looking kind of trashy. Thank you!

[@MnemonicGhost]

Great tips!

[@DarkMatters96]

You know, your video and tips are all cool and stuff but I should wholeheartedly admit that was the BESTEST & most random Squarespace ad I've ever fockin seen🤯🤯🤯

[@SugarCandyMiniatures]

Me and my tiny erratic brush strokes and horribly weather worn paintbrushes will sit in our corner and think about what we've done ....one day I'll use a wet palette. One day.

[@bretts2356]

the first time I saw you using pennies on TOP of the wet pallet was an "AHA!" moment for me. I always had issues with the corners of my wet pallet pealing up. The pennies (old copper ones!) worked like a charm to keep the paper pinned down to the sponge! Thanks again for that awesome tip!

[@mrheisenberg83]

It's another great video. And you are looking awesome!

[@Rmops]

Thank you. I was unaware of what happens if you are using short strokes.

[@TheKarp]

The amount of times I've ruined eye lenses because my brush had too much hidden water, I instinctively rub the ferrule on my wrist now, great tip! Also the stable grip tip is so important! I get hand tremors because of my Carpal Tunnel and it was really hard to paint when I first started because I wanted to fit all my hobby things in my tiny room, bought a tiny hobby table that didn't give me room to anchor when I painted, my stability has improved drastically once I started painting on a bigger table.

[@Jetstoanywhere]

That ad read was pretty funny, helpful tips!

[@hogger95905]

Good stuff!

[@djwaz3]

Never thought to twirl the brush in the paint for a better tip. Super obvious in hindsight. Already helping with today's paint session.

[@michaelwakefield605]

Just wanted to tell you that your painting always amazed me, and now that I know you are an art professor it all makes a lot of sense, congrats on your career change!

[@MaskedRiderChris]

I use the Army Painter wet palette, will the paper trick work with their paper, do you think? I've been at it for 14 or so years, and I still enjoy videos like this so I can refresh my memory and remind myself of such things. I get those water drops all the time and often blot them on a paper towel to get rid of them. Another good video, Miss Lyla!

[@tonypeters9073]

Is there a vid that explains where you find your minis?? I’m looking for some good quality minis. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@shadwkeepr9107]

5:06 Thank you! My palette has been drying up super fast and it's been driving me crazy

[@benytreeide568]

Great video. I'm teaching my 7yr old daughter to paint minis and I think this video shows things that I keep saying, but might help stick a bit more, your visuals are spot on. I think it also helps to show her that there are more "girls that paint" out there.

[@TENGUartesmarciales]

I really appreciate this type of video, like many others I had to learn on my own by watching tutorials and having to assume what the person in the video is taking about half of the time because I have no Idea, many miniatures have been ruined 😂, thank you!

[@luciocouto]

More precious tips pleaseeee!

[@Aracadius42]

Thank you

[@markgnepper5636]

Great stuff friend 👏 👍

[@miniaturestash]

Great tips thanks for the videos

[@christophwinkler9133]

Thanks a lot

[@eiigth]

best tips ever, thanks!

[@DrNorbertGames]

Hi Lyla. Thanks for putting out this video. One part that caught my attention was how you recommend rinsing the wet palette paper under water before putting it on the wet sponge. I've thought of that too but I find that then there is water on top of the sheet too and I have to either wipe it off with a paper towel or wait a bit for it to evaporate off before I can use the paper for painting. Is this what you do? Thanks again and hope to see you at Adepticon.

[@jamesonstalanthasyu]

ooh, thanks for this. great work again.

[@bruceyoung9692]

Another beginner tip is to mix a little bit of your midtone into your shadow/highlight color as you start to work on blending your colors up. It makes for a much smoother gradient of color.

[@elitecardboard6745]

What's the name of the first miniature that we see ? It looks dope

[@mattpreston1298]

Extra bonus with US pennies - they'll help reduce the chance of mold if for some reason you have to leave your wet palette closed for a while. The copper coating acts as an anti molding agent. I usually keep mine under the sponge for that reason. Be sure to replace them every once in a while if you do that though - leaving them in for too long lets the zinc and copper react with water and can look like a leaking battery residue.

[@SupermegaGchan]

Any penny older than 1982 is made purely of copper. There's plenty of those still around.

[@wreagin1]

It may be a funny one for most people but I prefer bristles with less “snap”. Usually you want brushes with nice firm snappy tips but I have arthritis and I shake most days so using squirrel hair brushes, which are smoother and a bit less snappy makes it less likely I put paint where I don’t want it when I giggle. It’s like a tiny shock absorber in the fibers of the brush. Great video as always!

[@mattbaxter688]

The short brush strokes vs long brush strokes hit me in my ultramarines little accidently texted face

[@brothertobias]

You made me really happy, because I do these things! I guess the reason why most of my models look pretty mid, is because I'm too lazy to go harder than one layer and one shadow. I reserve that treatment for important models, because I have too much unfinished stuff around the house...

[@kbzombie84]

😆 the floods are real. Love the video. Thank you.

[@perezjm21]

The thing I struggle with the most is the mid-tone, highlights, and shadows. I know certain paint brands sell them as a set and even number the paints. I know you've gone over in the past but if you go over that again that'd be great.

[@MrGrogan02]

Your first 2 secrets were 2 of the biggest questions/problems I've had since starting this hobby a few weeks ago! Thanks for the video! EDIT: The wet palette tip was also huge.

[@keithcollins1075]

I have always wondered what the arm on your handle was for, where can I find one of those

[@DeCurtisProductions]

Does anyone know what's the first miniature shown in the video?

[@aonline_abridged]

One of the most creative square space blurbs I've seen, I almost always skip them but you got my attention with the tin foil hat angle.

[@rodrick6538]

The Truth is Out There… thanks for sharing it with us. 😊

[@Irishcoconut]

Pennys are also made of copper. So any bacteria that would be growing in the wet pallet goes towards the pennies instead. :) Hope this helps

[@pietroforghieri9177]

Best squarespace commercial ever!

[@g0nk_droid]

Gahh I think the small strokes were what's been messing me up. To add to that I chose white armor for my first army (lol) and it was coming out a little splotchy. Definitely gonna focus on smoother brushstrokes on the next one I try

[@maverickman6486]

Elbows on the table while keeping contact between your wrists, hands, palms fingers is key, especially if your hands shake.

[@carolusbillius6726]

Hi Lyla, can you make a beginner’s video about “how to paint within the lines”? Because I have a really hard time with it. I know thanks to your videos how to get the paint correctly on the brush, but it’s the putting it correctly on the correct spot that’s difficult for me. Do you hold the brush as if you are handling a pen? Or do you hold it differently (like a calligraphy brush for example)? Because when a mini has for example a belt, I often have trouble not getting paint outside the belt area. I almost get anxiety attacks when I see you do the midtone, and then shades and highlights, and I think, yeah, I could do that. But if I have to start at the adjacent area, I already see myself doing an accidental swipe on the already carefully shaded/highlighted other area. How to I fix that? Also, I’m using a few contrast paints because they shade themselves in a way, but the GW mini tutorials often say, “if you go outside the lines, just do yout base coat and then go over it again”, but when I do that, my white primed miniatures + contrast will get a white stripe/ lighter area underneath my “fixed” part, so I see where I messed up. Also tips about painting belts/eyes/pupils would be nice, or even symbols/runes, you know those very fine things. And do you assemble your minis completely, ot partially? For example, when you have a mini that has a two-handed weapon holding in its two hands in front of its chest, or holding a shield partially in front of itselfs, how do you get safely in the hard-to-reach-spots, without hitting anything else? Do you paint from the hardest to reach bits towards the easier to reach bits, or not? I hope you get the idea about which stupid beginner problems concerning how to get a brush in the right way onto the models, and fixing mistakes I am trying to convey here. Many thanks in advance, and keep doing what you do!

[@Scott-du2cg]

I was wondering if you know how to shade yellow and green?

[@eldraque4556]

where can i get them mugs?

[@SupermegaGchan]

I use a layer of copper pennies (make sure they're actually copper) under the sponge on my wet palette to help inhibit mold growth

[@Frostfly]

Wow that intro was a great trip.

[@gregormacgregor2366]

Too fast drying brush 00, 02, 05, etc. How to deal with it?

[@matthewrumpke1125]

That damn drop of water! only learned from experience, first time I have seen it mentioned in a video. Thanks!

[@jorimstraver8260]

Thanks for this vid, although I'm painting for a while now these kind of videos help me to refresh the basics. One "health" sidenote tho. When you're painting a lot and rest your elbows in a triangle shape on your table, it can cause the nerves in your elbows to be irritated and in the long run cause signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. Resting your arms on the side of your table will reduce that risk.

[@StiveGuy]

I struggle to paint for very long before my hands shake noticeably, I have RSI in my wrists/hands. I take a lot of breaks so it takes forever to paint anything but I do it more as a collector than a player and I own the plastic so I have no time limit or deadline.

[@scotthancock8225]

Where can I buy your hats?

[@UneBrioche]

Hello Lyla can i ask you to tell me where do you buy or find your Minis in the video ? The first one "Médusa" like are sooo beautifull i want to paint one myself =D Whish i could read you . Awesome Greats tips so =D

[@LylaMev]

That's the flower witch from kingdom death!

[@UneBrioche]

​@@LylaMev Thanks a lot ! I spend one hour on your other videos to find her :)

[@joebeaton7808]

I've never seen anyone mention the water on the handle but it has always been my biggest downfall!

[@michaeluncapher83]

I like these tips, just like many other KZbinrs offer tips, but if you can’t find where to put your highlights, midtones, and shadows, you’ll always struggle with painting.

[@daandedm]

Can you share what miniature you're paining with us? :)

[@rae_of_enfeeblement]

Your intro is hilarious

[@PedroPedradas]

Wow creo que el agua en el pincel es mi problema

[@oreettroll]

I went to your website, and was disappointed that the tinfoil hat mug wasn't for sale. :(

[@jakelinderholm2487]

Your video at the end it doesn't appear to show up

[@hendrikhellmuth8926]

Hey, basic but great tips, thank you very much, very helpful as always. But one thing I have to ask: is this Westfalia's and Boris' giant I see there? Will you show the final figure? I am still looking for inspiration for the paint job :-)

[@marksullivan7766]

dig the vid

[@stinkyham9050]

I knew it was a conspiracy that I suck. I mean according to that other YT channel I watch the world is flat and we never went to the moon therefore I suck at mini painting. It all makes sense now.

[@loopie1206]

I caved and my friends finally got me to try warhammer but all the warhammer specific painters I tried are dull british dudes who care more about specific models and armies than actually telling you how to paint. These basics tutorials are gunna be a lot more help to me once i get started on my own mini's

[@sw33n3yto00]

The sneaky drips infuriated me until I learned to wipe the handle and ferrule before loading the brush.

[@murfmurf313]

reminds me of "high anxiety" :)

[@jakelinderholm2487]

0:10 kinda looks like you morph Into Vince for half a second.

[@Jazehiah]

People underestimate the importance of a good grip. Greasy fingers make for poor adhesion.

[@W1LYKAT]

Please i have to know are you rotating the image at the start , or are you spinning the camera above yourself with mind magic ?

[@jessicaschoen6647]

It's the tinfoil hats.

[@W1LYKAT]

@@jessicaschoen6647 so i too could have this ULTIMATEEE POWWWAAAA!! ...yes yes ?

[@RisingApe]

Where can I buy my foil hat again?

[@perezjm21]

Honestly if they made that foil hat I would buy it.

[@rae_of_enfeeblement]

FIRST HI LYLA

[@maxxammax0]

Bold of you to assume I wasnt already wearing a tinfoil hat! Jokes aside sometimes its good to go back to the basics.

[@ryenschimerman2127]

But wait, where do I buy your tinfoil hats?

[@joshbecka6110]

Wait…thinking paints and using a wet pallet…is this a convoluted way to call out Fiver?

[@SugarCandyMiniatures]

Why are you always doing this to poor Lyla 😆

[@idoomnbg8374]

The first time I flooded my model due to water, I was soooooo mad

[@TI4438]

Nothing induces s barrage of f-bombs like an unexpected drop of H2O!

[@rae_of_enfeeblement]

YOUR AD HAHAHAHA this whole video has me dead

[@loopie1206]

She still gets paid if we skip the adds, right...?

[@greg6538]

Lol. That intro tho.

[@banridor3917]

My ADHD makes it hard for me to keep my hands steady sometimes, it's real rough