Painting a Miniature from Start to Finish 🎨 (Hero Forge)

[@steveharrison76]

Love Heroforge. As a treat, I got one for each of my players. I love them. I’m an eternal DM, but I’m thinking of saving up for a stable of heroes I can use in case any of my players fancy running a game... at least they’ll look cool painted up and lined up on my desk, I suppose...

[@Ravens_Craft_Cosplay]

From my experience i 3d print my own heroforge minis making it much more cost effective we have about 15 and i make multiple so i can paint them differently for an npc in a later campaign. They like to see thier old characters make appearences with different paint jobs lol. Also no shipping time. I also print out my monsters my players enjoy that alot. Though i feel im in the same boat my guys are not experienced enough to run games yet.

[@ENTR0PY]

Ah, the plight of the DM whose players never want to try running a game. A tragedy for sure.

[@BobWorldBuilder]

I have made probably a dozen Hero Forge characters, and I have yet to actually buy one! One day I’ll get a mini collection going!

[@realmofdoors9605]

Mood 🤣

[@JHogg]

Same🤣I’ve made 30 in the last three days. They’re so cool! Still haven’t bought a single one.

[@kelly_seastar]

Hero forge is just fun to play with

[@matthewshroba1511]

Those are amateur numbers you need to bump those up. I do dozens of HF characters a MONTH. Never bought a damn one. Probably will eventually buy 1 or 2. If they knocked a few bucks off (or I had a 3D printer and could buy the stls) I’d have purchased a few by now.

[@johnschwalb]

I bought my first one as a gift to my brother, he hasn't got it yet.

[@kylerichardson1491]

How cool is it that you get sponsored by Hero Forge, so you get a product to show off, that you also get to make a relevant/cool video about, and potentially use in the future! Like, what an awesome collaboration.

[@WASD20]

Thanks, yeah. It's a really nice partnership. Great company.

[@OneTrueNobody]

3:52 - One of the most useful things in Hero Forge's current iteration is that you can color your model in the webapp now. This not only provides colors for the colored plastic model (which is a bit washed-out-looking), it also lets you just decide what colors you're going for and see how it would look before you paint. You can even change the angle of the eyes to see what it would look like if you dab the eye color to look in a certain direction. Being able to plan that stuff out before actually PAINTING the model is really handy.

[@FrankyDCrafter]

I love that your channel is so versatile. I feel like every video is something new.

[@MrBananaWaffles]

Applying the paint with a splintered toothpick can help reach those small recessed details like eyes.

[@WASD20]

I’ve heard that. I i’ve tried it with a normal toothpick, but not a splintered one. I also thought maybe I could just sharpen one to a finer point with utility or X-Acto knife.

[@KSun-yq1yp]

This is totally gorgeous and as an artist and D&D player, I just recently bought one for my dear ranger elf! So exicted. Looks amazing as well! The attention to detail in your painting is gorgeous.

[@cavaxshapla1284]

I really like your videos. Im starting with DnD and i don´t really have an idea of combat and other stuff and there are some videos about it on youtube but non of them are as good as your rule-school 5e videos. So i really hope that you revive the project and please go on and do it. It would be super cool and helpful!!

[@WASD20]

Thanks for the feedback! You'll be pleased to know the series will continue soon!

[@tree8272]

Me who’s got a ranger character: Hippy hoppity your idea is my property

[@Megan-tw8hx]

i just made my first character on hero forge!!! love it so much i can't believe i was able to bring to life exactly what was in my head!!

[@andythedm3347]

Just started DMing by first campaign and after session one, everybody loved D&D so much they all went and bought their own minis lol now I’m in love with them and want to paint my own. Thanks very much for this

[@nathanstewart1680]

Dry brushing will totally help you with highlights and also give your weapons a more realistic look.

[@simcptmike]

That turned out really well. I was not sure about the bright blue like you mentioned after but yeah, everything turned out well. Nice mini

[@Mazzy774i]

Love that website feels so great to have you’re hero come to life for combat

[@kylezucchini]

Honestly HeroForge is an elite company. Providing players with memories of their campaigns :)

[@sarahplaza5257]

I've just finished painting my husband's first set of NPCs for our campaign. He still needs to order the second half. I learned a lot doing this. I actually got a top coat meant for models, but it ate off the Vallejo paints and my acrylic paints, so I had to use some of my glossy fine art varnish.

[@iCanHasRandomness]

Great job! this video really helped me understand a few things about painting minis.

[@WASD20]

Thanks! Happy painting.

[@nikitajackson7347]

I stumped upon Hero Forge about three months ago and absolutely love them! ❤ I've got three now 😅 just need to get them all painted. Great video! Your character looks amazing!

[@TheAjcostello5672]

Reaper Miniatures has their own line of paints and they have a selection of Drow skin tones (base color, highlight, and shade) and it makes for an interesting choice

[@AfroMyrdal]

My wallet is literally crying on the table next to me and I'm like "only ONE more absurd model for my friends this Christmas!"

[@connyheb9015]

It looks amazing! Well done! So far I'm playing without minis, but whenever I see such a nice one I want to change that...

[@eranbenzeev627]

i heard: "this is Zed my drow rogue who prowl the meme streets of baldur's gate..."

[@cattrucker8257]

He has Sneak Shitpost as an ability.

[@MarshmallowMadnesss]

After reading about some color theory and how to mix paints to create the proper shade colors instead of just mixing with black, I'm excited to try these and these mixing techniques to paint a Bard for my wife. Wish me luck!

[@krok_zilla6448]

I may never buy regular D&D minis again thanks to Heroforge

[@springersshop5839]

We got a rich boi

[@Flayne009]

Dude, you're a rock star. You rock and roll, and you're a star.

[@andreaskandilakis8080]

Incredible result !!! I’m an amateur painter and after I watched your video I realised that I have done so many mistakes at my miniatures

[@kelly_seastar]

It's amazing how black and white can look totally different depending on what color you use for shading.

[@clintstickles4856]

About to paint my first mini. Bought it at the local game shop. Yours turned out awesome. I have a different kind of character but your tips will definitely. come in handy. Thanks!

[@_Gecko]

Just ordered one last night

[@DiegoDarkification]

WOOOO amazing technique!

[@gone41214]

Awwww the green looked amazing!

[@jeremybecker847]

Wow! The detail came out really nice on this one! I just ordered my character tonight, so I wanted to get a jump on watching some videos on how to paint these mini's.

[@joshualichkay7047]

Really cool figure. I like it

[@WASD20]

Thanks!

[@joshualichkay7047]

@@WASD20 no prob.

[@randyrodgers7848]

Great video! Exactly what I was looking for.

[@stonerocks0]

Nice video - you show and explain the process in a very helpful level of detail. Cheers!

[@patrickwilliams3530]

Awesome paint job! Loved the video. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@WASD20]

Thanks!

[@condensermike]

Looks great!

[@CarlosRodriguez-sv4wd]

Im way too clumsy for this but i loved the video! Could you make an updated video on all released D&D 5E books explaining if they're full campaigns, a bunch of smaller collection of campaigns, essential books, or setting books? It would really help. Thanks!

[@realrea777]

Dude this was an awesome video. Thank you

[@WASD20]

Glad it was helpful!

[@edwardbacchetta9092]

Reminds me of the same color scheme as Magus from Chrono Trigger! Love it

[@WASD20]

Thanks!

[@ZumwaltTheMighty]

I use a pill bottle too! Nice

[@BakaPope]

Really enjoy your painting videos, would like to see more in the future.

[@WASD20]

Thanks! I hope to do more.

[@tommyshowgun]

looks great.

[@Brandon78B]

You did awesome!

[@ronpagep6234]

I just bought my third mini from them. Used the Black Friday code. Shame I couldn’t get your code sooner.

[@WASD20]

No worries! I don't get a commission or anything. Just tracks the impact of my videos. Happy painting! :)

[@RIVERSRPGChannel]

Nice I like the mini and the paint job Good stuff

[@parker21641]

The Drouge saga continues...

[@august-tw2cl]

Introducing my little sister to DnD while we’re in quarantine! I’m thinking of getting and painting her a figure for a late Easter gift. Your videos are extremely helpful!

[@MarshmallowMadnesss]

Heroforge is great. A bit pricey, but you pay for the unique ability to customize your miniature to an extreme degree. I've bought one, painted it and am waiting for another to arrive in a day or so.

[@greenvash]

Great job man!

[@ZootLoot]

Im designing one right now.

[@old_geeky_Michael]

Thanks Nate! Catching up on videos. He looks awesome and that's a great paint job. I really need to get a Hero Forge figure of my own! Now, which character to choose......

[@LutesDice]

Very engaging. Good work!

[@eeveefoxguy8782]

awesome

[@BradHerman3D]

Really great guide, thanks.

[@mydarxide]

Riders hobby! Fellow Michigander represent!

[@WASD20]

✋🏼

[@OrdinarilyBob]

As someone just getting into painting miniatures, this was a great video. My biggest take away here is the idea of using a medicine bottle for a handle, but what is it that you are using to stick the figure to the bottle? It looks like it's maybe clay or playdoh?

[@WASD20]

Poster putty or sticky tack

[@OrdinarilyBob]

@@WASD20 Oh, cool! Thanks :)

[@WASD20]

I’ve had good luck with the blue tak.

[@kaades_]

Paint the damn rim of the base!!! (Sorry, every 40k mini painter is a sucker for base rims so I couldnt miss this one 😂)

[@WASD20]

I did! 2 coats.

[@kaades_]

@@WASD20 oh, sorry it just didnt seem like so because of the black plastic, my bad.

[@Galvamel]

More of these!!!

[@WASD20]

Your wish is my command.

[@patrickbenjamin9056]

Good video overall. Nice work on the cloak. However, I disagree with using crafts paints. Due to their inconsistent thickness they are best used for terrain only. Also, you failed to mentioned the sealing of the miniature. I recommend a gloss finish followed by a extremely light coat of Testors Dullcote to remove the shine.

[@WASD20]

Truth. Sealing is a very good idea. I have had pretty good luck with most craft paints and have seen EXCELLENT paint jobs with them. I agree that spending a bit more will yield better results, but also believe newcomers shouldn't feel like they NEED more expensive paint to get good results.

[@patrickbenjamin9056]

@@WASD20 I agree, but I have bought most of my Vallejo paints a decade ago and besides the need to shake them up good, the investment will last you for quite some time. GW paint pots haven't fared as well.

[@diastoleny]

I just need more time to paint minis!!

[@pizzasaurus9098]

Funny coincidences, Me: Likes Minifigures You: Likes and paints mini-figures. Me: Loves DND You: Loves Dnd And TTRPG Me: Makes maps You: Makes maps and tutorials on maps, And finnaly, Me: My real name is Nate You: Your real name is Nate aswell. XD

[@WASD20]

Cool!

[@aidankennedy1783]

My dad has the original dungeon master guide. If I get the players handbook (new) would it be the same kind of rules

[@WASD20]

Nope. There are parts of that book that are not rules specific, like giving good advice and other tools. Some of that would carry over to 5th edition, but the two editions are not totally compatible.

[@TinTeddyVideos]

You did a really handsome job there, thank you for sharing your process. Is his bow under his cloak?

[@WASD20]

Thanks! I opted to leave the bow out. Like maybe he left it strapped to his horse and move stealthily on foot with his daggers. 😁 In reality the quiver at his waist was an afterthought.

[@XibaXela]

Heard you on Dungeon Keepers Block yesterday!

[@seanolsen5264]

Love your videos man!! Thank you so much for making rockin D&D content!!

[@clone_69]

How big are the figures from Hero Forge? I bought one through a proxy to avoid international shipping (they bought the STL file, printed it and shipped it locally), but the figure was kinda small, compared to standard size D&D minis from Wizkids. It also made it harder to paint, since the details were even smaller. I want to know if this was how the minis are supposed to be or if the proxy scaled it down to keep costs low.

[@gatorwizard2786]

What do you use on top of the pill bottle? Is it some kind of adhesive putty?

[@jacksarkissian8658]

Me and my friends found heroforge and then just mess around for hours

[@johnav8rflys]

I had a friend that got a Hero Forge a few years ago, and his had like “layer Line” running through the hole model, like you could see each layer that was printed. That was hard to see how to fix it wasn’t like just cleaning a few mold line. Anyhow the question is have they got better where they don’t have those lines all the way through the model?

[@WASD20]

3-D printed miniatures will usually have some layer lines, but I would assume they’ve gotten way better in recent years. You can see mine here there are no layer lines unless I am looking very very closely.

[@johnav8rflys]

@@WASD20 Thanks

[@isabeledwards6746]

Sometimes I hate living in Iceland 😫 shipping is more than the item itself..

[@handyhomebrewnetwork2142]

used a gold metallic spray paint for some accessories, and I can't get the black wash to work at all. It's repeals like oil and water... A wash won't work on this spray paint will it?

[@gensischosen251]

i have a question, any arcylic paint can do? weather expensive, cheap, craft paints, acrylic paints for psinting canvas, etc po? is dose not matter ?

[@stevekirkby6570]

Epic :)

[@courageouschronicler8657]

I always have a hard time seeing the details. What do you recommend for magnification? I have attempted using my phone, but it's super awkward to hold on to it while painting.

[@WASD20]

One of those light/magnifier combos would be ideal. I've been considering getting one myself. amzn.to/2OORW4D

[@lancecucumber2804]

Random question. Why are there coins in the bottle? Storage or is there a purpose?

[@WASD20]

I like a little extra weight so I don't knock them over so easily on my desk if my sleeve brushes it or something.

[@lancecucumber2804]

@@WASD20 good idea...they are top heavy with minis on them.

[@Pimmooohh]

I have a mini coming in the post soon that also has a cape. I was considering cutting the cape off with a crafting knife to paint and then glueing it back on. Do you think this is a possibility?? (I payed for the regular plastic)

[@charli3k4052]

Do you use anything to seal the paint on the figures or is that generally unnecessary?

[@WASD20]

I do. I have a matte varnish.

[@nancyfleming2549]

How do you get the figure to stay on the medicine cap?

[@WASD20]

Good poster putty.

[@duncanrae466]

Is there a reason for the pennies in the pill bottle?

[@WASD20]

Weight. So they don’t tip over as easily.

[@Teag_Brohman15]

I ordered two figures almost a month ago, and they haven't shown up yet

[@Paintplayer1]

Same

[@Paintplayer1]

I got a shipping notification but no tracking info still a week later

[@Teag_Brohman15]

@@Paintplayer1 my figures arrived today

[@janjanko665]

Can you please explain how *wars* work in D&D?

[@polarpuggaming3172]

Wow

[@paulmcnutt4657]

I love the heroforge customization. My only complaint is how flimsy the bases are, I think I’ve been spoiled by the more substantial, separate bases and minis from services like Loot Studios and Artisans Guild.

[@yozzahughes3939]

New to painting how do you paint that detial with just one brush and not use a smaller detail brush?

[@WASD20]

The key is to have a high-quality brush that comes to a tip. Sometimes, however a smaller detail brush is needed. I use a size one or two for almost everything, and occasionally for eyes or some thing I might need a .5

[@yozzahughes3939]

@@WASD20 thanks for the reply dude legend me and my son watch all your vids

[@cattrucker8257]

Most spiffied-up drogue ever. Though I do really like how it came out not looking overblinged, but actually like a believable getup. I'd say you went just a little bit far with the blue highlights if you wanted a black-blue look, it just ended up looking mostly blue only. But that's not terrible - you can cover it up if you play with the mini by having the cloak get an enchant of some sort later on and have it be magic or something. How long did it take, start to finish?

[@WASD20]

Took about 2 to 3 hours if you include lots of repainting of things I didn't like. I included some of that, but not all. I definitely was going for a brighter than average drow rogue here. It would make more sense to have a lot of black leather and a black cloak, but I don't enjoy painting or looking at that nearly as much as brighter colors. :)

[@cattrucker8257]

@@WASD20 That's actually pretty quick, for a fairly detailed model like that. Good going. And, yeah, 'course, ninja wrap rogues are boring. Mostly mentioned the black-blue cloak because you cited it in the video itself. The end result still looks good - for action-worn armour and gear, it makes sense to be not too blingy, but to have some colour to set it apart and make it pleasant to look at - it is, after all, your mini.

[@aleksagligorijevic9999]

Good video

[@arthurcrimmins8182]

what background does your drow/ elvin rouge have

[@coedexter2567]

Will you record the campain on youtube

[@linsell46]

Not sure about the name of the primer?

[@danwales9452]

Awesome job - looks great!! Did you use the same brush for each color? Or do you have multiple brushes that you use? Oh! And what do you use the stick the mini to the holder? (and why the coins inside it?)

[@WASD20]

Same brush, yes. I use blue tac poster putty to stick it to the pill bottle. Coins give it a bit of extra weight so I don't knock them over so easily on my table. :)

[@Fcarvach0]

Does Hero Forge minis (premium plastic) come primed?

[@youtubeenjoyer-pf3tu]

No

[@monkeylurv68]

how did ur campaign go Nate?

[@WASD20]

Still going! Though poor Zed died about 2 months ago.

[@stevevondoom4140]

are there any glue's you do/don't recommend for basing??

[@WASD20]

I recommend super glue for attaching your mini to a base. The fast-drying non-gel kind works really well, and my local hobby shop had some good advice on selecting one. For gluing actual pebbles and rocks and such, I just use PVA glue (Elmer's).

[@nevermind-9630]

Can someone please tell me the size of that mini?

[@WASD20]

It's about 28 mm scale.

[@jimmyjohnsrocks]

Rider's Hobby Shop? A fellow West MI guy??

[@WASD20]

Indeed! Love that place.

[@halo3603]

Corunna rd, here.

[@jimmyjohnsrocks]

@@WASD20 That's awesome! We hit Grandcon every year! I'll have to keep an eye out for you next time! Edit: I'm also a big fan of Gamer's Wharf. Smaller shop but cool people there.

[@WASD20]

I like that place too. Only been once or twice, but they're really good people. And yeah, keep an eye out at GrandCon for sure. This year I ran 2 games and did 2 seminars as well.

[@KoshYTGC]

Not gonna lie, in d&d most players might start with a wizard or a rogue.

[@Bombskwad92]

Aww I tried your code but it's expired

[@elpigginz7372]

Weird i painted mine last night.

[@WASD20]

It is fate. But one day too late.

[@halo3603]

Going to give mine a T pose. Aside from making him look arrogant, easy to paint!

[@WASD20]

Haha!