The Magic of Printing Resin Miniatures: A Beginner's Guide to Resin 3D Printing

[@DanaHowl]

Want the miniatures featured in this video? Check out my LOOT Studios affiliate link HERE: bit.ly/2MAWkai

[@darrkien4039]

I love that mini. I’ve been thinking about subbing to loot studios. Affiliate link makes it even better. I got my printer printer a week ago and I have barely given it a rest.

[@BlackCoyote66]

I love LOOT Studios, they're great sculptors. Unfortunately, it has NOT improved my painted:unpainted model ratio.

[@darrkien4039]

@@BlackCoyote66 it’s the one way that 3D printers are evil. So many more models

[@socialdistancing1289]

link is busted

[@deathula1]

Printing the Pixie bust now

[@lunarmagpie619]

okay but I truly love how transparent you are about not only your craft, but the deals with sponsors that you make. Hands down one of the most ethical content creators I know

[@DanaHowl]

Thanks! I try to only work with other creators that I actually like the product, and give an honest review of whatever it is!

[@dougpridgen9682]

When Saruman discovered the dark magic of 3D resin printing, he improved upon orcs and began pulling Uruk Hai from his resin vats.

[@oleww50]

Love the “3d printing is magic” comparison. So true! I recently got into 3-D printing… And I love the fact I can literally buy/find or create anything, and have it in model form in no time! That is true magic

[@diamondzcreations4U]

Where do you buy your files?

[@oleww50]

@@diamondzcreations4U Mainly through ‘My Mini Factory’ or through the many Patreons for sculptors and designers that exist.

[@MakingToys]

Great video Dana! I leave my printer working at night and every morning feels like I'm a kid again and it's Christmas day. How these machines work really feels like magic to me, and how affordable they are right now makes them a great asset for hobbyst and sculptors/designers alike.

[@EricsHobbyWorkshop]

I was enjoying the metaphor of 3d printing as magic, then I saw the minis moving by themselves at 1:03 and realized it wasn't a metaphor at all

[@zigfaust]

The look on my face when I first realized I was a legit Alchemist after my first sculpt to print....

[@EnderoftheGame]

I've never painted a miniature before, but I have been consistently watching your videos, looking forward to the time when I have the time and space to get into the hobby. Thanks for continually making high-quality content. Your distinct editing style is one of my favorites on the platform bar none.

[@aloehart3374]

For people looking at resin printers, the Elegoo Mars print chamber is a closed environment (there's no exhaust vent where the resin is) so the fume level is non-existent except when you remove the cover. If you've got limited ventelation you can get by pretty easily with just a mask. Edit: You can also build a real cheap curing chamber with UV LEDs and some type of closable opaque container (I just used the box the LEDs came in) Also, @Dana, huge tip for removing supports that really helped my prints. Once you've washed them, run them under hot water for a few seconds. The supports come off super easily.

[@richardmarriott-smith9517]

This is a great video. I’m just getting into 3D resin printing. I’m actually doing my first ever print now as I watch this video. Thank you and keep making great videos. I love what you do.

[@pseudonym1695]

Woo! I’ve been seriously considering getting a 3D printer. This is perfect timing

[@TheAzSharpe]

Same. Just had a raise at work so it's getting closer

[@garenosborn]

I’ve been on the fence about doing this so I’ve watched a lot of videos on 3D resin printing in the last few months. This one is probably the most helpful I’ve seen in terms of a getting started video. Thanks for that. Plus the mad scientist/artist vibe is pretty fun.

[@maxpower3050]

The best description of 3D printing I've ever heard.

[@robsonribeiro7552]

I'm at exactly step of researching and I'm super glad that almost every video you showed as your base was same as mine. Now I'm researching prices and maybe wait for black Friday or boxing day here in Canada. 3Dprinting is on! Thanks for sharing your experience. Cheers!

[@jacquelinelove8481]

the lab coat is just an amazing touch, chef kiss perfect

[@benweinberg3819]

@10:00 "What? Alchemy without a circle?!" Another great video, *Dr.* Dana!

[@PavelowGunner1122]

Just got the Loot membership and the Viking sets

[@MurderHoboRPG]

Welcome to the hobby!! Prints look great!

[@jondenman4590]

I'm glad you did one of these videos. Im just about to buy a 3d printer.

[@MomirsLabTech]

As a person who is about to set up their 3d printer this weekend, I really appreciate this. Thank you for the tips!

[@garethlewin1193]

I got into resin printing about the same time as you, and have had similar success but one thing I did get that I am very happy with is water washable resin.

[@aponly]

Do you find that water washable is as good as the alcohol based resin?

[@garethlewin1193]

@@aponly To be honest all I have tried so far is water washable.

[@seanmorgan2257]

This has been the best video about starting 3d printing i have watched and the printer is not a bad price

[@jonnyr6092]

Turns out the real friends were the ones we 3D printed along the way.

[@dtblackdragon]

i totally agree on you, it's a hobby on its own. needs time and lots of learning, espacially when it comes to supporting miniatures wich are not pre-supported. And Loot-Studios is awesome. If you are a Warhammer-Player like me, you get used to chunky arms, thick spears and arrows thicker than a head. But Loot-Studios presents realistic scaled miniatures and I totally love these. The amount of detail a cheap printer creates is breathtaking (I personally own a Anycubic Photon Mono ... 220$). But the "sidecosts" are not as low as many think. The iso costs (ok, many times reusable but still money), the gloves, towels, resin (1kg is faster printed as you think and 1kg costs round about 40$), ... I'd like to see some more of your models painted. Thank you for your great videos and have fun printing! Greetings from germany.

[@kyrionbookshield2205]

I did not expect this video. I hoped for it. Now I have it. Thank you. For some reason, this video was very accessible for an interested beginner (as in someone who wanted to learn about it, but not uses it for now) like me. Thank you.

[@DavesMiniMenagerie]

3D printing looks like so much fun

[@HailDeadFella]

A nice little tip for support removal is to soak the print in some warm water after the IPA bath, the supports (in my experience) become softer and much easier to remove, it made my life that bit easier. Just be a bit more careful with very delicate model parts too. Can't remember where I picked that up but it's easy and effective. Great video by the way and love the channel!

[@TheStoicArmyPainter]

I'm getting my first printer on saturday, i'm super excited. may not be able to print this weekend, but NEXT WEEKEND!

[@lowriderbug]

I have a resin printer and an fdm printer and Being able to just print up something and paint it I am so much more invested in this hobby than I have been for years. It's so liberating to be able to make minis anytime you want. I wanted a dead chaos marine for a base so I went to blender reposed an existing stl file and now have a dead chaos marine 😎

[@KnarbMakes]

Very thorough introduction. Nice one Dana!

[@lydellstorm6092]

Ur honesty won my subscription, keep up the great videos 👍

[@MichaelAlthauser]

Sounds like with my lack of space and my two cats that this isn't the product for me. Thanks for the transparency about how you received one, and for reiterating the safety aspects multiple times.

[@uriance88]

There are not enough likes for 'Scientist Dana', and the alchemical mysteries intro was awesome.

[@GingerJesusDJ]

Welcome to the club Dana! Can't wait to see more stuff coming from your printer. Be warned though, it's highly addictive! Picked my first resin machine up 2 years ago. Picked up a second resin printer and an FDM printer last year. Definitely one of the most fun hobbies I've had.

[@sigmonlocke6781]

This came out just in time! I ordered a resin printer just the other day.

[@SecularMentat]

I'm already subscribed to Loot, they do amazing work.

[@robertames4055]

You chose the right studio to get involved with! LOve LOOT and their models! Thank you Dana for this video!

[@adamkerby-jones5711]

Little tip for printing, when you've printed the minis, give them their alcohol bath, then put them in warm water and remove the supports then. End up with less scarring and the supports pop off nicely! Loot are brilliant, love their stuff. Nice video Dana, welcome to the world of printing hahaha

[@Samsminis]

Dana my unsolicited advice is to tape a second FEP sheet under your vat, between the vat and your screen. If you ever have a bad print and/or your fep leaks, then the resin won't immediately leak onto your expensive screen but instead onto the second FEP. It's like $6 for a second FEP but over ten times that for a new screen. My printer was out of commission for over a month because of this!

[@cabe_bedlam]

"After removing the goo tray..." DANA! :D

[@DanaHowl]

thats what its called tho

[@cabe_bedlam]

@@DanaHowl True, but we don't go waving them around on the internet! :)

[@yagsipcc287]

@@cabe_bedlam hhhmmmm some kind of reference? hhmmm

[@jasonjulian1]

@@DanaHowl resin vat?

[@joshbecka6110]

Your videos always come out at the right time

[@LordOOTFD]

I got into mini painting through 3D printing, so it's great to see your perspective from the other direction. I wanted something fun to print, and discovered a whole community of artists doing amazing work. The most exciting thing about resin printing for me, is the technology has only been on the market for about two years, since the key patents expired. There are several more very interesting 3D printing technology patents which are going to expire soon so I'm hoping that the consumer 3D printer market is going to be able to incorporate them and improve the technology even further. I recommend you try Lychee Slicer, I started using it around the time they had a marketing push last year and it has some significant advantages over Chitubox with it's built in island detection and advanced support mode. I love your idea with the IPA spray bottle so I'm going to try it out thanks! Thanks for the video!

[@ArpisRoh]

Great video! I finally caved this week and picked up an Elegoo Saturn... now my head is exploding with all the possibilities!

[@warrencann3824]

Yep, 3d printing is truly magical! Lovely video!

[@slimjimkirky86]

Thank you for your nuanced take on 3D printing. I love what they can do and the technology itself, but there's always a balance between novelty and practicality...even within a hobby. Great content as always.

[@billiondollarclownfarm]

3d printing rules, welcome aboard to the resin hands club

[@SquidsEye]

You need much less cleanup from the supports if you wash your prints in warm water before removing them, then wash them properly again afterwards. The heat makes the supports peel off much easier and with less bumps, but you do need to be more careful with the little delicate parts.

[@EternalQuestion]

Good to see another person getting into 3D printing! Now we just need to convert Guy too... Personally I think the best choice for a resin printing hobby setup is either an Elegoo Mars or Anycubic Photon along with the compatible wash and cure station. Both the Elegoo and Anycubic stations are designed to take the build plate from their own resin printers. This means you can just attach the build plate to the wash station with the minis still on them, avoiding any need to directly handle parts covered in uncured resin. You then wash them, remove the cleaned parts, and now you can remove them from the build plate with minimal mess. If you're a bit OCD like me, it also minimises the number of things that become contaminated with uncured resin and therefore require gloves to handle.

[@hamboigahs1589]

Dana, because of this video I went and bought a 3d printer and my wallet is NOT HAPPY jokes aside thank you for a great beginner's guide, I'm so excited for it to get here!

[@ArdWulf]

Dana...that was really helpful as my son and I have been discussing the purchase of a 3D printer quite recently. I too live in a "space-diminutive" home and your layout and workflow presentations will prove very useful in the short-term. Thank You and Cheers! 💯🏁🥂🥃

[@DoritoBagWilkins]

Excellent video. Clear, concise, and easy to follow. Many thanks!

[@wadekothmann431]

What perfect timing! Just got my first printer in the mail this week, looking forward to your guide

[@DanaHowl]

Excited for you!!!!

[@akularz-shati2047]

Thank you so much for this video! It answered all my questions about printing minis from Loot Studios!

[@paralipsis]

I just took delivery today of the penultimate component of my own first steps into 3D printing (5L of 99% IPA). The only thing I am waiting on is a bottle of resin. So this video is more than timely. It's like seeing two weeks into my own future (if I had better hair).

[@Zickzag]

3d printing looks super cool, in countries where getting access to certain miniature brands is near impossible they open the possibility of getting cool miniatures and using them as proxys so you don't miss out on an awesome game and hobby. I will definetly consider getting one whenever it becomes possible to me. I love how so many brands of 3d printing miniatures are avaible and how you can get basically any type of model you want in so many different styles and genres.

[@primafacia24]

Great video, I'm thinking about following your footsteps. Thanks for the advice!

[@HereForTheHeresy]

Use elegoo water washable resin so you dont have to use stinky iso. Also buy a magnetic print bed, you dont even need to use the scaper anymore. You just bend the plate and the prints pop off. Chitubox for supports, use Microsoft 3d builder to repair models, use a blow dryer or put the prints in hot water to take off the supports. Look up 3dPrintingPro on yt, he knows everything about 3d printing. Also, look up the flint reed leveling method! Have fun!

[@totallyjackedup6047]

Awesome video as always Dana! Take a look at a Wham Bam flex plate for your build plate. You'll never never need to use that metal scraper again. I use them on all of my FDM and Resin printers. Wouldn't print without them. I've had a LOOT sub for about 3 months now. One of my favorite designers. I look forward every month to see what magic they bring me.

[@marykayryan7891]

Wow! An actual video for beginners. Often they say "beginner" but are loaded with undefined jargon within seconds. Mostly just the youtuber showing off how much they know. This was so much more helpful. If you have any inclination, you might want to do a series on each step of the process and/or what you have learned about mistakes and fails. (I know you referred us, but I am SICK TO DEATH of listening to a bunch of techno jargony show offy guys. ) Anyway, thank you for actually knowing what the word BEGINNER means.

[@taiyoctopus2958]

Nice Dana! Grats on the new printer/hobby! great looking minis by loot studios

[@NorthlightMiniatures]

I have been wanting to get into 3D-printing, so this video was really helpful. Thank you Dana!

[@evanlindsey1100]

It's been discovered that green cleaning fluids like mean green or simple green do a better job of cleaning up prints. There's a video on Uncle Jessy's channel where he experiments with a number of those fluids. There's also some new resins that are stronger and won't break when dropped. They're called abs-like resins.

[@MiniMicroFPV]

Cooool! There is something to be said for modern times and progress!

[@HacksawsHobbyBunker]

Great intro into what is not a side hobby, it is a path to madness ;-) I love being able to fire up the replicator and get gubbins or whatever, as needed. Cheers!

[@Benry87]

This video is fantastic! I'm looking into getting a 3D printer within the next few months but had no idea where to start. This helps so much! Also definitely dig the same music the GameGrumps 10 Minute Power Hour uses!

[@MrVolvobloke]

Magic is quite a good analogy ! Long ago 3D printing would certainly have got you a quick visit to the stake ! I've been thinking about 3D printing for a long time and those Loot figures looks so good, but my tech skills would probably result in me reducing half the street to a smoking hole in the ground. Thanks for the video those results look superb !

[@Fireclaws10]

I think i'd get this for terrain. It's normally so big and expensive, getting this to print whatever i want cheaply would be awesome.

[@Joshuad369]

Thank you for the video Dana. This was pretty eye opening and incredibly informative about the whole process of having/using a 3D printer.

[@RestorationAustralia]

Very cool, I've just bought a resin printer. Hurrayyyy

[@jeremygriffin620]

Just tried water-washable today as opposed to the normal ABS. It rocks. You can, and probably should still use an alcohol dip, but its so smooth and the prints appear to be just as good. It comes across as not nearly as bad for you as the normal stuff. Also, its clearly harsher stuff, but you might find denatured alcohol to be a cheaper alt to iso. As a person who has gotten the resin on hand and then stepped into the sun out of my garage I can tell you that it didn't hurt, (because of the massive heat release of the reaction), but it was uncomfortable and left a "second skin" that was not easy to remove.

Several persons already pointed it, but thanks a lot for the emphasis on the safety requirement needed. Desktop 3D printers are just industrial technology that can physically fit on a desk. It still uses industrial products that require to respect industrial safety practices. I’d like to own such tools myself but came to the same conclusion that it requires a dedicated space that I can’t afford at the moment so it’s a no go for me. Beside, it is great to see how much creativity people can bring with all the models available.

[@bitzbox]

Welcome to the 3D printing party :D Really big fan of the loot studios range

[@GatecrasherPod]

A really great video Dana. Also, your skirmish board is about to pop offffff

[@mycatistypingthis5450]

One of the best things about 3d printing is scaling. With different plastic kit manufacturers (with GW: also different times the sprues were made), I have all sorts of different scales which don't work that well together. When I want 28mm models but have a sculpt made for 32mm, I can just scale it down a little and it will fit better.

[@ryannadler2617]

Good thing I've done for hollow models is painting over the drainage holes with some resin and an old brush then zapping with a UV lamp to seal permanently

[@beyond_hope]

@Dana Howl, welcome to the first steps on one of the most fun journeys you will take. Yes, it has treacherous forks in the path and traps along the way. But the outcome when you get there is so much worth it. Had a resin printer for 2 years and each print is still a Christmas present moment. Getting to paint them is a completely different challenge though :P

[@DanaHowl]

I'm quite excited about it!!! I'm gonna be able to learn and print so much stuff now

[@emzetkin1100]

currently dying for Scientist Dana

[@deathula1]

Saaame

[@nocturne777]

I think my only advice would be to soak your prints in hot water for 30 seconds or so before you pull the supports off; I've found they come off cleaner that way. Good video for someone just getting into the hobby, and you're right, it's easier than it seems. It's just about accepting that it's a hobby into itself, as you said.

[@ClayMann]

My tip. Tiny included microfiber cloth nice, big microfiber towel amazing. Buy packs of say 6 on Amazon for cheap.

[@DanaHowl]

thanks for the tip!

[@casanovafunkenstein5090]

Another thing to note is that there may be a store in your area that offers 3d printing services. I know of at least one in my city that can be commissioned for one-off prints, so depending on how much you intend to print that may be an economical and less dangerous option when compared to having a home set up and having to learn how to operate it yourself, especially in homes with pets or small children

[@grantmahoney1328]

What a great video. I just subbed to Loot Studios. I love the choice paper you used to level the bed. Great stuff :)

[@boskojal1681]

Glad you got into 3D printing ! for miniatures enthusiasts it is the absolute paradise, it just feels odd that people advised you to get the Mini instead of the Mini4K considering the Mini4K is the upgrade and improved version of the base one, but as long as it prints it's all good

[@Prucake]

Thanks Dana, I've had a resin printer for some time now (along with every bit of equipment) but I've been neglecting to use it til I was properly informed on how to use it - you've covered some of the smaller issues that I wasn't previously aware of (such as the resin dust).

[@taylord6043]

Such a good video. Thanks for sharing I have been on the edge if I’d get one. Now that I know it’s best to add a curing wash station too. I really think ima dabble in this new hobby. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@lexzbuddy]

Took me 3 prints to get my 3d printer dialed in. It's super simple. Admittedly, I am an engineer with 30 years of experience so, ya that does help :)

[@ernieme101]

'i haven't had time to paint all these' yes that's the problem with 3D printers , i've heard from a couple of people who have them , they tend to suck up all the time you'd normally spend painting . on the other hand , now that you have the white lab coat , surgical gloves and pro respirator you're all prepared for the neverending masking and lockdowns we have .

[@frannyfranfrancis]

Yes to respirator and labcoat! YEs to it all!

[@robsonribeiro7552]

Loot studios is great. I'm signing in before get the printer lol.

[@wolfenhalo]

Great watch :D my friend and I recently split on a Mars 2 about a month ago and it's been fun

[@jessehunter1194]

This is a fantastic video and makes me want to get a 3D printer even more!

[@ArtFord]

So, a couple warnings from, apparently, a seasoned veteran 3d printer: Do something to block off ALL of the light from the window, or else it Will cause a problem for you at some point. Also, wash before you take off supports (with a scalpel, not your hands) and you will have a better time getting things set up. You can also save the sharpness of your blades if you clean them up some before curing. Also, there are a ton of cleaning agents out there if IPA ever gets too prohibitive for you you, especially given how pure of an alcohol mixture you need. (googling 3d resin wash ipa substitutes should give you a big list of products available in your region) I just for-goed all of that by going with water washable resin. But some people don't like using it, and it has different cure settings when printing with it.

[@dakotacouch5642]

Wash with supports on then soak models in WARM water for 10-30 seconds then remove supports.

[@Hucklesgotitall]

This is an incredible technology and exceptionally convenient. I just wish 3D Model makers and sellers could offer their services for Hobbyists that can not get a Resin 3D Printer. I was personally looking into the matter but was really turned off and a little scared away by the warnings of fumes and resin since I have some underlying lung problems and don't really want to risk any of that. Awesome video tho :) I love how you explained the process with your own experience. Always good to see other cool miniature painters on your channel like Black Magic Craft and Squidmar !

[@Zom13y]

4:00 the Canadian remake of Breaking Bad looks pretty good.

[@lukemcdonladson6648]

Sweet .. Luv the Trees 🌴👌😁💚

[@DanaHowl]

Me too I love them so much

[@Mark-pr7ug]

Wonderful work x

[@NotSoMax]

I’ve really wanted to get better at painting my own models, I love printing my own sculpts but I’ve been unsure how to approach prepping resin prints

[@Finkeldinken]

Phew, resin printers are not for me, I don't have the space and I am a terrible slob, and I don't want to put my pet rabbits at risk, but I find them fascinating and I love the results I see other people get with them. Luckily a few friends are looking into them and have offered to print anything I buy or make. I'd definitely like to learn to do some 3D sculpting some day, that's more up my alley.

[@aaronbono4688]

I have found that cleaning the models with a metal file BEFORE doing the final cure is much easier. I don't use a knife or snippers, a file works great and does less damage to the model and to you.

[@CthulhusDream]

yeah me living in an apartment is like the main reason i havent gotten into 3d printing

[@memyself3895]

Since it was a major domestic meltdown regarding rattle cans painting, I think it's safe to say no-3d-printer-anytime-soon. That being the case, how would you go about sourcing a reputable shop to print your mini's/terrain for you? And given the time/effort/expense/expertise involved, how to determine a reasonable price point? Any thoughts?