Quick answer: you can start painting miniatures in the UK for roughly £40–£60: a few models, a starter paint set or 8–10 individual paints, two brushes, primer, clippers and a pot of water. A comfortable mid-range setup with more paints, a wet palette and a daylight lamp is more like £100–£150. Prices vary by brand and retailer, so check current prices before you buy.
Miniature painting has a reputation for being expensive, but most of the cost comes from buying too much too soon. This guide shows what a beginner actually needs, what it roughly costs and where you can save. Prices are approximate UK retail as of November 2026.
What do you need to start painting miniatures?
Models, primer, a handful of paints including a wash, two or three brushes, clippers, a palette and a water pot. Everything else, from airbrushes to magnifiers, is optional. Our beginner painting guide explains what each item does.
How much does a budget starter kit cost?
| Item | Rough UK cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Practice models | £5–£20 | A few plastic figures or a board game set |
| Starter paint set or 8–10 paints | £20–£40 | Sets usually beat buying pots one by one |
| Primer (spray or brush-on) | £8–£15 | Grey is the safest first colour |
| Two brushes | £5–£15 | One medium, one fine detail |
| Clippers | £5–£15 | Sharp, flush-cut hobby clippers |
| Palette and water pot | £0 | An old tile and a jam jar work fine |
That puts a sensible starting kit at roughly £40–£60, less if you already own models.
How much does a mid-range painting setup cost?
Around £100–£150 adds a wider paint range, a few washes, a wet palette, better brushes and a daylight lamp. These upgrades make painting noticeably easier, but they're worth buying once you know you enjoy the hobby. See what light you need and how to make a wet palette for a near-free version.
Are starter paint sets worth it?
Usually yes. Starter sets bundle a balanced range of colours, often with a brush, at a lower price per paint than buying individually. Dropper-bottle ranges also tend to last longer than open pots because the paint dries out less.
Which paint brand should a beginner buy?
Any of the major miniature paint brands is fine to learn with. Choose the one your local shop stocks or the one your favourite tutorials use, so the colour names match. Our guide to types of miniature paint explains bases, layers, washes and speed paints.
What do beginners overspend on?
Huge paint collections, an airbrush before they've painted ten models, and expensive brushes they then ruin. Buy paints as each model needs them, learn brush care first (how to clean brushes) and add tools only when you hit a real problem.
How can you start painting miniatures on a tight budget?
Use a tile as a palette, kitchen roll as a brush wipe and a sandwich box with damp paper as a wet palette. Buy one starter set, prime with brush-on primer if you can't spray outside, and practise on cheap board game figures. Many clubs and shops also run free painting sessions with paints to borrow.
How much does it cost to keep painting each month?
Once you have the basics, many painters spend £10–£30 a month on new paints, models and replacement brushes. Paint lasts a long time if you keep lids clean and shut, so costs drop after the first few months. Models are where most hobby budgets go, not paint.
Budgeting for display
Once a few models are finished, a simple display keeps them safe from knocks and dust and shows off the work. A tiered stand such as the WarSplay Classic Mini (8 models on 25–32 mm bases) or the WarSplay Classic (17 models) lifts the back row so every model is visible, and the stands connect together as the collection grows. WarSplay stands are compatible with Warhammer 40,000® miniatures and most other ranges on standard round bases (WarSplay is an independent UK maker and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Games Workshop). For present ideas, see our no-jargon gift guide for miniature painters.
Frequently asked questions
Is miniature painting an expensive hobby?
It doesn't have to be. A beginner kit costs roughly £40–£60, and ongoing costs depend mostly on how many models you buy.
What is the cheapest way to start painting miniatures?
A starter paint set, two brushes, brush-on primer and a few board game figures. Use a tile and a jam jar as your palette and water pot.
How many paints does a beginner need?
Eight to ten: the main colours for your first model, plus black, white, a metallic and one dark wash.
Is a starter paint set a good Christmas present for a beginner?
Yes, especially with a couple of practice models and a decent detail brush. Order before mid-December to allow for UK delivery times.
Do I need an airbrush to start painting miniatures?
No. An airbrush is a later upgrade for fast basecoats and smooth blends. Everything a beginner needs to learn can be done with brushes.