How to commission miniature painting: models, scheme, standard and shipping

Short answer: to commission miniature painting, list every model with quantities, say whether they're built and primed, attach a photo of the painting standard and the colour scheme you want, choose a basing style, list extras such as freehand or magnets, and give a deadline and delivery country. Agree on work-in-progress photos and how models will be packed both ways before you ship anything.

Post your painting brief — free

Step 1: List the models

Write a model list the painter can quote from line by line:

• Game system and faction
• Each unit or model, with quantity
• Built or still on the sprue; primed or bare
• Plastic, resin or metal, since it affects prep
• Any conversions, kitbashes or 3D-printed parts

If you don't own the models yet, say whether you want the painter to source them, or a maker to print them. Check printable files with the STL Checker.

Step 2: Choose a painting standard

The standard decides time per model, and so the price. Attach a photo rather than relying on labels such as "tabletop" or "display", because every painter's scale is different. Miniature painting standards explained describes each level, including Games Workshop's Battle Ready and Parade Ready.

Step 3: Describe the colour scheme

• Official scheme (name the chapter, regiment or faction) or your own
• Two or three reference photos, plus a colour list if you have one
• Spot colour, metals (true metallic or non-metallic metal) and spot details
• Transfers or decals, and who supplies them

Step 4: Pick the basing

Plain, textured, or scenic with tufts, rocks, snow or water effects. Include base sizes, and say if the bases must match an existing army.

Step 5: List the extras

Freehand banners, object source lighting, weathering, magnetised weapon options, pinning for heavy metal models, display plinths. Each is its own line in the quote.

Step 6: Agree timeline, progress photos and shipping

• Schedule: ask for a date for the first test model, the bulk of the work, and shipping. A test model in your scheme is a good checkpoint before the rest is painted.
• Progress photos: agree when you'll get them.
• Packing: painted models need foam trays or magnetised cases. Ask how they'll be packed, and pack yours well on the way in.
• Insurance and customs: for models crossing borders, check customs rules and insure the parcel.

How is the price worked out?

See what a miniature painting commission costs for how painters build their quotes.

Brief template

• Models: 10 × infantry (built, unprimed, plastic), 1 × character (on sprue)
• Standard: tabletop for infantry, parade for the character, photos attached
• Scheme: official faction colours, references attached; true metallics
• Bases: 32 mm round, textured, painted to match attached photo
• Extras: magnetised weapon options on the character
• Deadline / ship to: your date and country

On The Spool List miniatures market you post the brief once for free, painters and makers quote, and you choose. You pay the quote with no buyer fee, and your payment is protected until you confirm delivery.

Send your brief to painters

FAQ

Should my models be built before I send them? Either is fine, but say which. Painters usually charge for assembly and prep, and some prefer to build the models themselves.

How do I make sure the painter matches my existing army? Send photos of your painted models, list the paints you used if you know them, and ask for a test model first.

How should I ship miniatures to a painter? In foam or a magnetised case inside a sturdy box, with tracking and insurance. Ask the painter how they'll pack the return.

Can I ask for a test model before the whole army? Yes, and it's a good checkpoint. Put it in the brief so it's part of the quote and schedule.