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Miniature painting standards explained: what tabletop, parade and display mean
Short answer: most commission painters offer three broad levels. Tabletop gets the main areas coloured, shaded and based so the army looks good on the table. Parade or high tabletop adds layers, edge highlights and a detailed base. Display or competition adds smooth blending, freehand and fine detail meant to be seen up close. The names vary between painters, so the only reliable way to agree a level is to point at a photo.
Why do painting standards matter when you commission?
The standard is the biggest single factor in time per model, and so in price (see what a painting commission costs). It's also where most disappointments come from: "tabletop" in one painter's price list can look like another painter's mid tier. Agree the standard with an example before anything is primed.
What is tabletop or Battle Ready standard?
Games Workshop uses Battle Ready for a model that is "ready to game with": the main areas are coloured and the base has a simple finish. It's the minimum it asks for at events at Warhammer World, and it can be reached with base, shade and technical paints, or with Contrast paints (Warhammer Community).
In commission terms, tabletop usually means:
- Clean base colours on every area, with no bare primer showing
- A shade or wash to pick out recesses
- Perhaps one highlight on the most important edges
- A textured, painted base with a painted rim
It's meant to look good at arm's length during a game. It's the usual choice for large armies and rank-and-file units.
What is Parade Ready or high tabletop standard?
Games Workshop describes Parade Ready as the step on from Battle Ready: layer paints for richer colour, edge highlights so the model looks lit from above, a shaded and drybrushed base, and extra effects such as weathering, gore or glowing details (Warhammer Community).
Commission painters often call this high tabletop or advanced tabletop. Expect:
- Two or more highlight stages and crisp edge highlighting
- Painted eyes, lenses and small details picked out
- Basing with extra texture, tufts or small scenic elements
- Optional effects: weathering, rust, blood, glowing runes
It's a common choice for characters, centrepieces and showcase units.
What is display or competition standard?
There's no shared official definition. It's each painter's top tier, made to be looked at closely and photographed. Typical features:
- Smooth blending instead of visible layer steps
- Freehand designs on cloaks, banners and armour panels
- Advanced effects such as object source lighting (OSL) or non-metallic metal (NMM)
- Scenic or display bases, sometimes on a plinth
Because each painter's top tier is different, ask to see photos of finished pieces at this level, ideally of a model similar to yours.
How do I choose the right standard?
| You want… | Usually choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A playable army quickly | Tabletop | Fastest per model; looks good at gaming distance |
| A good-looking army with standout leaders | Tabletop units + parade characters | Spends time where people look |
| A centrepiece or gift | Parade or display | Gets attention up close |
| A competition entry | Display | Judged close-up and in photos |
How do I describe the standard in my brief?
- Attach one or two photos of the finish you want. The painter's own portfolio is best, otherwise any clear example.
- Name the level the painter uses in their price list.
- List any extras separately: freehand, OSL, NMM, scenic bases, magnets.
- Say which models get which level if you're mixing standards.
The full brief checklist is in how to commission miniature painting.
On The Spool List miniatures market you post the job once for free and painters quote against your photos. You pay the quote with no buyer fee, and your payment is protected until you confirm delivery.
Sources
- Warhammer Community: Citadel Colour, just what is Battle Ready? (checked 27 October 2026)
- Warhammer Community: Citadel Colour, what is Parade Ready? (checked 27 October 2026)
FAQ
What does Battle Ready mean? Games Workshop uses it for a model that is ready to game with: main areas coloured and a simple finish on the base. It's the minimum it asks for at events at Warhammer World.
What is the difference between Battle Ready and Parade Ready? Parade Ready builds on Battle Ready with layer paints, edge highlights, a more detailed base and optional extra effects.
Is display standard the same for every painter? No. It's each painter's own top tier, so ask for photos of finished work at that level before you commission.
Can I mix standards in one order? Yes. A common approach is tabletop for units and a higher standard for characters. List which models get which level.
Post it free and let makers bid. Your payment is protected until you confirm delivery.