Miniature painting service, resin printing and custom figurines

Frequently asked questions

How much does miniature commission painting cost?

Pricing is usually per model and depends on the model's size, the paint level and the basing. A tabletop-standard infantry model costs much less than a display-level character or a large vehicle, and bigger batches often bring the per-model price down. Makers on The Spool List set their own prices, so post your model list and compare quotes. You pay the price the maker quotes.

What is the difference between tabletop and display standard?

Tabletop standard means clean base colours, a wash and some highlights, so models look good at playing distance. Tabletop+ adds more highlights, painted eyes and neater basing. Display standard adds smooth blending, fine detail and often a scenic base, for collectors and competitions. Attach photos of the level you want, as painters use these terms slightly differently.

Can I get miniatures 3D printed from my own STL files?

Yes. Post the files with the scale, quantity and whether you want supports removed and the prints primed. Resin printing gives the finest detail for figures, while FDM suits larger terrain. Only send files you own or have a licence to print; many STL creators sell files with a personal-use licence and publish their own rules for commercial printing.

Can a sculptor make a custom miniature of my character?

Yes. Digital sculptors can model a figure from a written description, character art or photos, then print it in resin at your chosen scale. Say the pose, equipment, base size and scale, and whether you also want it painted. Ask to approve a digital render before printing, so changes are easy to make.

Should I ship my own models or have them printed where the painter is?

Both work. Shipping your own models means paying postage both ways and packing carefully, ideally with insurance. If you have licensed files, a maker in the painter's country, or the painter themselves, can print them, which saves one shipping leg. Mention your preference and delivery country in the job post.

How is payment handled on a miniature commission?

You pay the price the maker quotes when you accept it. Your payment is protected, and the maker is paid through Stripe only after you confirm your models have been delivered. For large armies, agree on a test model or progress photos in the job thread before the full batch is painted.