Beginner’s Guide to Painting 3D Printed Figures

New to painting 3D printed figures? This guide walks you through the essential steps, from preparation to final details, so you can get clean, professional-looking results.

Quick Summary

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to prepare a 3D printed figure for painting
• Why priming is critical
• Basic painting steps for beginners
• Common mistakes to avoid

Why Preparation Is More Important Than Paint

Many beginners focus only on paint choice, but surface preparation is what determines how good the final result looks.

Even the best paints won’t perform well on:

• Dusty surfaces
• Poorly sanded prints
• Unprimed resin

Getting the basics right makes everything easier later.

Step 1: Clean the Print Properly

Before painting, make sure the figure is fully clean.

What to do:

• Wash resin prints with warm water and mild soap
• Remove any residue or dust
• Let the piece dry completely

Never paint on a dirty surface — paint will peel or look uneven.

Step 2: Sanding the Surface

(Image: Sanding a resin figure)

Sanding helps remove:

• Layer lines
• Support marks
• Small surface imperfections

Beginner sanding tips:

• Start with medium grit
• Finish with fine grit
• Focus only on visible areas

You don’t need perfection — just smooth enough for paint.

Step 3: Apply Primer (Do Not Skip This)

(Image: Primed figure)

Primer creates a surface that paint can properly stick to.

Why primer matters:

• Improves paint adhesion
• Reveals surface flaws
• Creates an even base color

Common primer options:

• Spray primer
• Airbrush primer

Always let primer fully dry before painting.

Step 4: Base Coating the Figure

(Image: Base colors applied)

Base coating means applying the main colors of the figure.

Beginner tips:

• Thin your paints slightly
• Use multiple light coats
• Don’t rush coverage

Thin layers look smoother than thick paint.

Step 5: Simple Shading & Details

You don’t need advanced techniques at the start.

Easy upgrades for beginners:

• Use washes to add depth
• Paint details last
• Work from large areas to small details

This instantly improves the final look without complexity.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Avoid these early mistakes:

X Painting without primer
X Using thick paint
X Rushing drying time
X Over-sanding fine details

Learning to avoid mistakes is faster than fixing them later.

Final Tip from Polynur Design

When we paint resin collectibles at Polynur Design, the best results always come from patience and preparation — not rushing the paint stage.

Master the basics first, then build your skills over time.