Resin Miniatures & 3D Printing FAQ

Resin 3D printing cures a light-reactive liquid photopolymer layer by layer using UV light. Processes such as SLA and MSLA can reproduce very fine features, sharp edges and smooth surfaces, which makes them especially well suited to detailed fantasy and tabletop miniatures.

Resin printing is especially useful for small figures because faces, hair, fur, scales, armour and tiny equipment can be reproduced very precisely. FDM filament printing is excellent for many larger parts and terrain pieces, while resin is usually the more detailed choice for small miniatures.

Yes. Resin prints are built from many very thin layers. With high-quality settings, layer lines are usually visible only in grazing light or at very close range. Orientation, layer height, model geometry and material all influence the surface, so extremely fine lines are a normal characteristic of 3D printing.

Many detailed resin models need support structures during printing. Removing them can leave tiny raised marks or small divots at individual contact points. These areas can be carefully smoothed or sanded if required and are a normal feature of additive manufacturing.

Small differences can result from resin batch, material, print orientation and post-processing. On unpainted miniatures, the raw resin colour is not a quality indicator; geometry, detail reproduction and a clean surface matter more.

Yes. Additive manufacturing can show very small differences between production runs. Minor variation around support touchpoints or finishing is possible. Significant damage, missing features or major deformation is not normal; please contact us if you notice anything like that.

Unless the individual product page states otherwise, miniatures are supplied unpainted and unprimed so you can choose the primer, colour scheme and finish yourself.

A fully post-processed, dry resin miniature normally does not need another solvent bath. Remove dust and loose sanding residue before priming. If a surface feels unexpectedly sticky or oily, or has a strong resin smell, do not simply cover it with primer; contact us instead.

A thin, even hobby primer is recommended. It improves paint adhesion and creates a consistent starting surface. On 28–32 mm figures especially, avoid a heavy primer coat so fine faces, textures and engraved details remain visible.

Acrylic paints made for miniatures and scale modelling are an easy choice. After a suitable primer, common techniques such as washes, layering, glazing and drybrushing work very well. The important part is making sure your primer and paint system are compatible.

Cyanoacrylate (CA, super glue) works very well for small and medium resin parts. For larger or more highly stressed joins, a suitable two-part epoxy can be useful. Traditional polystyrene plastic cement generally does not weld resin parts together.

Yes. Cured resin can be carefully sanded and modified. Use very little pressure around thin weapons, fingers or horns. Avoid breathing sanding dust, keep the work area clean, and use appropriate eye and respiratory protection when an operation creates dust or flying debris.

For normal hobby use, fully washed and cured resin parts are handled as solid plastic parts. Liquid or incompletely cured resin is different: it can cause skin irritation or sensitisation and should only be handled with appropriate protective equipment in accordance with the material safety data sheet.

A sticky or greasy surface can indicate residue or incomplete post-processing. Avoid unnecessary skin contact, do not simply paint over the area, and send us a photo so we can help assess the model.

It depends strongly on the resin formulation and the geometry. Many photopolymer resins are relatively rigid and can break more easily in a fall than tough injection-moulded plastic. Thin swords, staffs, fingers, wing tips and horns should therefore be handled carefully.

Long-term intense UV and heat exposure is not recommended. Prolonged sunlight can cause colour changes and increased brittleness in photopolymer resin. A cool, dry location away from constant direct sunlight is a better choice for display and storage.

Store miniatures somewhere dry, out of direct sunlight and away from very hot environments. For transport, padded cases, foam or magnetic systems with enough clearance around delicate parts work well. Avoid pressure on weapons, wings and other protruding details.

“32 mm” describes a size class rather than one universal measuring standard. Some creators measure to eye level, others to the top of the head, and proportions and poses also vary. If exact matching matters, use the dimensions and base information on the individual product page as well.

Many models are suitable for fantasy role-playing games, skirmish systems, painting projects and dioramas. For your game, check scale and base size in particular. Third-party brand names only describe possible compatibility; SBMiniatures is not affiliated with their respective rights holders.

This depends on the individual model. If a base is included or a specific base size is intended, the information will be shown on the product page. If anything is unclear, contact us before ordering.

Some models can technically be resized. Whether that is practical and permitted depends on geometry, detail thickness, wall thickness, separate parts and the relevant licence. Please use our contact form for custom scale requests.

Unless an item is explicitly marked as a digital download, the listing refers to a physical product. Always check the product description before purchasing, especially for units, regiments and special items.

Delicate parts need sufficient clearance and cushioning during shipping. Our packaging is designed to minimise pressure on protruding details. Even so, open the parcel carefully and avoid pulling small models out by weapons, wings or other thin features.

Contact us as soon as reasonably possible and include clear photos of the damaged miniature and, where relevant, the shipping packaging. This helps us assess the issue quickly and find the appropriate solution with you.

Current information is shown on the product page, in the cart or checkout, and on our Shipping & Delivery page. For larger orders or time-critical projects, we recommend contacting us before purchasing.

Yes. You can send us a custom or project enquiry through the contact form. Include the model, desired size, quantity and timeframe. Feasibility depends on factors such as printability and the usage rights for the model.