Painting Tabletop Terrain (for Gaming)

December 12, 2021 by Andy Quatember

Overview

A few people have asked about my painting style with regards to paints, for my tabletop gaming terrain miniatures. My techniques are crude at best but give good result for playing games, these are not good enough for dioramas.

For paints I mostly use Craftsmart Acrylic Paint, it is easily available and produces a nice matt-ish finish. For the washes I have a recipe by Lester Bursley, a easy to follow recipe, that gives good results.

I have broken down my painting to a few broad categories, this allows me to have my terrain "match" better.

Scatter Terrain Rock

Primed with a mix of Mod-Podge with black paint.
Painted full coverage Deep Grey.
Dry brush Grey.
Full Coverage with a Black Wash.
Spotty Coverage with a Burnt Umber Wash.
Images of the results of this technique, coming soon...

Building Stone

If its made of foam primed with a mix of Mod-Podge with black paint. If its PLA from 3d Printer, I use Rust-Oleum Painters Touch 2x Grey Spray Primer.
Painted full coverage Deep Grey.
Paint random bricks Brick Red and Golden Brown.
Paint arches around doors, windows and specialized brick work Dark Grey.
Dry brush Grey.
Full Coverage with a Black Wash.
Images of the results of this technique, coming soon...

Roof Tiles

If its made of foam primed with a mix of Mod-Podge with black paint. If its made of cardboard or PLA from 3d Printer, I use Rust-Oleum Painters Touch 2x Grey Spray Primer.
Either use Terracotta, Brown or Campground.
Light drybrush with Grey from bottom of peak to top of peak, so that only tile tips are highlighted.
Full Coverage with a Black Wash.
Images of the results of this technique, coming soon...

Leaves or Grass

Since most of my table top trees and bushes are now 3d Printed, I use Rust-Oleum Painters Touch 2x Grey Spray Primer.
Painted full coverage Campground.
Dry brush Grass Green.
Light Dry brush Holiday Green.
Light Dry Brush Lush Foliage.
Images of the results of this technique, coming soon...

Wood

Most of my terrain that contains "wood" are actually made of balsawood or popsicle sticks, I don't usually prime them. If it is 3d Printed I will spray prime them.