Miniature Painting Techniques Unveiled: Where Mass Precision Meets

At Eastar Game Manufacturing, we think a miniature is not only a block of resin or plastic, but it is a tale in the flesh. Whether it be dents in the steel armor of a fantasy knight or the glowing runes on the wizard wearing the robe, every miniature adds to an immersive board game experience. Yet what is so memorable about them? Skilfully used paintwork, which gives life to those stories.

We apply two of the best industry techniques to get the most appropriate visual look: Batch Spraying and Hand Painting. It is to these complementary methods that we owe our capability to apply efficiency and art on a large scale. Regardless of whether you are releasing a massive box retail game or releasing a limited-edition deluxe version, Eastar makes sure that each miniature is carefully painted, exploring a new world.

Batch Spraying: Speed, Uniformity, and Professional Finishing

A very effective process being employed in the application of base coats and general colour schemes to large quantities of miniatures is known as Batch spraying. The process uses enormous spray booths that contain the miniatures and, under the exact control of an airbrush system, are covered with layers of paint.

Why Batch Spraying Works Wonders:

·         Consistency: Every figure receives the same color coverage, crucial for games with armies, squads, or factions.

·         Speed: Ideal for large-scale productions where time-to-market matters.

·         Cost-effective: Reduces manual labor costs while maintaining excellent finish quality.

·         Reliable Quality: Uniform results across thousands of pieces without streaks or uneven layers.

We use class-A and game-grade quality high paints that are environmentally safe, resistant to chipping, and available in a wide range of colors. To the majority of clients, this technique is the base, giving a clear and bright foundation to which, more details could be added.

 Hand Painting: The Artist’s Touch That Elevates Each Piece

Whereas the base is prepared with the use of batch spraying, it is hand-painting that can gift the emotional and aesthetic wow factor. This is a highly labor-intensive procedure and is done by a highly skilled group of miniature artists at Eastar, many of whom have worked on collectible games, display models, and custom pieces for RPGs.

The Hand Painting Difference:

·         Fine detailing: Add expressions, symbols, shading, dry brushing, and even weathering effects.

·         Character-specific features: From armor scratches to tattoo lines, nothing is overlooked.

·         Customization: We can follow exact client instructions, design briefs, or concept art.

·         Premium appeal: Ideal for Kickstarter exclusives, convention promos, or special editions.

The miniatures may require multiple steps involved in painting, such as layers, highlighting the edges, ink, and fine detail using brushwork. Such a practical approach can guarantee that each character will obtain a distinct visual style and personality, making it impossible to imitate with the help of a machine. 

Combining the Best of Both Worlds: Batch + Hand Painting

Hybrid Use Cases:

·         Spray base + hand-paint focal characters (heroes, bosses, NPCs)

·         Batch-painted troops with individual banners, weapons, or insignias hand-finished

·         Special limited-run deluxe sets with full hand-painted enhancements

This two-pronged strategy provides flexibility in pricing, the schedule, and visual effectiveness. It is particularly sought after in projects where the visual quality is what sells the game- these can include crowdfunding campaigns, influencer previews, and press releases.

Quality Control: Where Every Piece Is a Masterpiece

At Eastar, we’re proud of our multi-tiered quality control system, which ensures every painted miniature meets and exceeds client expectations.

Quality Assurance Steps:

1.      Visual Inspection: Checks for even color coverage and unwanted streaks.

2.      Detail Verification: Ensures key details like eyes, facial expressions, weapons, and logos are accurate.

3.      Finish Testing: Gloss, matte, or textured finishes are tested for durability and uniformity.

4.      Batch Sampling: Randomized QC checks within large orders to maintain consistency.

5.      Final Client Approval: For premium or hand-painted miniatures, we can provide pre-shipping photo or video samples.

Each QC team member is trained not only to spot imperfections but to understand the game context, ensuring painted miniatures visually align with the intended theme and art direction.

Tailored Painting Solutions for Every Game Type

Whether you're building a grimdark sci-fi skirmish game, a bright, family-friendly dungeon crawler, or a post-apocalyptic resource survival game, we customize our painting strategy to match your game’s aesthetic.

Game Types We Frequently Serve:

·         Fantasy RPG miniatures

·         Sci-fi and space opera miniatures

·         War simulation units (WWII, modern, mecha)

·         Educational board game components

·         Historical or cultural figurines

·         Chibi-style or cartoon-style miniatures

We can match any art style from comic-like cel shading to realistic weathering and offer Pantone matching, texture simulation, and effects painting (e.g., glowing eyes, molten lava, metallic gradients).Global Clients, Local Attention

With production facilities in China and international client bases across North America, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, Eastar is a trusted name in board game manufacturing.

What You Get When Partnering With Eastar:

·         Full product development cycle (design, prototype, production)

·         End-to-end logistics and packaging

·         Access to sampling before full production

·         NDA agreements to protect your IP

·         Direct project manager and painting lead communication

We treat every client big or small with the same level of professionalism, communication, and care.

See the Difference

Visit our Miniature Gallery to see real samples of our painted miniatures, from basic batch-sprayed models to fully hand-painted collectibles.

Want to see and touch before you commit?
We offer painted samples on request, so you can feel confident in the quality before mass production begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How long does it take to paint my miniatures?
A: Production time depends on volume and painting complexity. Batch spraying alone can be done in 1–2 weeks; hand-painted orders typically take 2–5 weeks, depending on the quantity and level of detail.

Q2: Can I send my color scheme or artwork?
A: Absolutely! We accept client-supplied artwork, color swatches, and design briefs to ensure perfect color matching and theme alignment.

Q3: Do you offer sample orders or pilot runs?
A: Yes, we encourage sample runs, especially for hand-painted miniatures. It allows both sides to align on quality and finish.

Q4: What’s the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A: We offer flexible MOQs for indie creators and small publishers. Contact us for customized quotes.

Ready to Bring Your Miniatures to Life?

Your game deserves more than plastic figures; it deserves miniatures that leave an impression. Whether you need hundreds of painted minis or a few dozen custom characters for a deluxe edition, Eastar is ready to help.

Let us turn your concept into a painted reality that will captivate players from the first unboxing.

Request a free quote or sample: Contact Eastar