The world of miniature painting can seem daunting to newcomers. With countless paints, brushes, and tools available, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. This is where Army Painter starter sets shine. They offer a curated collection of essential materials, providing a fantastic foundation for aspiring painters to jump into the hobby with confidence. This guide dives deep into what to expect from these sets, helping you choose the perfect one for your needs and budget.
What's Included in a Typical Army Painter Starter Set?
Army Painter offers various starter sets, each tailored to different skill levels and painting preferences. However, most sets typically include the following core components:
-
Paints: A selection of essential colors, usually covering a range of base coats, washes, and highlights. These are often strategically chosen to cover a wide spectrum of miniature painting needs, allowing you to paint a variety of miniatures effectively.
-
Brushes: High-quality synthetic brushes designed for detail work and basecoating. The quality of the brushes included is often a significant selling point of the sets, as good brushes are crucial for smooth and precise painting.
-
Mediums: These additives enhance the paint’s properties. You might find things like a matte varnish for a protective finish, or a flow improver to thin your paints.
-
Palette: A convenient palette to mix your paints on, preventing paint from drying out too quickly. Some sets may include a wet palette for improved paint longevity.
Popular Army Painter Starter Sets: A Comparison
While the exact contents vary slightly depending on the specific set and any current promotions, here's a general overview of what you can expect:
1. The "Beginner" Set: Focus on the Essentials
This entry-level option provides a basic but sufficient selection of paints, brushes, and tools to get you started. It’s ideal for individuals completely new to miniature painting who want to test the waters without a significant upfront investment. Expect a smaller number of paints, likely focusing on core colors.
2. The "Intermediate" Set: Expanding Your Arsenal
Stepping up from the beginner set, this option typically includes a wider range of paints, potentially encompassing more specialized colors and effects. You might find additional brushes, mediums, and perhaps even a more advanced wet palette system. This set is suited for those who've had some experience and want to expand their painting capabilities.
3. The "Advanced" or "Master" Set (If Available): The Ultimate Package
While not always explicitly labeled as such, some Army Painter offerings might be considered "advanced" sets. These boast a significantly larger collection of paints, a broader selection of brushes for various techniques, and an extensive array of mediums and tools. These comprehensive sets are perfect for experienced painters who want a diverse palette and professional-grade materials.
Choosing the Right Army Painter Starter Set for You
Consider these factors before purchasing:
-
Your Experience Level: Beginners should opt for basic sets, while more experienced painters can benefit from advanced sets with a wider range of tools and colors.
-
Your Budget: Starter sets range in price. Set a budget beforehand to avoid overspending.
-
Your Painting Goals: If you only plan on painting a specific type of miniature (e.g., space marines), you might find a set tailored to a particular army or color scheme more advantageous than a general-purpose set.
Beyond the Starter Set: Expanding Your Collection
Once you've mastered the basics with your starter set, you can begin to expand your collection with individual paints, brushes, and tools based on your evolving needs and preferences. Remember that miniature painting is a journey of continuous learning and experimentation.
Conclusion: Diving into the World of Miniature Painting
Army Painter starter sets provide a fantastic gateway into the exciting world of miniature painting. By carefully considering your skill level, budget, and painting goals, you can find the perfect set to embark on your creative journey. Remember, the most crucial element is to have fun and explore your artistic potential!