3D Printing Tabletop Miniatures

Best Practices for Detail and Durability

When you’re printing miniatures for tabletop games, the two most common technologies are FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and resin. Each has its own strengths and trade-offs. Below is a straightforward comparison followed by practical tips for getting the best results with each method.

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Resin vs. FDM: Which Is Right for Your Minis?

Feature	Resin	FDM
Fine Detail	✔️	❌ (limited by nozzle size)
Surface Finish	✔️	❌ (often rougher, needs sanding/filing)
Build Volume	Small to medium	Larger (good for terrain or large figures)
Print Speed	Slow	Fast
Post‑Processing	Wash & cure required	Minimal (though supports may need removal)
Durability (handling)	Good but can be brittle	Stronger, more impact resistant
Cost per Print	Lower filament cost, higher printer cost	Lower overall cost for large prints

Bottom line:

• Resin wins when you need fine detail and a smooth finish on small figures.
• FDM excels for large terrain pieces or when you want a more robust model that can survive rough handling.

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Resin Printing: Best Practices

Step	What to Do	Why
Layer Height	0.025 mm – 0.05 mm	Smaller layers give smoother surfaces and finer detail.
Anti‑Aliasing (SLA)	Enable if your slicer supports it	Reduces jagged edges on curved surfaces.
Supports	Use “Minimum” or “Sparse” support density, with a 45° angle	Keeps the model stable while minimizing material waste and post‑processing effort.
Wash & Cure	Wash in isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for 5–10 min; cure under UV lamp for 20–30 min (depending on resin)	Removes uncured resin and hardens the print to full strength.
Safety	Wear nitrile gloves, work in a well‑ventilated area or use a fume hood, avoid direct skin contact with raw resin	Resin can be irritating; proper handling reduces health risks.

**** The exact cure times and safety guidelines depend on the specific resin brand. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions.

Post‑Processing Tips

1. Support Removal: Use a small hobby knife or tweezers to gently detach supports, then sand lightly with fine grit paper.
2. Smoothing: For extra polish, apply a thin coat of 3‑M VHB tape or use a low‑temperature heat gun briefly (≈ 200 °C) – but only if the resin tolerates it.
3. Priming & Painting:
   • Prime with a thin layer of gesso or dedicated miniature primer to improve paint adhesion.
   • Use acrylic paints for base colors; add shading with dry brushing or washes.

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FDM Printing: Best Practices

Step	What to Do	Why
Nozzle Size	0.2 mm (or smaller if available)	Balances detail and speed; smaller nozzles give finer lines but increase print time.
Print Speed	30–40 mm/s for detailed parts, up to 60 mm/s for large terrain	Slower speeds reduce stringing and improve layer adhesion on intricate geometry.
Layer Height	0.1 mm – 0.15 mm	Provides a good compromise between detail and print time.
Supports	Use “Sparse” support density; enable “Z‑gap” to avoid contact with the model	Minimizes material usage and eases removal.
Bed Adhesion	Apply a thin layer of glue stick or use a PEI sheet	Prevents warping, especially for larger prints.

Durability Tips

• Material Choice: PETG or ABS are more impact‑resistant than PLA; consider them for terrain that will be handled frequently.
• Post‑Processing: Light sanding and filling with epoxy can reinforce weak joints in large models.

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Priming & Painting Minis for the Tabletop

1. Clean the Model – Remove dust with a soft brush or compressed air.
2. Prime – A single coat of primer (e.g., Angelus Miniature Primer) ensures paint sticks and reduces glare.
3. Base Coat – Apply flat colors; use thin layers to avoid drips.
4. Detailing – Add highlights, shadows, and washes for depth.
5. Seal – Finish with a matte or satin varnish to protect the paint job.

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Decision Table: Resin vs. FDM for Miniatures

Question	Resin	FDM
I need maximum detail on a small figure	✔️	❌
I want a smooth, glossy finish without sanding	✔️	❌
My budget is tight and I’ll print many figures	❌ (printer cost higher)	✔️
I’m printing large terrain pieces that will be handled often	❌ (brittle)	✔️
Post‑processing time matters?	Longer (wash & cure)	Shorter
Safety concerns about chemicals?	Requires gloves, ventilation	Minimal

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Quick Takeaway

• Resin is the go‑to for detail‑heavy miniatures that will sit on a display or be painted with precision.
• FDM is better for large, durable terrain and when you need to print quickly and affordably.

Use these guidelines as a starting point, then tweak settings based on your specific printer and resin/filament brand.

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Resources

• – A guide to choosing the right resin printer.
• – Step‑by‑step post‑processing for both resin and FDM prints.

**** – Ideal for high‑detail tabletop miniatures.
**** – Streamlines the resin cleaning process.