Guide to 3D Printing Miniatures and Custom Figurines

3D printing has come a long way in the past few years, and one of its most popular uses is producing miniatures and custom figurines. From tabletop armies and Dungeons and Dragons characters to display busts and collectible props, hobbyists can now make on demand what once had to be bought or commissioned.

This guide walks through why 3D printing suits miniatures so well, which technology to choose, where to find models, and how to finish a figure so it looks its best.

Why 3D Print Your Own Miniatures?

Printing at home changes the economics of the hobby entirely. Instead of paying for each figure and waiting on shipping, you can produce a whole warband from a single spool or bottle of resin.

• Cost per model drops sharply once you own the printer, especially for large collections.
• No minimum orders: print one figure or a hundred, whenever you need them.
• Full customization: pose, scale, and kitbash models to match your character or scene.
• Instant replacements for broken or lost pieces.

Resin vs Filament for Miniatures

The single biggest decision is which printing technology to use, and for small detailed figures it usually comes down to resin.

Resin (SLA/MSLA)

Resin printers cure liquid photopolymer layer by layer and capture extremely fine detail with smooth surfaces, which is exactly what miniatures demand. Faces, fabric folds, and fine weapons come out crisp. The trade-offs are messier handling, post-curing, and the need for ventilation and gloves. For most miniature work, resin is the clear winner. See our guide to SLA printing and our resin printer reviews.

Filament (FDM)

FDM printers are cheaper to run and better for larger models like busts, props, and terrain. The downside is visible layer lines and softer detail at small scales, so tiny 28mm figures are harder to pull off cleanly. If you go this route, a small nozzle and fine layer height help. Our FDM printer reviews can point you to a capable machine.

Finding and Designing Models

You do not need to sculpt from scratch. Marketplaces and repositories are full of miniatures, many released monthly by patron-supported designers. Browse our roundup of websites for free STL files and Thingiverse alternatives to find models. If you want to create or modify your own, our list of free CAD software covers the tools sculptors use, from Blender to dedicated character apps.

Slicing and Supports

Miniatures live or die by their supports. Because figures have overhangs everywhere, careful support placement is essential.

• Orientation: angle the model so supports land on hidden or flat areas rather than the face or fine detail.
• Support density: use enough medium or heavy supports to hold thin limbs and weapons without failure.
• Hollowing and drain holes: hollowing larger resin prints saves material, but always add drain holes so trapped resin can escape.
• Layer height: finer layers capture more detail at the cost of print time.

Post-Processing and Painting

A raw print is only half the job. For resin, wash the model in isopropyl alcohol, remove it from the supports, and cure it under UV light before handling. Trim any nubs and lightly sand if needed.

From there, prime the figure, then paint with thin acrylic layers, washes, and dry-brushing to bring out detail. Our guide on smoothing 3D prints helps with FDM surfaces, and our guide to color in 3D printing covers your options for adding color.

Bring Your Characters to Life

With the right printer, a good source of models, and a little patience on supports and finishing, you can build an entire collection tailored to your table or shelf. For more detailed guides, practical tips, and expert recommendations, explore the resources at 3DGearZone.