How to Paint Your Allosaurus Juvenile Miniature — A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Difficulty: Beginner | Estimated time: 2–3 hours

1. Intro Section

Allosaurus Juvenile strikes the perfect balance between creature detail and smooth, approachable surfaces. Its bold back stripe, expressive face, and textured scales make it ideal for beginners who want fast, impressive results—and for intermediate painters who enjoy adding subtle highlights and colour variation.

This miniature is available right now in Disain Studio store, ready to purchase and paint. If you want a rewarding project that looks fantastic on the tabletop, this little predator is a brilliant choice.

Before You Begin: Preparing Your 3D Printed Resin Model

My 3D printed resin models are fully cleaned and have the supports removed so require little prep before priming. I try to restrict supports to the less obvious areas but unfortunately they are unavoidable, lightly sand any support bumps with fine-grit sandpaper (400–800 grit), removing any small bumps will enhance the final painted miniature.

2. Required Equipment List

• Brushes: Size 2 round, size 0 detail, medium drybrush

• Primer: Grey or white spray primer

• Palette: Wet palette recommended

• Water pot + paper towel

• Varnish: Matte varnish (brush-on or spray)

• Optional: Superglue for basing, texture paste, basing materials

3. Full Paint List (Vallejo Primary Recipe)

Base Skin (Green)

• Vallejo: Olive Green (70.967)

Underbelly (Pale)

• Vallejo: Pale Grey Blue (70.907)

Back Stripe (Rust)

• Vallejo: Burnt Red (70.814)

Claws

• Vallejo: Black Grey (70.862)

Eye Ridge Highlights

• Vallejo: Bonewhite (72.034)

Mouth Interior

• Vallejo: Warlord Purple (72.014)

Teeth

• Vallejo: Off White (70.820)

Dry Brush (Skin)

• Vallejo: Light Green (70.942)

Dry Brush (Back)

• Vallejo: Orange Fire (72.008)

Highlight (Ridges)

• Vallejo: Ivory (70.918)

4. Step-by-Step Painting Guide

Priming

Start with a grey or white primer. This helps the greens and reds stay vibrant and makes dry brushing easier for beginners.

Basecoating

• Apply Olive Green across the main body. Don't worry about perfect coverage—two thin coats always look better than one thick one.

• Paint the underbelly with Pale Grey Blue, following the natural curve of the torso and throat.

• Add the dorsal stripe using Burnt Red, running from the head down the spine. This creates instant visual contrast.

Dry Brushing

• Lightly dry brush Light Green across the scales. This instantly brings out texture and makes the miniature "pop."

• Use Orange Fire to dry brush the back stripe. This warms the red and gives the dinosaur a sun-kissed, natural look.

Highlighting

• Pick out raised ridges and facial details with Ivory and Bonewhite.

• Keep highlights light and controlled—just the edges and raised scales.

Layering & Details

• Paint the claws with Black Grey.

• Add Warlord Purple inside the mouth for a fleshy, organic tone.

• Use Off White for the teeth—small strokes make a big difference.

Final Touches

• Add a final edge highlight of Ivory on the most raised areas.

• Varnish with a matte coat to protect your work.

• Base the miniature however you like—rocky desert, forest floor, or mud all suit this creature beautifully.

Share Your Work

Finished your Allosaurus Juvenile? We'd love to see it! Tag @DisainStudio in your photos or upload your painted model to our Facebook page — every version is unique and we celebrate them all.

Looking for your next project? Browse our full range of Beast Realms and Fantasy Realms miniatures and keep the brushes moving.