How to Paint Your Astigmasaura Miniature — A Beginner-Friendly Guide

Difficulty: Beginner | Estimated time: 2–3 hours

1. Intro Section

The Astigmasaura is a fantastic miniature for painters of all skill levels—its broad scales, defined musculature, and expressive posture make it incredibly rewarding to paint. Beginners will love how easily dry brushing brings out the texture, while intermediate painters can push contrast and detail for a striking tabletop creature.

This miniature is available now in my Disain Studio store, ready to paint, and bring to life on your gaming table. If you’re looking for a fast, satisfying project with impressive results, the Astigmasaura is a perfect 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 (basecoating)

  • Size 0 detail (eyes, claws, accents)

  • Medium drybrush

• Primer: Grey or white spray primer

• Palette: Wet palette recommended

• Water pot & paper towel

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

• Optional: Hobby handle, magnifier, hairdryer for faster drying

3. Full Paint List (Vallejo Primary Recipe)

Vallejo Colours Used:

• Camouflage Green (72.027) – Upper Skin Basecoat

• Light Brown (70.929) – Underside Basecoat

• Bonewhite (72.034) – Dry Brush Highlight 1

• Pale Sand (70.837) – Dry Brush Highlight 2

• German Cam. Medium Brown (70.826) – Back/Tail Accents

• Black (70.950) – Claws

• Yellow Ochre (70.913) – Eyes

• Rose Brown (70.803) – Mouth Interior

• Sepia Wash (73.200) – Shadow Wash

4. Step‑by‑Step Painting Guide

Priming

Give the miniature a smooth coat of grey or white primer. This helps the greens and browns stay vibrant and makes dry brushing easier.

Basecoating

1. Upper Skin: Apply Camouflage Green (72.027) in thin, even layers. Two coats are better than one thick coat.

2. Underside: Use Light Brown (70.929) for the belly, throat, and inner limbs.

3. Back & Tail Accents: Add German Cam. Medium Brown (70.826) along the spine, tail ridges, and any raised armour‑like plates.

Dry Brushing

1. Highlight 1: Lightly dry brush Bonewhite (72.034) over raised scales. This instantly reveals texture.

2. Highlight 2: Add a lighter dry brush of Pale Sand (70.837) to the highest points—head, shoulders, spine.

Detailing & Layering

• Claws: Paint with Black (70.950). Add a tiny Pale Sand edge highlight if desired.

• Eyes: Use Yellow Ochre (70.913) with a small black dot for the pupil.

• Mouth Interior: Apply Rose Brown (70.803) for a natural fleshy tone.

Shading

Wash the entire miniature with Sepia Wash (73.200).

“Wash: Apply generously into crevices and wipe excess from raised areas.”

This ties the colours together and deepens the shadows.

Final Touches

• Re‑highlight raised areas with Pale Sand for extra pop.

• Add tiny dots of Bonewhite to the eyes for a glossy, lifelike look.

• Seal with matte varnish to protect your work.

5. Comparison Table

Why not upload your painted model to our Facebook page — we'd love to see your version!