Hey, painters! I’m in a bit of a dilemma and could really use your advice. I’ve been thinking about getting into the miniature painting hobby, but I can’t decide between the Gamemaster Character Paint Set and the Reaper Miniatures Learn to Paint Kit. My main goal is to explore this hobby and determine whether it’s something I enjoy and want to continue investing my time and money in.
I would actually recommend something else entirely! For beginners, one of the best types of paints to ease into the hobby is a type of paint known as a “contrast” or “speed paint”. There are a number of brands that have paints like these. The paints are a bit thinner than normal paint, and pool into recesses of the model, creating a natural gradient of shade on the model that simulate highlights and shadow. Citadel is Games Workshop’s brand of paints, and they’re quite well regarded, but otherwise fairly expensive. For beginners, I’d recommend Army Painter, as they just released a new line of “speed paints” (their contrast paint equivalent) called “2.0” and my personal experience with the line has been very good for the price.
https://www.thearmypainter.com/shop/us/wp8059p
I’d recommend giving at least one Citadel contrast paint a try, just to experience it, but I’d definitely avoid the Reaper stuff as it tends to be very low quality and overpriced for what you get.
You can grab a few miniatures on eBay fairly cheaply, but if you want, I have some models I can send your way free of charge as well, if you’d like something to test your painting skills on, as the Army Painter sets don’t include miniatures by default.
Reaper miniatures are a bit rough, and don’t lend themselves to beginners due to the age of the sculpts.