Starter painting kits as a gift for a wargamer: what to look for and how to use it

A wargamer who already owns a table full of units may still struggle to find time to paint them. A starter painting kit is one of the most useful gifts you can give, because it removes the small obstacles that stop a new painter from starting. The trick is to choose the right items and to pair them with something worth painting. This guide explains what a sensible starter kit should include, what to check before you buy, and how to make the gift feel like an invitation to paint rather than a pile of odd tools.

What a starter kit should cover

A useful starter kit covers the basics of getting paint onto a figure, and nothing more. Too many items can be overwhelming, and a long list of tools can lead to a box of things that are never opened. Aim for a few well-chosen products that cover preparation, colour, detail and finishing.

• Preparation. A primer, usually spray-applied, gives paint something to grip. A hobby knife or a file helps clean up mould lines and flash on the figure.
• Colour. A small set of paints in the main shades the person needs, such as a base colour, a shade and a highlight for a few units. Ask what armies or periods they play before you choose the colours.
• Brushes. A basic range of brushes, including a fine detail brush and a larger brush for base coats, covers most tasks. Good brushes hold a point and keep their shape.
• Finishing. A varnish or sealer protects the paint once the model is done. Matt finishes are the usual choice for wargame figures, but ask the person what they prefer.
• Workspace. A palette, a water pot and some kitchen roll or a cloth help keep the desk clean, and a good light makes detail work far easier.

A kit that covers these areas gives the person what they need for a first unit without buying every tool on the market.

Check the figure before you buy the kit

Before you choose the paints, check what the person is going to paint. A starter kit works best when it matches a real project. If they have a box of figures waiting on the shelf, use those as a guide. If they are starting a new army, look at what the figures need, such as the basic colours on the uniforms and the metal on the weapons.

The scale matters too. A kit for 28mm infantry is not the same as a kit for larger display figures. Display scales such as 1/32 and 75mm need more paint, more detail and often more patience, so a starter kit may need a larger brush and more colour. If you are buying for someone who paints display-scale figures, look at the range of resin kits on the RDG Miniatures shop so you can match the paint to the piece.

Choosing paints without buying too many

Paint is where most starter kits go wrong. A set with forty pots looks generous, but many of those colours will never be used. A smaller set of well-chosen paints gives more value. Look for a set that includes a range of base colours, a dark shade and a light highlight, so the person can build up a figure from the start.

Check whether the paints are water-based or solvent-based. Water-based paints are easier to clean up and are common for beginners. If the person already has a preferred brand, buy paints that work with what they have, rather than adding a second system that complicates the workspace.

Ask whether they want a paint set or single pots. A set suits someone just starting out. Single pots suit someone who already has a collection and needs to fill a gap in their colours.

Brushes and tools that last

Brushes are often the biggest difference between a frustrating first session and an enjoyable one. A cheap brush loses its point quickly, sheds bristles and makes detail work hard. A good brush costs more, but it lasts longer and gives cleaner lines.

Include at least one fine detail brush and one medium brush for base coats. A hobby knife, a pin vice and a few spare blades can be useful, but do not add too many. A cutting mat protects the desk and makes cutting safer. Keep the tools in a box or tray, so the kit feels organised from the start.

If you are buying a gift for someone who has painted before, check the brushes they already own. A replacement brush is a welcome gift, but a second set of the same brushes is less useful than a tool they do not yet have, such as a wet palette or a magnifier.

Pairing the kit with something to paint

A paint kit on its own can be a bit abstract. Pairing it with a figure or a small kit gives the recipient a project from the first night. A single figure, a small unit or a simple diorama piece gives them a clear goal and a way to see progress.

If the person is into display-scale historical figures, a 75mm or 1/32 resin kit makes a good starting point. The larger size gives more room for detail, which suits a first project. RDG Miniatures casts its figure kits by hand in 1/32 and 75mm scale, and each product page lists what the set contains, so you can check the piece before you buy. The 75mm kits and the full shop show the range.

Make sure the gift card or note explains what the figure is and why you chose it. A short line about the subject, such as the regiment or the period, shows you have thought about their interests.

Making the gift feel complete

A starter painting kit is a gift that asks the person to take part. Include a note that suggests a first step, such as priming the figure, painting the base coat, or spending an hour on the face. Small suggestions take the pressure off and make the first session feel achievable.

If you are shopping for a wargamer who already has a full collection, consider a gift of time instead. A painting session at their table, a set of finishing products or a half-day with a figure they have been meaning to paint can be more welcome than another brush. Whatever you choose, keep the focus on the hobby they love, and the gift will feel personal.