Shipping miniatures to a painter and back without breakage
Short answer: if the painter will assemble the models, send them on the sprue in their original bags; that is the safest way to post plastic. If they're already built, wrap each model or seat it in foam so nothing touches, fill every gap in the box, and agree insurance and the return packing with the painter before you send anything.
Sprue or assembled?
| Send them… | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On the sprue, in the box | Almost nothing can break; flat and light | The painter charges for assembly, and you need to agree on poses and options |
| Assembled, unpainted | You choose the build; quicker for the painter | Thin parts (spears, antennae, banners) snap easily |
| Primed or partly painted | Painter skips a step | Fragile, and paint can rub in transit |
Ask the painter which they prefer. Many charge for assembly and cleaning mould lines, and some want models unprimed so they can use their own primer.
Packing assembled models
- Foam trays cut to fit, one model per slot, are the gold standard. Pluck foam works if you fit it carefully.
- Magnetic trays work if the bases are magnetised and the case is steel-lined; add a layer of foam on top so models can't slide or lift.
- Wrap the fragile bits. A small piece of foam or tissue around spears and banners stops them hitting the case.
- No loose space. Shake the box gently. If anything moves, add more padding.
- Box in a box. Put the case inside a larger shipping box with padding all round.
Labelling
- One label per unit or per model, matching your brief ("Squad A, sergeant", "Hero 2").
- A printed list inside the box with model names and counts.
- Photos of everything before you seal the box.
These help the painter follow your brief and help you both if something goes missing.
Insurance and tracking
- Use a tracked service both ways.
- Insure the replacement value of the models, which may be more than you paid.
- Agree in writing who pays for the return shipping, how it will be packed, and what happens if something breaks in transit.
Customs
If the painter is in another country, models crossing a border may attract duties or taxes on the way out or back. Ask the painter how they declare returns of customer-owned items, and check your own country's rules before you send.
Before you post
- Agree the brief, the price and the paint level: see choosing a paint level for your army.
- Confirm the painter's address and that they're ready to receive.
- Ask how they'll pack the finished models. Painted models are more fragile than bare plastic.
The miniature painting prices page explains what drives the cost. Post your commission free on The Spool List and compare painters' bids, or browse miniature painting services and custom figurines on The Spool List.
FAQ
Can I send resin or metal models the same way? Yes, but metal is heavy: give each model its own slot so it can't move into others. Resin is brittle; wrap thin parts.
Should I glue models to their bases first? Ask the painter. Many prefer to base and paint separately, then attach.
What if something arrives broken? Photograph it straight away, before unpacking further, and contact the carrier and the painter.