What miniature commissions cost in 2026
Rough estimates before shipping, not quotes. Model count and paint level move the price more than anything else.
Painting, per model (USD)
| Model type | Tabletop | Tabletop+ | Display | Typical turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28–32 mm infantry | $8–18 | $13–29 | $26–58 | 2–4 weeks per 20 models |
| Cavalry / large infantry | $18–40 | $29–64 | $58–128 | 3–5 weeks per 10 models |
| Monster / character | $45–140 | $72–224 | $144–448 | 1–4 weeks each |
| Vehicle / terrain piece | $60–180 | $96–288 | $192–576 | 1–5 weeks each |
Rough estimates, not quotes. Basing adds about $2 (standard) to $6 (scenic) per model. Shipping and rush fees are extra.
Printing, per model or per file (USD)
| Method | Infantry | Cavalry | Monster / character | Vehicle / terrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resin, per printed model | $2.50–6 | $5–12 | $12–35 | $18–60 |
| FDM, per printed model | $1.50–4 | $3–8 | $8–25 | $12–40 |
| Per STL file, print-ready and supported | $3–10 | $8–20 | $15–45 | $20–70 |
| Custom sculpt, one-off | $60–150 | $120–300 | $250–900 | $300–1,200 |
Printing ranges cover the print and cleanup. Painted minis are the printing price plus the painting price above.
What moves the price
- Model count — Bigger batches get a lower per-model rate. Ten models cost more each than a hundred, because setup and paint mixing are shared across the batch.
- Paint level — Tabletop is three colors and a wash, clean at arm's length. Tabletop+ adds highlights, eyes, and cleaner basing, roughly 1.6 times the price. Display adds blending and fine detail, roughly 3 times.
- Basing — Flock and texture are cheap. Scenic bases with sculpted rubble, water or foliage can add $6 or more per model.
- Scheme matching — Matching an existing army needs your paint recipes or a sample model. Without them the painter guesses, and you may pay for a redo.
- Deadline — Under three weeks for a large army is a rush. Expect +30–50%, and expect some painters to pass.
- Shipping yours vs printed new — Shipping your own minis means shipping both ways and insuring them. Printed-new avoids the outbound leg, and a maker in your country cuts cost further.
How to brief a painter (paste this into your post)
- Model count, split by type: infantry, cavalry, monsters, vehicles.
- Whether the minis are built, primed, or still on the sprue.
- Scheme references: photos of a finished model or paint names.
- Paint level: tabletop, tabletop+ or display.
- Basing: none, standard or scenic, and the theme.
- Deadline, and any event it is for.
- Ship-to country, and whether you ship the minis to the painter.
- Budget range. Painters bid better against a real number.