The easiest way to enjoy your 3D miniatures is to send your STL files to a professional 3D printing service.

This option is perfect if you do not want to buy your own 3D printer, prepare a 3D printing setup, learn how to use resin, or deal with the printing process yourself.

Across this website, you will find downloadable STL files that you can use to create your own fantasy miniatures, characters, monsters, heroes, villains, items, and other collectable pieces. Once you have downloaded the STL file you want, you can simply send it to a professional 3D printing centre.

There are plenty of 3D printing services available online. These companies specialise in printing STL files for customers, which means you do not need to own any equipment or have any technical experience.

A clear example is Ficta 3D.

You can visit their website using the link provided here:

https://ficta3d.com/

The process is very simple:

Download the STL file from this website.
Visit the 3D printing service website.
Upload your STL file.
Receive an estimated price.
Place your order.
Wait for your miniature to be printed and delivered to your home.

That is all you need to do.

This is one of the most comfortable, simple, and straightforward ways to bring your favourite characters and creatures to life as physical miniatures. You do not need to print anything yourself, you do not need to buy a printer, and you do not need to learn the technical side of 3D printing.

Simply choose the miniature you like, download the STL file, upload it to a professional printing service, and let them do the work for you.

In just a few days, you can have your own printed miniature delivered directly to your door, ready to collect, paint, display, or use in your Dungeons & Dragons games.

We are going to guide you through the complete creative process so you can fully immerse yourself in one of the most exciting, satisfying, and creative hobbies out there: designing, 3D printing, preparing, and painting your own miniatures.

Throughout this guide, you will discover how a simple idea can become a real, physical miniature — something you can hold in your hands, use in your tabletop games, display in your collection, or bring into your own fantasy worlds.

We will begin with the concept and design stage, where you will learn how to imagine your character, define their style, choose their pose, shape their personality, and add the small details that make a miniature feel unique, powerful, and full of identity.

From there, we will move into the digital design process, exploring how a miniature is prepared for 3D printing, what details you need to consider, how to think about the structure of the model, and how to approach the creative process like a real miniature designer.

Then we will enter the world of 3D printing, where you will learn how to prepare the file, understand orientation, supports, printing, cleaning, and the first steps required to turn your digital model into a real printed piece. This is the moment where your creation begins to come to life.

But the journey does not end there. We will also guide you through the priming and preparation stages, which are essential if you want a clean, durable, and professional-looking finish. You will understand why priming matters and how it transforms the surface of your miniature so the paint can adhere properly and look much better.

Finally, we will arrive at one of the most magical parts of the hobby: painting. You will learn how to bring your miniature to life through colour, light, shadow, texture, contrast, and small visual details. A grey printed piece can become a character with presence, emotion, story, and soul.

During this guide, I will also show you many practical examples designed to awaken your curiosity and prove what you are truly capable of creating. You will see that designing and printing your own minis can be much easier, more accessible, and more enjoyable than you may think. Step by step, example by example, you will begin to understand the full creative potential of this hobby — and you may be surprised by how quickly your imagination starts turning into real objects.

This guide is not just about learning a technical process. It is about discovering a creative path. It is about taking an idea from your mind and transforming it into something physical, playable, collectible, and deeply personal.

By the end, you will have experienced the full journey: concept, design, 3D print, prime, paint, and bring your minis to life.

Today, having a complete 3D printing setup at home is no longer expensive. With the right tools, you can start printing high-quality miniatures for less than $199/ €199/ £199, making this one of the most accessible creative hobbies available.

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🧰 What You Need (3 Essential Components)

🖨️ 1. Resin 3D Printer

This is your core machine. Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Resin 3D Printer with 10K resolution is specifically designed for beginners:

• Pre-assembled and easy to use

• High precision (perfect for miniatures)

• Compact and affordable

➡️ It’s widely considered an entry-level printer that makes resin printing accessible to everyone. 

This printer offers excellent value, very high detail, and an easier overall printing experience. For that reason, it will be the main printer we focus on throughout this tutorial, so you can learn resin 3D printing properly and achieve the highest possible quality for your miniatures.

To go much deeper into the Anycubic Photon Mono 4, just keep reading below. As you will see, we have created a dedicated Anycubic expert guide to help you understand this printer step by step and get the best possible results from it.

 

🧪 2. Water-Washable Resin

This is the material you print with:

• No need for isopropyl alcohol (just water)

• Clean workflow

• Excellent detail for miniatures

👇 Touch the image below to get the Anycubic Water-Washable Resin 2.0 on Amazon

💡 3. UV Curing Lamp

After printing, your miniatures need curing:

• This cheap UV lamp does the job perfectly

• Same principle as professional curing stations

• Extremely affordable

👇 Touch the image below to get a cheap and effective UV cure lamp

💰 Total Cost

👉 Around $199 / €199 / £199

(Prices may vary slightly depending on offers, but this setup consistently stays within this range.)

With just these 3 tools, you can build a complete 3D printing setup at home and start creating immediately.

This is one of the most clever, accessible, and powerful setups available today.

And yes…

You can literally print any miniature you can imagine.

Here I’m sharing another example of the creative process, so you can see it from beginning to end:

Now it is time to begin, step by step, and show you how to design, 3D print, and fully enjoy the hobby of creating your own 3D printed miniatures.

For this tutorial, we are going to use Pandora as our main character, together with this illustration of Pandora as our creative starting point.

As I guide you through the process of designing Pandora and preparing her for 3D printing, I will also share many additional examples along the way. These examples are here to help you see the process more clearly, open your creative mind, and give you practical references you can use to understand each stage even better.

The goal is not only to show you how one specific miniature is made, but to help you understand the creative journey behind it: how an idea becomes a character, how a character becomes a design, how a design becomes a printable 3D model, and how that model can finally become a real miniature in your hands.

Step by step, you will see how the process works from concept to creation, from imagination to printing, and from a simple visual idea to a finished miniature you can collect, paint, display, or use in your games.

Let’s begin the journey.

 

STEP 1 — CREATE YOUR FIRST CHARACTER

Welcome to the World of 3D Miniature Creation

Welcome to this tutorial.

In this course, you will learn how to create your own physical 3D miniatures much more easily than you probably imagine.

The best part is that you do not need expensive software, advanced 3D modelling skills, or years of experience.

With only a small investment and the right tools, you can go from a simple idea to a real miniature printed in your own home.

Creating Your Character

The first step is creating your character concept.

You have two options:

Option 1: Use one of the illustrations available inside the Multiverse Z Lore Collection.

Option 2: Create a completely original character from scratch.

For this tutorial, we recommend using ChatGPT Image Generation, one of the easiest and most powerful tools available for creating character concepts.

Simply open ChatGPT, select the Image Generation Model, and describe the character you want to create.

For example, we created Pandora by asking ChatGPT to generate:

A female superhero wearing a white bodysuit with elegant golden details, long violet hair flowing naturally behind her, standing in a heroic pose within a fantasy Universe. Hyper-realistic style. Cinematic lighting.

Within seconds, ChatGPT will transform your imagination into a professional-looking illustration.

Any Style You Can Imagine

You are not limited to a single artistic style.

You can create characters in:

American comic-book style

Dark fantasy style

Anime or manga style

Hyper-realistic style

Sci-fi style

Epic fantasy style

Simply describe your vision using your own words.

The AI will do the heavy lifting.

For this tutorial, we will use an American comic-book style, because it translates extremely well into physical miniatures.

Design for Printing Success

This is one of the most important lessons in the entire course.

Remember:

You are not only creating an illustration.

You are creating a miniature that will eventually be printed in real life.

Because this is your first project, your goal is not to create the most spectacular character possible.

Your goal is to create your first successful print.

For that reason, we strongly recommend keeping the design simple.

Avoid:

Huge capes

Hair flying in every direction

Giant wings

Spears and thin weapons

Complex robes

Large floating elements

Overly dynamic poses

All of these details increase the chances of printing failures.

Keep it simple.

Keep it smart.

Success first. Complexity later.

Why Pandora Is the Perfect Beginner Miniature

Pandora was chosen specifically for this tutorial because her design is extremely beginner-friendly.

She has:

No cape

No giant weapons

No fragile accessories

No oversized armour

No complicated robes

Her suit fits closely to the body like a second skin, creating a clean silhouette that is much easier to reconstruct in 3D and much easier to print successfully.

Even her pose is intentionally simple.

She looks heroic.

She looks powerful.

But she remains easy to manufacture.

This is exactly what we want for a first miniature.

Keep the Base Simple

The same philosophy applies to the miniature base.

Many beginners immediately try to create elaborate scenery filled with water, trees, floating rocks, mushrooms, roots, ruins, or complex effects.

Resist the temptation.

For your first project, a simple base is the best choice.

A rocky platform.

A stone floor.

A small fantasy pedestal.

Simple.

Clean.

Effective.

You will have plenty of opportunities to create incredible display bases later.

For now, focus on learning the process.

Creating the 3D Render

Once you are happy with your illustration, return to ChatGPT and ask it to transform the artwork into a professional 3D render.

For example:

Transform this character into a realistic 3D miniature render. Use a neutral grey background. Add a simple rocky miniature base suitable for tabletop gaming. Highly detailed collectible miniature style.

The grey background is extremely important.

It creates strong visual contrast between the character and the environment, making the next stages of the workflow much more accurate.

The result should look like a professional miniature prototype.

You should clearly see:

The character

The pose

The outfit

The facial features

The miniature base

Most importantly, you should see a design that is realistic and easy to print.

Mission Complete

At this point, you have successfully created:

Your character

Your final pose

Your printable design

Your professional 3D render

You are now ready for the next step:

STEP 2 — CREATING FRONT, SIDE AND REAR VIEWS FOR 3D RECONSTRUCTION

Giving the AI More Information

Once you have your final 3D render, you can optionally create a complete character turnaround sheet showing your character from multiple angles.

This step is not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended, especially if your character has a more complex design.

The more visual information you provide to the reconstruction software, the easier it becomes for the AI to understand the shape, proportions, and details of your miniature.

Using ChatGPT to Generate Additional Views

Simply return to ChatGPT and upload the 3D render you created in the previous step.

Then use a prompt similar to this:

Using this 3D render as reference, create a complete character turnaround sheet showing the character from multiple angles, including front view, rear view, left side view, right side view, and any additional views that help define the character clearly. Use a clean character-sheet presentation with a neutral background.

ChatGPT will generate a character sheet similar to the one shown in this tutorial.

What Views Should You Request?

The most useful views are:

Front View

Shows the overall design, proportions, and facial features.

Rear View

Helps define the back of the miniature, hair placement, clothing details, and body proportions.

Left Side View

Provides information about depth, profile shape, and silhouette.

Right Side View

Adds further detail and helps maintain symmetry.

Three-Quarter Views

Optional, but often useful for understanding the character's volume and shape.

The more views available, the easier it becomes for any reconstruction software to interpret the design correctly.

Is This Step Really Necessary?

In many cases, no.

Modern AI reconstruction tools have become incredibly powerful.

If your character has a relatively simple design, a single high-quality render is often enough to generate an excellent 3D model.

Characters like Pandora are perfect examples of this.

Because her outfit is clean, her pose is straightforward, and her silhouette is easy to understand, most modern AI tools can reconstruct her successfully using only one image.

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When Should You Create Additional Views?

We recommend generating a complete turnaround sheet when your character includes:

Complex armour

Large weapons

Mechanical parts

Backpacks

Wings

Capes

Layered clothing

Highly detailed accessories

Non-human anatomy

In these situations, additional views can significantly improve reconstruction quality.

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Our Recommendation

For beginner projects, start simple.

Try reconstructing your character using only the main render first.

If the result looks good, there is no need to generate additional views.

If you notice missing details or reconstruction errors, return to ChatGPT and create a complete turnaround sheet to provide the AI with more visual information.

This gives you the best balance between simplicity, speed, and quality.

STEP 3 — GENERATING YOUR 3D MODEL WITH TRIPO AI

Turning Your Character into a Real 3D Model

Now comes the exciting part.

Until this point, we have been creating images and renders.

In this step, we will transform those images into a real 3D model that can later be printed on a resin 3D printer.

For this tutorial, we will use Tripo AI, one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly AI platforms currently available for creating 3D models from images.

The process is surprisingly simple.

Creating Your Free Account

Start by visiting Tripo AI. Tap this link to access Tripo AI Platform

Click the "Start for Free" button and create your account.

Registration takes only a few seconds.

You can sign up using:

Google

Email

Or any other registration method available in your region.

Once you are logged in, you will have access to the Tripo AI workspace.

Accessing the 3D Generation Workspace

Inside the platform, click on "Generate HD Model".

This opens the main workspace where your 3D model will be created.

In the upper-left area of the interface, you will see the image upload section.

This is where you upload the character render that we created in the previous chapters.

Simply upload your Pandora render and wait for it to load.

One Image or Multiple Views?

You will notice that Tripo AI allows several different workflows.

You can:

Upload a single image

Generate automatic multiviews

Upload multiple views manually

All three methods work.

However, for beginners, we recommend using a single image.

Modern AI reconstruction technology has improved dramatically, and Tripo AI Version 3.1 is extremely capable.

For simple characters like Pandora, a single high-quality render is usually more than enough to generate an excellent miniature.

Of course, if you have created front, side, and rear views in the previous chapter, you can also use them to provide additional information to the AI.

Selecting the Best Quality Settings

Before generating your model, take a moment to review the settings available in the left-hand panel.

Depending on your subscription plan, you may have access to additional quality options.

These can include:

Ultra Mesh Quality

Higher Polygon Density

8K Texture Generation

Advanced Reconstruction Options

If these options are available to you, they can improve the final quality of the model.

However, do not feel that they are required.

The standard settings already produce excellent results and are more than sufficient for creating a high-quality printable miniature.

Always Use the Latest Generation Model

One recommendation is particularly important.

Whenever possible, select:

Version 3.1

Or whichever version is currently the latest available version on the platform.

Newer AI models almost always provide:

Better anatomy

Better proportions

Cleaner meshes

More accurate details

Improved reconstruction quality

For this reason, the latest version should generally be your default choice.

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Generating Your Model

Once your image has been uploaded and your settings have been selected, simply click:

Generate Model

The AI will begin analysing your character and reconstructing it into a complete three-dimensional object.

Depending on server load and your subscription plan, this process may take a few minutes.

Now is a great time to grab a coffee and let the AI do the hard work for you.

Reviewing the Result

Once generation is complete, Tripo AI will display your new 3D model.

Take a few moments to rotate the model and inspect it carefully.

You can usually switch between different viewing modes, including:

Textured View

Shows the model with full colour textures.

Monochrome View

Shows the pure geometry without textures.

For miniature printing, the monochrome view is often the most useful because it allows you to inspect the actual sculpt quality and see how the details will appear once printed.

Not Happy with the Result?

Don't worry.

This is completely normal.

AI reconstruction is incredibly powerful, but sometimes a model may require a second attempt.

Fortunately, Tripo AI usually provides a Retry or Regenerate option.

If something looks strange:

Regenerate the model

Try a different render

Try additional views

Adjust your source image

Often a second generation produces dramatically better results.

Exporting Your STL File

Once you are happy with the model, click the Export button.

This is one of the most important steps in the entire workflow.

When exporting, make sure you select:

STL Format

The STL file is the standard format used by virtually all miniature slicing software and resin 3D printers.

After clicking Export, Tripo AI will generate your downloadable STL file.

Congratulations.

You now own a real 3D model based on the character you designed.

What Have We Achieved?

At this point, you have successfully:

Created a character

Generated a professional render

Converted the render into a 3D model

Exported a printable STL file

Or just tap the link here.

Step 6 — Choosing the Resin: Anycubic Water Wash Resin 2.0

For this workflow, the resin we are going to use is Anycubic Water Wash Resin 2.0. This resin is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced users alike, especially for printing high-detail miniatures and character models.

Below is a clear explanation of what all the images above represent and why this resin is so well suited for this tutorial.

Resin Parameters & Mechanical Properties

The technical chart shows the core material characteristics:

• Low viscosity (190–230 mPa·s at 25°C), which helps the resin flow easily and capture fine details.

• Good surface hardness (82–85 HD), ideal for crisp details on miniatures.

• Balanced strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of brittle parts.

• Controlled shrinkage, which improves dimensional accuracy.

These properties make the resin reliable for consistent, high-quality prints.

Wide Compatibility

The compatibility diagram shows that this resin works with all common LCD/DLP resin printers on the market, especially those using 405 nm UV light, which includes most modern consumer resin printers.

Low Viscosity = Stable Printing

The low-viscosity visuals explain why prints have:

• Better platform adhesion

• Higher success rates

• More consistent layer formation

This is particularly important when printing complex supports or thin details.

Anti-Yellowing & Color Stability

The anti-yellowing comparison demonstrates how Water Wash Resin 2.0 maintains its color and appearance much better over time, even after exposure to light—especially important for white, gray, or transparent prints that will later be painted.

Less Odor – Better for Indoor Use

The odor comparison images show that this resin produces significantly less smell than many alternatives, making it far more comfortable to use at home or in indoor environments.

High Resilience & Reduced Cracking

The flexibility tests highlight the resin’s high elongation at break (around 16–17%), meaning:

• Printed parts are less brittle

• Thin elements are more resistant to snapping

• Finished miniatures are more durable

This is a huge advantage for tabletop figures and detailed characters.

High Precision & Fine Detail

The miniature examples demonstrate the resin’s ability to reproduce extreme surface detail, sharp edges, and clean textures—exactly what we want for character models and collectible miniatures.

Easy Cleaning with Water

Finally, the water-cleaning images show one of the biggest advantages:

• No alcohol required

• Cleaning is done using only water

• More cost-effective and eco-friendly

• Simpler and safer post-processing for beginners
  

Why We Recommend This Resin

In short, Anycubic Water Wash Resin 2.0 offers:

• Excellent detail quality

• Easy and clean post-processing

• Reduced odor

• Strong yet flexible prints

• Beginner-friendly handling

That’s why it’s the resin we recommend for this tutorial and for printing your newly created STL characters at home with confidence.

 

You can use this link to purchase Anycubic Water Wash Resin 2.0, the ideal resin for printing high-quality miniatures at home with ease and excellent results.

This resin is beginner-friendly, easy to clean using only water, and perfect for realistic figurines and character models like the one you’re creating.

In the past, resin 3D printing was much more complex. Cleaning prints required isopropyl alcohol, dedicated washing machines, strong odors, and a more expensive and complicated setup. That alone was a major barrier for many people who wanted to get into the hobby.

Today, with new-generation Water Washable resins (2.0), everything has changed. Once your model is printed, cleaning it is as simple as washing it with water. No alcohol, no complex equipment, and far less hassle.

This makes the entire 3D printing process:

• Cheaper

• Easier

• Cleaner

• More accessible

It truly changes the rules of the game. 3D printing has never been this simple, affordable, or approachable. For the first time, anyone can do this at home.

If you’ve ever wanted to get into 3D printing, this is your moment. It has never been easier, simpler, or more affordable to start this incredible hobby.

Te lo dejo redactado como STEP 7, sin emoticonos y con diseño visual limpio:

STEP 7 — PREPARING AND PRINTING YOUR 3D MODEL

Using Photon Workshop

Now we are ready to prepare your 3D model for printing.

For this step, we will use Anycubic Photon Workshop 4.1.6.

This is the official slicing software from Anycubic, and it is:

Free

Easy to download

Beginner-friendly

Perfectly designed for Anycubic resin printers

To download it, simply search on Google:

Photon Workshop 4.1.6 download

Choose your operating system, either Windows or Mac, install the software, and open it.

Accessing Anycubic Photon Workshop

Here you have access to all available versions of Anycubic Photon Workshop.

You will always be able to find the latest version available for both Windows and Mac.

Click this link to access the official Anycubic Photon Workshop platform.

Inside, you will find everything you need to download the software and start preparing your 3D models for printing.

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Do Not Feel Overwhelmed

When you open Photon Workshop, you will see the printing plate in the centre of the workspace.

You will also see:

A menu on the left

A menu on the right

The build plate in the middle

At first, it may look technical, but do not worry.

This is much easier than it looks.

Trust the process, follow the steps, and you will be fine.

You have got this.

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Selecting Your Printer and Resin

On the right-hand side of the screen, select the printer and resin you are going to use.

For this tutorial, we are using:

Printer: Anycubic Photon Mono 4

Software: Photon Workshop 4.1.6

Resin: Anycubic Water Washable Resin

This keeps everything inside the same Anycubic ecosystem.

That makes the process much easier, more intuitive, and more reliable.

Select your printer model from the list.

Then select the resin profile that matches the resin you are using.

The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is a great choice because it offers an excellent balance between:

Price

Print quality

Ease of use

Beginner-friendly workflow

Importing Your STL File

Now go to the upper-left area of the software.

Click the folder icon to open your file.

Select the Pandora STL file that you exported from Tripo AI.

Once loaded, the model will appear on the build plate.

The build plate is the dark rectangular area in the centre of the Photon Workshop workspace.

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Important: Your Model May Look Very Small

When you import your STL file from Tripo AI, it may appear extremely small.

Sometimes it looks like a tiny blue dot in the centre of the plate.

Do not panic.

The file is there.

Use the mouse wheel to zoom in and get closer to the model.

Once you can see it properly, click on it to select it.

Scaling the Miniature

With the model selected, go to the left-hand menu.

Click on Placing.

Then look for the Scale option.

Here you can adjust the size of the model using the X, Y and Z values.

Increase the size until the miniature reaches the scale you want.

You can create:

A small tabletop miniature

A larger display figure

A collector-size statue

Several copies in different sizes

For this tutorial, we will make Pandora slightly larger so the details are easier to appreciate and the final printed figure looks more impressive.

A larger figure is also easier to handle, easier to inspect, and more suitable as a display piece.

Rotating the Model for Supports

Once the size is correct, rotate the model slightly backwards.

A good starting point is around 45 degrees backwards.

This position helps the software place supports more effectively.

Supports are essential in resin 3D printing.

They hold the model in place while it is being printed layer by layer.

Without supports, the model may fail during printing.

Adding Supports

In the past, placing supports manually was one of the most difficult parts of resin 3D printing.

Fortunately, Photon Workshop makes this process much easier.

Go to the left-hand menu and click on Support.

You will usually see different support strength options:

Light

Medium

Heavy

For small tabletop miniatures, we recommend using Light supports.

For medium or larger figures, we recommend using Medium supports.

For very large or heavy models, Heavy supports may be available, but we do not usually recommend them for beginners.

Heavy supports can be difficult to remove and may damage the surface of the miniature if you are not careful.

For Pandora, because we are printing a larger figure, we will choose Medium supports.

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Generating Supports Automatically

After choosing the support type, click the button to generate supports automatically.

Photon Workshop will analyse the model and place supports where they are needed.

This is one of the most useful features of the software.

In just a few seconds, your miniature will be supported and ready for slicing.

Always take a moment to rotate the model and inspect the supports before continuing.

Make sure the model looks stable and properly supported.

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Slicing the Model

Once the supports are ready, go to the bottom-right area of the screen.

Click Slice to Plate.

Slicing is the process that converts your STL model into the final printable file that your resin printer can understand.

This usually takes only a few seconds.

After slicing, Photon Workshop will create the final print file for your Anycubic Photon Mono 4.

Saving the File

Once slicing is complete, click Save to Disk.

Save the file to your computer.

Then copy it to a USB stick.

Insert the USB stick into your Anycubic printer.

Your miniature is now ready to print.

Final Result

At this point, you have successfully:

Opened Photon Workshop

Selected your printer

Selected your resin

Imported your STL file

Scaled the model

Rotated the model

Added automatic supports

Sliced the file

Saved the final print file

In just a few clicks, your Pandora miniature is ready for the printer.

The process is simple, intuitive, and much easier than it first appears.

STEP 8 — PRINTING, WASHING AND CURING YOUR MINIATURE

Sending the File to the Printer

Once your final print file has been saved onto your USB stick, go to your Anycubic printer and insert the USB into the printer slot.

At this point, the hard work has already been done inside Photon Workshop.

Your printer is calibrated.

Your model has been sliced.

Your resin settings have been selected.

Your file is ready.

On the printer screen, press Print.

You will see the name of your file appear on the display.

Select the file and press Print again.

That is all.

There is nothing else to configure because the printable file already contains the information your printer needs.

Choosing Your Miniature Size

Depending on the size you selected in Photon Workshop, you can print your miniature as:

D&D Gamer Size

Collector Size

Titan Size

For this example, we will continue with a Titan Size version of Pandora, so the miniature looks more impressive and the details are easier to appreciate.

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Washing the Miniature

Once the print has finished, carefully remove the build plate from the printer.

Because we are using Anycubic Water Washable Resin, the cleaning process is much easier.

You do not need isopropyl alcohol.

You only need water.

Wash the miniature carefully under water to remove the excess uncured resin.

You can also use a dedicated soft toothbrush to gently clean the surface and reach small details.

Use this toothbrush only for your 3D printing workflow.

Do not reuse it for anything else.

Take your time.

The goal is to remove the excess resin without damaging the details.

Removing the Supports

Once the miniature has been washed, you can begin removing the supports.

Use small cutting pliers to carefully clip them away from the model.

Safety first.

Always wear protective goggles when cutting supports.

Small pieces can jump unexpectedly, and you must protect your eyes.

Remove the supports slowly and patiently.

Do not rush.

If a support feels too strong, cut it carefully rather than pulling it aggressively.

This helps protect the surface of the miniature.

Curing the Miniature

After washing and support removal, the miniature must be cured using UV light.

Curing hardens the resin and completes the printing process.

You have two main options.

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Option 1 — Anycubic Wash and Cure Station

The easiest and most professional option is using the Anycubic Wash and Cure Station.

This machine is designed specifically for resin printing.

It rotates the miniature automatically and exposes it evenly to UV light.

It is clean, convenient and very easy to use.

The only disadvantage is that it costs more than a basic UV lamp.

After washing your prints (especially when using water-washable resin), proper UV curing is essential. This station provides uniform ultraviolet light, ensuring your miniatures are fully cured, durable, and ready for handling, priming, and painting. The process is simple, clean, and beginner-friendly—just place your model inside, set the timer (around 10 minutes is usually enough), and let the machine do the work.

In short, to build a complete and accessible 3D printing kit, you only need:

• Anycubic Photon Mono 4 – your resin 3D printer

• Anycubic Water-Wash Resin 2.0 – easy to clean, beginner-friendly resin

• Anycubic Wash & Cure Station – washing and UV curing in one device

This initial investment typically ranges between £200 and £300, which is incredibly affordable considering you can print hundreds of miniatures, fully develop the hobby, and enjoy one of the most creative, exciting, and rewarding activities available today. It offers total freedom for creativity and innovation, hours of entertainment, and a solid first step toward becoming confident—and even professional—at 3D printing.

You can purchase the Anycubic Wash & Cure Station directly on Amazon by clicking the link provided HERE.

Option 2 — Affordable UV Lamp

If you want to keep your setup more affordable, you can also use a simple UV curing lamp.

These lamps are easy to find online and can cost less than £10.

For small D&D Gamer Size miniatures or Collector Size figures, this can work very well.

For larger figures, it can still work, but you will need more patience.

You must rotate the miniature manually so all areas receive enough UV light.

Important UV Safety Warning

Never look directly at UV light.

UV light is not good for your eyes.

Use the lamp carefully and avoid exposing your eyes or skin unnecessarily.

Keep the curing process controlled and safe.

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Ready for Painting

Once the miniature is fully cured, the printing process is complete.

You have successfully transformed a digital character into a real physical miniature.

Your Pandora figure is now ready for the next stage:

STEP 9 — PAINTING YOUR MINIATURE

The Most Enjoyable Part of the Process

Now we arrive at the final step.

This is the moment where your printed miniature truly comes to life.

You have already created the character, generated the render, transformed it into a 3D model, printed it, washed it, removed the supports and cured it.

Now it is time to paint it.

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Priming the Miniature

Before applying paint, we need to apply a primer.

For Pandora, we recommend using a white primer.

White primer is ideal for this type of miniature because Pandora’s suit is mainly white, with elegant golden details.

A white base helps keep the colours bright, clean and vibrant.

Once the primer is dry, your miniature is ready to paint.

Using Speedpaint

For this tutorial, we recommend using The Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0.

These paints are extremely beginner-friendly.

They are designed to make miniature painting faster, easier and more satisfying.

The reason they work so well is simple.

Speedpaints flow naturally into the details of the miniature.

They create shadows, mid-tones and colour variation in a single application.

This means you can achieve impressive results without needing advanced painting techniques.

Even if you have very little experience, you can still obtain a beautiful painted miniature.

Why Speedpaint Is Perfect for Beginners

Traditional miniature painting can feel intimidating.

You may hear about base coats, layering, glazing, edge highlighting, wet blending and many other advanced techniques.

Do not worry.

You do not need to master all of that to enjoy your first painted miniature.

Speedpaint simplifies the process.

With one careful coat, you can create:

Colour

Depth

Shadows

Definition

Visual contrast

That is why these paints are perfect for beginners.

They help you get a great result quickly, while still allowing you to improve your skills over time.

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Recommended Paints

There are many miniature paint brands available, and many of them are excellent.

However, for this tutorial, we recommend:

The Army Painter Speedpaint 2.0

They are well known, easy to find, easy to use and designed specifically for this style of fast miniature painting.

They are a great starting point for anyone entering the hobby.

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Choosing Your Brushes

You will also need a small set of miniature painting brushes.

You can find them easily on:

Amazon

AliExpress

Hobby stores

Miniature painting shops

You can buy premium brushes or affordable beginner sets.

To start, you do not need anything too expensive.

A simple set with a few different brush sizes is enough.

However, if you want to stay within the same beginner-friendly ecosystem, The Army Painter also offers excellent brushes for miniature painting.

Painting Pandora

For Pandora, start with the main areas of the miniature.

Because the suit is white, work carefully and keep the finish clean.

Use your Speedpaint colours for the details, such as:

Golden trim

Hair

Skin

Base

Small costume details

Take your time.

Do not rush.

Painting is not only a technical step.

It is also one of the most relaxing and satisfying parts of the hobby.

Your First Finished Miniature

Once the painting is complete, let the miniature dry fully.

Then place it proudly in your favourite space.

Your desk.

Your gaming shelf.

Your display cabinet.

Your creative workspace.

This is no longer just an image.

It is no longer just a digital file.

It is a real physical miniature that you created from start to finish.

Final Achievement

You have now completed the full journey:

You imagined the character

You created the artwork

You generated the 3D render

You converted it into a 3D model

You prepared the STL file

You printed the miniature

You washed and cured it

You painted it

That is the magic of this hobby.

From imagination to reality.

From digital dream to physical object.

From an idea in your mind to a miniature you can hold in your hands.

Army Painter Speedpaint Starter Set 2.0

We highly recommend starting with the Army Painter Speedpaint Starter Set 2.0, which you can purchase on Amazon for a very affordable price. This starter set is perfect for beginners and one of the easiest, fastest, and most intuitive ways to start painting miniatures with great-looking results right from the start.

Why this set is ideal:

• Extremely easy to use, even if you have never painted miniatures before

• Designed for single-coat painting with built-in shading and highlights

• Saves time while still delivering a professional-looking finish

• Ideal for RPG miniatures, wargames, and display models

👉 Click here to buy the Army Painter Speedpaint Starter Set on Amazon

👉 Click here to access the official Speedpaint usage guide – a very simple, beginner-friendly tutorial that shows you exactly how to use Speedpaint step by step

If you want to expand your paint collection, explore new colors, or upgrade your painting setup, you can also visit the official Army Painter website (CLICK HERE), where you’ll find:

• Full Speedpaint 2.0 color ranges

• Advanced paint sets

• Brushes, primers, and hobby tools

This system makes miniature painting accessible, fast, and fun, allowing anyone to achieve stunning results without years of experience. It’s the perfect way to grow your hobby, improve your skills, and bring your printed miniatures to life. 🎨✨

Bonus Content

As an additional bonus, and to conclude this fascinating tutorial, I’m sharing a link to a complete PDF guide (TAP HERE) featuring advanced miniature painting techniques from the acclaimed paint brand Army Painter.

This guide is available for you to download freely, print, and use however you like, helping you continue improving your skills and becoming a true professional in miniature painting.