Let's be honest: the standard 'Mansions of Madness' miniatures are fine to get by, but... what if you could face cosmic horrors with detail that blows your mind? 🤯 3D printing is your gateway to replacing those minis with spectacular versions or, even, upgrading the ones you already have.
Take your games to another dimension 🚀
Completely transforming the gaming experience is more within your reach than you think. Imagine investigators with defined expressions and monsters that truly look terrifying on the board. Every game becomes far more immersive and visual. And to achieve this, the material you choose is essential.
A good resin for 3D printers is the starting point for giving your creations that professional touch. The quality of the material makes a real difference — a big one. It's what separates the sharpness of a shoggoth's tentacles from the subtle wrinkles in your investigator's clothing. That's the secret between a decent figure and a genuine work of art.
Why print your own miniatures? 🤔
The answer goes far beyond just having something cool. When you get into 3D printing for your board games, you unlock a completely new level in your hobby.
- Unmatched detail: The 3D models you find online tend to have a level of detail that leaves mass-produced figures in the dust.
- Total customisation: Feel like an alternative version of your favourite investigator? Or a monster that doesn't even exist in the official game? If you can imagine it (or find it online), you can print it.
- Replacement without the drama: No more stress if a mini breaks or goes missing. Just print another one and you're done! Say goodbye to the heartbreak of that silly fall from the table.
3D printing isn't just about improving the visual appearance of the game. It's about connecting with it in a different way. Every miniature you print and paint is a personal project, a little piece of you that adds incredible sentimental value to your games. ❤️
On top of that, it opens the doors to a global community of makers and players who share designs, tips and masterpieces. It's a hobby within a hobby, which doubles the fun. If your curiosity is piqued, take a look at our article on 3D printing in board games.
The first step into detailed madness 🐙
Don't let the technical side scare you. Getting started is much easier than it looks. With a basic resin printer and a little patience, the results you can achieve are amazing.
The key is to enjoy the journey: the search for that perfect 3D model, the excitement of watching the figure take shape layer by layer, and the satisfaction of placing it on the board for the very first time.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of taking your Mansions of Madness miniatures to the next level. From choosing the right material to the painting techniques that will bring your cosmic horrors to life. Ready to dive into the madness? Let's go!
Your arsenal for starting to print miniatures 🛠️
To bring these Lovecraftian creatures to life, having a printer isn't enough — you need to set up a small lab. But don't panic! 😱 Here's what equipment you should have on hand to bring your Mansions of Madness miniatures to life.
The centerpiece is the printer. For small figures with an insane level of detail, a resin printer (mSLA) is your best bet. Its resolution is infinitely superior to that of filament printers (FDM), which tend to leave very visible layers on such small pieces.
If you're still undecided about which machine to get, our blog has a complete guide to help you know how to choose the best 3D printer for miniatures that fits what you're looking for and your budget.
The software: your command center 🧠
With the machine already at home, you need the "brain" that will tell it what to do. This is where slicing programs, also known as slicers, come into play.
- Slicing software (Slicer): Programs like Lychee Slicer or Chitubox will become your best friends. They are incredibly powerful tools (with very complete free versions!) that you use to prepare 3D models before sending them to the printer.
- 3D models: Obviously, you'll need the digital files. Platforms like MyMiniFactory, Cults3D, or Thingiverse are packed with models, both free and paid. You'll find everything, from alternative investigators to terrifying monsters.
Veteran's tip: 🧑🏫 Before downloading a model, check the comments and photos from other users. It will give you a clear idea of the design quality and potential challenges when printing it.
Consumables and resins: the fuel for your creations 🔥
The work doesn't end with the printer and the software. There are a number of consumables you're going to need. Safety comes first, so always work in a well-ventilated area.
The basic consumables are:
- Nitrile gloves: Essential. Use them to handle liquid resin and freshly printed pieces.
- Isopropyl alcohol (IPA): Used to clean excess resin from pieces once printed.
- Resin filters: These are small mesh funnels for straining resin from the tank if a print fails, removing solid pieces that could damage your screen.
But let's talk about the star ingredient: resin. The choice of material will define the quality, detail, and durability of your figures.
At Mr Resin we have different types for every need:
- Water-washable resin: A super convenient and safer alternative to IPA. You clean the pieces directly with tap water. Perfect for getting started!
- High-definition resin: If you want to capture every last fold, this is your resin. Maximum detail guaranteed. ✨
- ABS-like resin: Scared your minis will break from a simple drop? This resin offers greater flexibility and impact resistance. 💪
From digital file to physical miniature 🪄
This is where the real magic begins. You already have the 3D file of that Ancient One that's been keeping you up at night and you're one step away from holding it in your hands. This is the heart of the process for bringing your mansions of madness miniatures to life.
The journey starts on your computer. The first step is loading the STL file into your slicer, such as Lychee or Chitubox. This is where the key decisions are made.
But first, a vital tip: scaling.
Size consistency is key for immersion. Measure an original miniature and adjust your 3D model to match. 👍
Orientation and supports: the art of preparation
This is, without a doubt, the most technical step. Good orientation and well-placed supports are the difference between a perfect piece and a disaster.
Orientation consists of tilting the miniature within the print volume. Why is it so important?
- Minimizing marks: Tilt the figure to "hide" support marks in less visible areas.
- Reducing "islands": You avoid having layers that start "floating" in mid-air with no support.
- Improving detail: A tilt (between 30 and 45 degrees) helps layers build up more gradually, preserving fine details.
Once the piece is oriented, it's time for the supports. They work like scaffolding that holds the miniature in place. Your slicer lets you add them automatically or manually. Start with the automatic function and then refine by hand.
Types of supports and when to use them
Not all supports are the same. Knowing how to tell them apart will save you many prints.
- Light Supports: Thin and delicate, they leave a tiny mark. Perfect for details like fingers or tentacle tips.
- Medium Supports: They offer a great balance between hold and ease of removal. They work brilliantly for most of the miniature.
- Heavy Supports: Thick and very sturdy. Reserve them for the lowest points of the miniature, those that will bear all the initial weight.
By the way, if you're in the middle of hunting for models, you might be interested in our article where we list the best websites to find free STL files. An endless source of inspiration!
Configuring the print settings ⚙️
With the piece ready, all that's left is to configure the print settings. These values depend on your printer and the resin, so don't get obsessed with a "magic formula".
Exposure times: This is the time the UV light illuminates each layer. A good starting point is the values recommended by your resin manufacturer.
Lift speed: This determines how quickly the platform separates from the FEP. For miniatures with a lot of detail, it's better to use more conservative speeds to prevent the piece from being torn from the supports.
The goal is for you to understand the logic so you can adapt to any situation.
The post-processing ritual for a perfect finish ✨
Taking the miniature out of the printer is just the beginning. 🥳 Now the ritual begins to reveal the creature in all its glory! Post-processing is the path to fulfilling that promise.
The first step is washing. Its goal is to remove any remaining liquid resin. If you don't do it properly, those remnants will cure later, blurring the details.
Washing the miniature: the easy way and the traditional way
To wash your new Mansions of Madness miniatures, you have two main paths.
- Traditional method with isopropyl alcohol (IPA): The classic and super effective system. You submerge the piece in a container with IPA and gently agitate it.
- Convenient alternative with water-washable resin: If you prefer to keep things simple, this resin is your best friend. You clean the pieces directly under the tap. Much more convenient!
A washing and curing station will change your life. These devices automate the process and guarantee uniform cleaning.
Curing the piece for bomb-proof hardness 💣
Once clean and dry, your miniature is still "soft". Curing is the process of exposing it to ultraviolet (UV) light so it hardens completely. It is essential for it to reach its maximum hardness and durability.
Don't skip the curing. An uncured miniature is fragile, can warp and will have a sticky feel. Curing finalizes the chemical reaction of the resin, making it safe to handle.
The most professional approach is with a curing station. If you don't have one, don't worry! The sun is an incredibly powerful and free source of UV light. Leave your miniature in the sun for 15 to 30 minutes and you'll achieve a very similar result.
Support removal: the delicate moment 😬
With the miniature clean and hard, it's time to remove the supports. Take it easy! With the right tools, it's a piece of cake.
Don't tear the supports off with your fingers. That's the perfect recipe for breaking the figure.
Use a pair of fine flush cutters (flush cutters). Cut the supports as close to the surface as possible. It's almost inevitable that small marks will remain. To smooth them out, you can use a blade and a modelling file. If you end up with a small hole, a drop of epoxy putty or the resin itself will fix it.
The result is a perfectly smooth surface, ready for priming!
How to bring cosmic horrors to life with paint 🎨
Here comes the most artistic and rewarding part: painting! 🖌️ You're ready to turn a piece of grey resin into a terrifying Lovecraftian creature. You don't need to be a professional painter to achieve results that will leave everyone speechless.
This is the moment when your custom Mansions of Madness miniatures truly come to life.
With the right techniques and products, which you can find in our modelling paints section, you'll see it's easier than it looks.
The sacred first step: priming
First things first, you need to prime. Primer is a special coat that creates a matte surface for the paint to adhere properly. Skipping this step is a massive mistake.
The most common colours are:
- Black: Ideal for creating natural shadows.
- White: Makes colours more vivid.
- Grey: A perfect middle ground and very versatile.
My advice is to start with a grey spray primer. It will make your life much easier.
Base colours: the skeleton of your paintjob 💀
With the primer dry, apply the base colours. Paint each area of the miniature with its main colour, without worrying about highlights or shadows just yet.
Watch out! Always thin your paint a little with water. It's better to apply two thin coats than one thick one that covers up the details.
Shadows and depth in minutes with washing ⏱️
Now the miniature will look flat. Let's bring it to life! Use washes (washes) or contrast-type paints. These are highly diluted inks that accumulate in the recesses, creating shadows in an almost magical way.
Just apply a generous coat over the base color and let it do its work. You'll see how depth appears instantly. It's a fundamental technique that, as mentioned in community discussions among gamers, enhances the atmosphere of the game enormously.
Dry brushing to highlight the details ✨
With the shadows defined, all that's left is to bring out the highlights. And for that, there's no simpler technique than dry brushing (dry brushing).
- Grab an old brush with stiff bristles.
- Load it with a color lighter than your base color.
- Wipe off almost all the paint on a paper towel.
- Lightly brush over the raised areas.
The little paint remaining on the brush will only deposit on the raised surfaces, highlighting every detail instantly.
A pro touch with an airbrush 💨
If you have an airbrush, you can take your Mansions of Madness miniatures to another level. It's a fantastic tool for applying primer in an ultra-thin layer or for creating smooth color gradients.
The airbrush speeds up the work considerably and lets you achieve effects that would take hours with brushes. It's an investment that is very much worth it.
Conclusion
In summary, 3D printing opens up a world of possibilities for taking your Mansions of Madness miniatures to a spectacular level. We've seen how to choose models, use the right resin, prepare the print, and paint your creations to bring them to life. The satisfaction of playing with miniatures you made yourself... is priceless!
Now it's your turn. 🚀 Go ahead and visit the Mr Resin store, where you'll find our full range of resins, 3D printers, and paints. We have everything you need to get started.
And if you'd like to share your creations and learn new tips, join our Telegram group! Discounts, coupons, news, and exclusive events are waiting for you. Don't forget to subscribe to our Newsletter as well so you never miss a single deal.
✨Happy Printing! 🚀
The most frequently asked questions about Mansions of Madness miniatures ❓
To wrap up this guide, let's clear up those questions that are surely going through your mind right now. Let's get to it! 🧐
Is it legal to print these miniatures?
Ah, the million-dollar question. Let's get straight to the point: yes, it is legal as long as it's for your personal use and not for selling them. The vast majority of artists who upload their 3D models to platforms like MyMiniFactory or Cults3D do so under licenses that allow you to print their creations to enjoy at home.
What is a firm no is printing these figures and putting them up for sale. Respect the artists' work!
What printer resolution do I need?
For breathtaking detail, look for a resin 3D printer that offers an XY resolution of 50 microns (0.05 mm) or less.
The good news is that almost any modern resin 3D printer, even the most affordable ones, already meets this requirement with ease.
Can I use a filament printer (FDM)?
You can, but you'll be disappointed. Filament printers (FDM) are fantastic for scenography, but for 28-32 mm miniatures, resin plays in a different league.
With an FDM printer, no matter how much you fine-tune it, the layer lines will be obvious and you'll lose all those small details. For Mansions of Madness figures, there's no doubt: resin is the winning choice.
How much does it actually cost to print a miniature? 💸
Much less than you think! The initial investment in the printer can be daunting, but the cost per miniature is ridiculously low.
Bear in mind that the resin for a standard-sized figure will cost you well under one euro. Printing an army of monsters for your game sessions is more affordable than ever!