Let's be honest: the standard Mansions of Madness miniatures are fine for getting by, but... what if you could face the cosmic horrors with mind-blowing detail? 🤯 3D printing is your gateway to replacing those minis with spectacular versions — or even upgrading the ones you already have.
Take Your Games to the Next Level 🚀
Completely transforming your gaming experience is more within reach than you'd think. Imagine investigators with defined expressions and monsters that actually look terrifying on the board. Every session becomes far more immersive and visually striking. And to get there, the material you choose makes all the difference.
A quality resin for 3D printing is the starting point for giving your creations that professional finish. The difference in material quality is impossible to ignore — it shows up in the sharpness of a shoggoth's tentacles and the subtle fabric folds on your investigator's coat. That's the real secret between a decent figure and a genuine work of art.
Why Print Your Own Miniatures? 🤔
The answer goes way beyond just having something cool. When you get into 3D printing for your board games, you unlock a whole new level of the hobby.
- Unmatched detail: The 3D models you find online typically have a level of detail that puts mass-produced figures to shame.
- Total customization: Want an alternate version of your favorite 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.
- No-drama replacements: No more stressing if a mini breaks or goes missing. Just print another one! Say goodbye to the heartbreak of that clumsy table-edge drop.
3D printing isn't just about improving the visual side of the game. It's about connecting with it on a deeper level. Every miniature you print and paint is a personal project — a little piece of yourself that adds incredible sentimental value to every session. ❤️
On top of that, it opens the door to a worldwide community of creators and players sharing designs, tips, and masterpieces. It's a hobby within a hobby, which doubles the fun. If your curiosity is piqued, check out our article on 3D printing for board games.
The First Step Into Detailed Madness 🐙
Don't let the technical side scare you off. Getting started is much easier than it looks. With a basic resin printer and a little patience, the results you can achieve are genuinely impressive.
The key is to enjoy the journey: hunting down 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'll bring your cosmic horrors to life. Ready to dive into the madness? Let's go!
Your Starter Kit for Printing Miniatures 🛠️
Bringing these Lovecraftian creatures to life takes more than just a printer — you'll need to set up a small workshop. But don't panic! 😱 Here's a rundown of the equipment you'll want to have on hand to make your Mansions of Madness miniatures truly come alive.
The printer is the centrepiece of your setup. For small, highly detailed figures, a resin printer (mSLA) is the way to go. Its resolution is vastly superior to that of filament printers (FDM), which tend to leave very visible layer lines on such small pieces.
If you're still on the fence about which machine to get, we have a complete guide on our blog to help you choose the best 3D printer for miniatures that fits your needs and your budget.
The software: your command centre 🧠
Once you have the machine at home, you need the "brain" that tells it what to do. That's where slicing software comes in.
- Slicing software (Slicer): Programs like Lychee Slicer or Chitubox will become your best friends. These are incredibly powerful tools — with very capable free versions! — that let you prepare 3D models before sending them to the printer.
- 3D models: Of course, you'll need the digital files. Platforms like MyMiniFactory, Cults3D, and Thingiverse are packed with models, both free and paid. You'll find everything from alternative investigators to terrifying monsters.
Pro tip: 🧑🏫 Before downloading a model, check the comments and photos from other users. It'll give you a clear idea of the design quality and any potential challenges when printing it.
Consumables and resins: the fuel for your creations 🔥
The work doesn't end with the printer and software. There are a number of consumables you'll need. Safety comes first, so always work in a well-ventilated area.
The basic consumables are:
- Nitrile gloves: Non-negotiable. Wear them whenever you handle liquid resin and freshly printed parts.
- Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA): Used to wash excess resin off your prints once they're done.
- Resin filters: Small mesh funnels for straining resin from the vat if a print fails, removing any solid bits that could damage your screen.
But let's talk about the star ingredient: resin. Your choice of material will define the quality, detail, and durability of your figures.
At Mr Resin we stock different types for every need:
- Water-washable resin: A super convenient, safer alternative to IPA. Just clean your prints straight under the tap. Perfect for beginners!
- High-definition resin: If you want to capture every last wrinkle and crease, this is your resin. Maximum detail guaranteed. ✨
- ABS-like resin: Worried about your minis snapping 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've got the 3D file of that Ancient One that's been haunting your dreams, 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 at your computer. The first step is loading the STL file into your slicer — Lychee or Chitubox. This is where the key decisions are made.
But first, one vital tip: scaling.
Consistent sizing is key to immersion. Measure an original miniature and scale your 3D model to match. 👍
Orientation and supports: the art of preparation
This is, without a doubt, the most technical step. Proper orientation and well-placed supports are the difference between a perfect print and a complete failure.
Orientation means tilting your miniature within the build volume. Why does it matter so much?
- Minimise support marks: Tilt the figure to hide support contact points in less visible areas.
- Reduce "islands": You avoid layers that start floating in mid-air with nothing to hold them up.
- Improve detail: A tilt of 30 to 45 degrees helps layers build up more gradually, preserving fine detail.
Once the piece is oriented, it's time for supports. Think of them as scaffolding that holds the miniature in place. Your slicer lets you add them automatically or manually. Start with the auto function, then refine by hand.
Types of supports and when to use them
Not all supports are created equal. Knowing the difference will save you a lot of failed prints.
- Light supports: Thin and delicate, they leave a tiny contact mark. Perfect for fine details like fingers or tentacle tips.
- Medium supports: A great balance between holding strength and easy removal. Ideal for the majority of the miniature.
- Heavy supports: Thick and very sturdy. Save these for the lowest points of the miniature — the ones that carry all the initial weight.
By the way, if you're on the hunt for models, you might want to check out our article listing the best websites to find free STL files. An endless source of inspiration!
Configuring your print settings ⚙️
With your file ready to go, all that's left is dialling in your print settings. These values depend on your printer and your resin, so don't chase a single "magic formula".
Exposure times: This is how long the UV light cures each layer. A solid starting point is the values recommended by your resin manufacturer.
Lift speed: This controls how quickly the build plate separates from the FEP film. For highly detailed miniatures, slower, more conservative speeds are better — they help prevent the print from being torn off the supports.
The goal is to understand the logic behind each setting so you can adapt to any situation.
The post-processing ritual for a perfect finish ✨
Taking the miniature off the printer is just the beginning. 🥳 Now the ritual begins to reveal the miniature in all its glory! Post-processing is the path to delivering on that promise.
The first step is washing. The aim is to remove any uncured liquid resin. If you don't do this properly, those residues will cure later and blur the fine details.
Washing your miniature: the easy way and the traditional way
To wash your new Mansions of Madness miniatures, you have two main options.
- Traditional isopropyl alcohol (IPA) method: The classic, highly effective approach. Submerge your print in a container of IPA and gently agitate it.
- Convenient alternative with water-washable resin: If you want to keep things simple, this resin is your best friend. Just rinse your prints straight under the tap. So much easier!
A wash and cure station is a total game-changer. These machines automate the entire process and ensure a thorough, even clean.
Curing your print for rock-solid 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. This step is essential for achieving maximum strength and durability.
Don't skip the curing step. An uncured miniature is brittle, prone to warping, and will feel tacky to the touch. Curing completes the resin's chemical reaction, making it safe to handle.
The most effective method is using a dedicated curing station. Don't have one? No worries! Sunlight is a powerful and completely free source of UV light. Leave your miniature in direct sun for 15 to 30 minutes and you'll get very similar results.
Support removal: the tricky part 😬
With your miniature clean and fully cured, it's time to remove the supports. Take it slow! With the right tools, it's actually pretty straightforward.
Don't pull supports off with your fingers. That's a surefire way to break your model.
Use a pair of flush cutters. Snip each support as close to the surface as possible. Some small marks are almost unavoidable. To clean them up, use a hobby knife and a fine file. If you end up with a small hole, a tiny drop of epoxy putty or even uncured resin will fill it right in.
The result is a perfectly smooth surface, ready for priming!
How to bring cosmic horrors to life with paint 🎨
Now for the most creative and rewarding part: painting! 🖌️ You're ready to transform a lump of grey resin into a terrifying Lovecraftian creature. You don't need to be a professional painter to achieve results that will genuinely impress people.
This is the moment your custom Mansions of Madness miniatures truly come to life.
With the right techniques and products — which you can find in our miniature paints section — you'll quickly discover it's much easier than it looks.
The all-important first step: priming
Before anything else, you need to prime. Primer is a special base coat that creates a matt surface for paint to properly adhere to. Skipping this step is a rookie mistake you don't want to make.
The most common primer colours are:
- Black: Great for creating natural-looking shadows.
- White: Makes colours appear brighter and more vivid.
- Grey: A perfect middle ground and incredibly versatile.
My recommendation is to start with a grey spray primer. It will make everything that follows much easier.
Base colours: the foundation of your paint job 💀
Once your primer is dry, apply your base colours. Paint each area of the miniature with its main colour, without worrying about highlights or shadows just yet.
Important! Always thin your paint slightly with water. Two thin coats are always better than one thick coat that obscures the detail.
Shading and depth in minutes with washes ⏱️
Right now your miniature will look flat — let's change that! Use washes or contrast-style paints. These are heavily thinned inks that flow into the recesses and create shadows almost like magic.
Just apply a generous coat over your base colour and let it do its thing. You'll see depth appear instantly. It's a fundamental technique that, as discussed in the gaming community forums, dramatically enhances the atmosphere at the table.
Drybrushing to bring out the highlights ✨
With your shadows sorted, all that's left is to pick out the highlights. And for that, nothing beats drybrushing.
- Grab an old brush with stiff bristles.
- Load it with a colour lighter than your base coat.
- Wipe off almost all the paint on a piece of kitchen paper.
- Lightly sweep the brush across the raised areas.
The tiny amount of paint left on the brush will catch only the raised details, bringing every surface to life instantly.
A pro finish with an airbrush 💨
If you have an airbrush, you can take your Mansions of Madness miniatures to the next level. It's a fantastic tool for applying an ultra-thin, even primer coat or for building up smooth colour gradients.
An airbrush speeds up your workflow massively and lets you achieve effects that would take hours with a brush alone. It's an investment that's absolutely worth making.
Conclusion
To sum up, 3D printing opens up a whole world of possibilities for taking your Mansions of Madness miniatures to a spectacular level. We've covered how to find the right models, choose the right resin, set up your print, and paint your creations so they really come to life. The satisfaction of playing with miniatures you've made yourself? Priceless.
Now it's your turn. 🚀 Head over to the Mr Resin store, where you'll find our full range of resins, printers, and paints — everything you need to get started.
And if you'd like to share your builds and pick up new tips along the way, join our Telegram group! Exclusive discounts, coupons, news, and events are waiting for you. Don't forget to subscribe to our Newsletter so you never miss a deal.
✨ Happy Printing! 🚀
Frequently asked questions about Mansions of Madness miniatures ❓
To wrap up this guide, let's clear up the questions that are probably already running through your head. Let's dive in! 🧐
Is it legal to print these miniatures?
Ah, the million-dollar question. Let's cut straight to it: yes, it's legal as long as you're printing for personal use and not for resale. The vast majority of artists who upload their 3D models to platforms like MyMiniFactory or Cults3D do so under licences that allow you to print and enjoy their work at home.
What is absolutely not allowed is printing these figures to sell them. Respect the artists' work!
What printer resolution do I need?
For jaw-dropping detail, look for a resin printer with an XY resolution of 50 microns (0.05 mm) or better.
The good news is that almost any modern resin printer — even budget-friendly options — already meets this requirement with ease.
Can I use an FDM (filament) printer?
Technically, yes — but you'll likely be disappointed. FDM printers are fantastic for terrain and scenery, but when it comes to 28-32mm miniatures, resin printing is in a completely different league.
No matter how well you dial in an FDM printer, layer lines will always be visible and you'll lose all that fine surface detail. For Mansions of Madness figures, there's no contest: resin is the clear winner.
How much does it actually cost to print a miniature? 💸
A lot less than you'd expect! The upfront cost of the printer can feel like a big commitment, but the cost per miniature is remarkably low.
For a standard-sized figure, the resin alone will set you back well under a dollar. Printing a whole army of monsters for your game nights has never been more affordable!