Painting armies can be a grind, especially when you’re looking at dozens (or even hundreds) of models in your backlog. But there’s a tried-and-tested way to boost your output and keep your motivation up: batch painting. It’s a method used by hobbyists and pros alike to get models finished faster, while keeping quality consistent across your force.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what batch painting is, why it works, and how to do it efficiently.
What Is Batch Painting?
Batch painting is the process of painting multiple miniatures at once, step by step. Instead of finishing one model completely before starting the next you paint a whole group, say 5, 10, or even 20 models, by applying each colour or technique to the entire batch before moving on.
This method saves time, reduces mental fatigue, and results in a more consistent look across units.
Why Batch Painting Works
- Speeds up your progress: Batch painting can very quickly get whole squads of miniatures tabletop ready – ideal for getting through a piled up back log.
- Minimises brush cleaning and colour switching: Applying the same paint to 10 models takes less time than doing it one model at a time.
- Streamlines decision-making: No need to re-decide every colour or placement for each model.
- Boosts motivation: You see progress across a whole unit at once, which helps momentum.
- Creates visual consistency: Your army will look unified, especially when fielded on the tabletop.
How to Batch Paint Effectively
Start with a Plan
Before you put paint to model, know your colour scheme and what steps you’ll use. Once you’ve got inspiration for your colour scheme then paint yourself a test model. This will let you figure out your process, and understand how to break it down. What’s the best primer colour? How will you block out your base colours? What washes, layers or highlights will you add in? Understanding this will let you plan each step of the batch painting. Our top tips to make painting each batch as quick and efficient as possible? Keep your scheme clear and simple: 3–5 colours, minimal layering, and use efficient techniques and products like dry brushing or contrast paints.
Group Models Strategically
Stick to manageable groups of models. That’s going to vary depending on how detailed the models you’re painting are, and how complex your paint scheme is. While there’s no set rules, batch painting blocks of ten feels like the best option to us. A lot of Warhammer factions run ten model units, and therefore have ten in a box. Ultimately the number is up to you, but too few and you lose efficiency; too many and it gets overwhelming.
Work in Passes
Once you have your batch of models prepped it’s time to start laying down some colours. The key to batch painting is working in steps across all the models. You paint one colour across the whole group, then move on. For example this is the rough structure we use once our minis are primed:
- Pass 1: Base coat all armour
- Pass 2: Base coat all cloth
- Pass 3: Base coat weaponry
- Pass 4: Shade wash the whole model
- Pass 5: Add highlights (this could be several passes to highlight different areas, and could with a dry brush or adding specific edge highlights)
- Pass 6: Pick out final details (eyes, weapons, insignia’s)
Use drying time between passes to keep momentum; if the wash is drying on the first group you’ve batch painted the start base coating another group.
Use Time-Saving Products
Spray primers: These save a ton of time over priming with a brush but you can save yourself extra time or improve your finish as well. If you choose a spray base colour that matches the bulk of your to your main scheme (think Mcragge Blue for Ultramarines or Lead Belcher for Necrons) and you’ll have made big progress in a simple step.
Contrast or Speedpaints: specialist paints have made adding depth to your models incredibly quick. These paints are formulated to flow over miniatures, leaving lighter coverings on raised areas and settling into recesses. This provides your model with highlights at the stroke of a brush and it’s easy to add some layers or edge highlighting to make these pop. For an even better result make use of zenithal highlighting when you’re priming your miniatures to get even more depth from your contrast paints.
Big brushes: When you think of painting miniatures everyone immediately assumes the smaller the brush the better. We aren’t denying that a small brush is essential for really fine details and tasks like fine edge highlighting, but you’d be surprised how much work you can get done with a larger brush size (and a steady hand). They’re great for base coating and dry brushing, which takes you most of the way through the steps above!
Tips for Avoiding Burnout
The value of understanding how to batch paint lies in making quick progress though the bulk of an army. But in taking on a horde of infantry you can burn out pretty rapidly if you aren’t careful – even if you’re using a process that helps things run smoother. Here are our tips for helping manage that while you clear your backlog:
- Set realistic goals: Don’t try to finish an entire army in a weekend. Plan short sessions and celebrate small wins. Work your way through a squad or two, then move on to the next target.
- Keep your space tidy: A clean desk saves time and keeps you focused. Giving yourself a nice, dedicated area to work in makes working less stressful, more pleasant and easier to stay engaged with.
- Have everything to hand: While your desk should be tidy, make sure you have your paints, brushes, palette, cup of coffee etc all to hand. It will make following your recipe easier and prevent you breaking focus to get something you’ve missed.
- Mix it up: Alternate what you’re focusing on to stop your brain from being overwhelmed. This takes different forms for different people. For some it might be whacking on a black library audiobook to provide background noise. For others it might mean switching between batch painting and finishing a character model to stay engaged. What we would always recommend is taking regular breaks to avoid issues like back pain.
- Track your progress: One of the best ways to stay motivated for a project is to look back at how far you’ve come. Everyone at HoD is a fan of having a hobby Instagram page. Regardless of your level, this is a hobby that lends itself to photographic journaling. Take photos as you go, of pretty much any project you’re working on, and when you feel you’re having a dip look back at what you’ve achieved so far.
What Armies Suit Batch Painting?
With proper planning, batch painting is ideal for making progress on any army you choose. That said, it does lend itself in particular to certain factions purely because of their faction structures and army formats. Given it’s a structured approach to painting groups of multiple miniatures, it is ideal for forces with large units or simple colour schemes. For example Astra Militarum troopers often have simple uniform options and clearly structured squads. The Space Marines, T’au, Orks and Tyranids units often have extensive coverage from armour (ceramite, metal, carapace or chitin) meaning large areas of the models can be done in passes. The amount of metallics on a Necron unit make them a batch painters dream with quick passes making excellent headway.
Don’t limit yourself though; as we say with proper planning using a suitable test model you can establish a really solid recipe and work out a batch painting plan for any army you want.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making batches too big: This is definitely the biggest batch painting mistake. While you could theoretically batch paint an entire army’s worth of models, realistically you’ll hit fatigue pretty quick and be left with a bunch of half finished models. Stick to small, manageable numbers.
Skipping prep: Batch painting is all about efficiency, and efficiency is built through preparation. Before you start, take the time to remove any mould lines, fill gaps and get your priming right. Good prep produces good paint schemes.
Not letting paint dry: This is one of the trickiest balances when batch painting. Rushing through layers before they’ve properly dried is a rapid way to ruin them. You can correct the mistakes but it grinds the efficiency of batch painting to a halt. Give each pass plenty of drying time, but don’t let it put a break in your productivity. Organise a few batches, so you can work on others while the first dries.
Batch painting is one of the most effective ways to tackle an army project — whether you’re preparing for an event, clearing backlog, or just trying to get your miniatures table-ready. Done right, it’s fast, satisfying, and gives you a structured way to produce great-looking results.
By sticking to a plan, limiting your palette, and working in small, manageable batches, you’ll find yourself getting more done in less time — and enjoying the process more along the way.
Did you enjoy this article or found it helpful? You could always tip the author with a coffee (or something stronger). If you want to pick up any units or supplies to give batch painting a go (or treat yourself to something else) then check out Element Games. They have up to 25% off on a wide range of units, box sets and accessories. Finally, make sure you’re following us on Instagram to stay up to date and get involved in our community!
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