3D Printed Miniatures FAQ: Resin vs PLA, Scale, Painting and Shipping

New to print-on-demand miniatures? The questions pile up quickly: should you choose resin or PLA, which scale fits your game, how do you prime a raw grey print, and what happens if you bring a 3D printed army to a tournament? This is our running 3D printed miniatures FAQ, updated as new questions come in, with straight answers and no filler.

What's the difference between resin and PLA (FDM) 3D printed miniatures?

Resin (SLA/MSLA) and FDM (fused deposition modelling, typically PLA or PETG filament) are the two main print technologies, and they suit different purposes.

For 28-32mm character miniatures, resin wins on detail. Layer heights in resin printing are measured in microns, so fine-sculpted features like facial expressions, chainmail links and fur textures reproduce cleanly. FDM printers lay down plastic in visible layers that show on small models at tabletop scale. That said, FDM is tougher, cheaper to produce, and an excellent choice for terrain, vehicles and large constructs where surface texture matters less. All the character miniatures and small squads we stock at TabletopXtra are printed in SLA resin. Compatible terrain pieces are available in FDM (plastic) at a lower price.

What scale are 3D printed miniatures, and does it matter for my game?

Most tabletop miniatures are measured in millimetres from the base to the eye line, not the top of the head, hat or weapon. 28mm has been the industry standard for decades. Games Workshop's Warhammer and Age of Sigmar ranges sit around 28-32mm, and D&D and Pathfinder players generally use 28mm or 32mm figures on one-inch battle grid squares.

"Heroic scale" adds proportional exaggeration: wider shoulders, larger hands, thicker weapons, so models read clearly across a gaming table. True scale is more anatomically accurate but can look slender next to older or heroic-scale collections. The vast majority of what we stock is 28/32mm and designed to sit alongside existing Warhammer, D&D or Pathfinder miniatures without looking out of place. Our fantasy range and sci-fi range are both primarily at this scale.

35mm and 40mm sculpts appear in certain display-oriented lines or games like Marvel Crisis Protocol that favour a bigger footprint. If you are unsure, the individual product listing states the designer's intended scale or footprint in the description.

How do you paint 3D printed resin miniatures?

The process is essentially the same as for any resin or plastic miniature, with one important extra step before priming: wash the print in isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Raw resin prints can carry a fine residue from the printing process. A quick rinse in IPA, followed by a rinse in clean water, removes it and helps primer bond properly. Let it dry fully before moving on.

Once clean and dry, apply a spray or brush-on primer. Grey or black primer suits most colour schemes. White primer works well for brighter colours and non-metallic metal (NMM) techniques. After priming, standard acrylic miniature paints, including Citadel, Vallejo, Army Painter and Scale75, all work perfectly on resin, and washes and dry-brushing behave just as they do on any model.

One watch-out with resin: thin features like sword blades and spear tips can snap under sudden pressure. A light coat of matt or satin varnish after painting protects the paint job and adds a small amount of flex. Many painters apply a gloss varnish first, then a matt coat on top, which locks in oil washes and keeps highlights clean.

How does TabletopXtra work, and how long does shipping take?

We are a UK-based, print-on-demand store. Everything we sell is printed to order at our UK facility, not held in a warehouse. All prices are in GBP and include UK VAT. Because items are printed to order, turnaround is typically a few business days before dispatch, followed by tracked UK delivery. For the current estimated lead time, check at checkout.

We licence sculpts from 21 independent designers, covering fantasy, sci-fi, historical and terrain. If you are looking for something specific, or want a custom print in a different scale or material, get in touch through the contact page.

Are 3D printed proxy miniatures legal for tournaments?

For casual games, campaign play, D&D, Pathfinder and most independent events, proxy miniatures are fully accepted. The question becomes more specific in competitive settings.

Games Workshop's official tournament rules require players to use official GW miniatures at GW-sanctioned competitive events. 3D printed proxies are not permitted at those specific events. The majority of hobby sessions, local game nights, and many independent wargaming events have no such restriction, and players routinely bring 3D printed proxies to Trench Crusade, Bolt Action and Warhammer: The Old World indie events without issue.

For TTRPG sessions, including D&D, Pathfinder and Call of Cthulhu, proxy miniatures are fully accepted by default. We covered this in more detail in our full guide: 3D Printed Proxies vs Games Workshop: Quality, Cost and Legality.

3D Printed Miniatures FAQ: More Quick Answers

A few more questions we see come in regularly.

Can I request a specific miniature or a custom scale?

Yes. We can often print designers' files at adjusted scales or in your preferred material. Contact us with the details and we will let you know what is possible.

Do your miniatures come pre-assembled?

Most are printed presupported, with connection points clearly marked. Multi-part models go together with standard superglue. Assembly complexity varies by sculpt; character miniatures are usually simple, while larger or more dynamic poses may have a few more pieces.

What is the difference between a Full Set and a Small Set?

On our product pages, "Full Set" is the complete monthly release from a designer, the full themed range as one bundle at a reduced combined price. "Small Set" listings are sub-groups or individual characters from that release, so you can pick up just the units you want without buying the whole bundle.

Do you ship to Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands?

We ship across the UK, including Northern Ireland. Channel Islands orders may have different VAT treatment; check at checkout or contact us before placing an order if you have questions.

Is cured resin safe to handle?

Yes. Cured resin, which is what you receive from us, fully printed and cured, is safe to handle normally. It is uncured liquid resin, used during the printing process itself, that requires gloves and ventilation. Your miniature arrives chemically inert and ready to prime and paint.