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Do You Like Collecting Minitures?
09/06/22 21:13
People have enjoyed having pastimes and hobbies throughout history. Collecting miniatures can be a fun activity as well, but it also requires some knowledge if you want to get the most out of it.
There are many different types of miniatures available for purchase including painted, unpainted, and collectible. All these types have their own pros and cons that need to be considered before you buy. In this article, we will go over the basics of miniature collecting so you can experience maximum enjoyment.
Understand What They Are
Miniatures are small-scale, detailed models (replicas) of people, creatures (animals), or things (objects). [The Tieried Minis on this site are very unique in that they are a single piece representing a concept, event, holiday expression, or feeling.] They can be used for a variety of purposes including gaming (e.g. Dungeons and Dragons), modeling and art projects.
Some miniatures are made from metal or plastic while others are hand-crafted out of clay, wood, or other materials. Many people buy and collect them for display purposes. There is a wide range of miniatures available on the market, from historical figures to popular movie characters.
Do Plenty Of Research
If you’re new to miniature collecting, it’s important to do plenty of research before buying your first pieces. View specialist websites [Like the one you are currently on] and blogs, and read reviews from other collectors. This will help you understand the terminology used within the industry, as well as give you some idea of which miniatures to invest in.
Find Them Online Or At Your Local Hobby Shops
There are online stores that sell miniatures, and it’s often a great way to get a good deal. Some examples include Amazon and eBay. Many people enjoy shopping at physical stores so they can browse around and see what’s on offer. Not only do they often have a wide selection of figures but they usually offer discounts during sales or special events.
No matter where you buy your miniatures, always take the time to examine them carefully. Make sure that all of the pieces are included and that there are no defects. If something is wrong, don’t be afraid to ask for a refund or exchange.
Have A Dedicated Space For Your Collection
After a while, you’ll probably own a lot of miniatures and it’ll become hard to keep track of them all. That’s why it’s recommended to devote a specific space in your home to your miniature collection. If you simply keep them on shelves on the walls, it won’t take long for them to become dusty.
You might want to consider getting a display case for your miniatures. This will protect them from damage (they can be fragile) and allow you to show them off to friends and family. If you don’t have the money for a new or secondhand display case, try using a large box or container to store them in.
Keep Them Organized
If you have a lot of different types of miniatures (e.g. Star Wars and Warhammer), it’s a good idea to use different boxes for each category. Try to keep each series of boxes together for easy organization, and do so by size or theme.
Be sure to label each box and update them as required later on. Then you can quickly find your miniatures when you need them.
Provide The Right Environment
You need to ensure that your miniatures are stored in low humidity environments like sealed closets or cabinets. Extreme humidity can cause mold growth (plastic boxes don’t hold moisture well), which will ruin anything stored inside. If the humidity levels are too low or high it could also cause the paint job on the miniatures to crack.
The temperature should be between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit to will ensure that no damage will occur. When storing wargaming terrain pieces, make sure they aren’t stacked too high. If this occurs it could lead to warping over time.
Use The Right Paints
You may begin by buying pre-painted miniatures before you move on to the unpainted versions. There are many brands of paints so it is best if you do your research and find out which ones work well with each other. Interestingly, acrylics tend to dry faster than oil-based paints.
People who have used oil-based paints have experienced more issues with mold than those who have used acrylics. In both cases be sure to provide good ventilation because of their strong smell. In some worst-case scenarios, oils have caused suffocation when inhaled by children or pets.
Sell Your Unwanted Items
If you have miniatures that are in a good condition but that you no longer want or need, why not resell them? It would be a great way to make some money or be able to buy some new ones. For this reason, it’s recommended that you keep the original packaging materials when you buy.
eBay is a great place to sell miniatures and there are many other online auction sites where you can sell them. Be sure to include good-quality photographs of the miniature so that potential buyers can see what they’re buying. You should also list the dimensions of the item and provide information about any damage or wear and tear. Be clear about your shipping terms, including whether you will ship internationally or not. It’s also important to factor in shipping costs when pricing your items. Start by setting a price that is fair for both you and the buyer.
You have now received a grounding in this fascinating and rewarding hobby. It’s possible to spend many hours enjoying your collection and painting your latest acquisitions. Whether they are used for playing games or to keep in a display case, they will be a source of joy and a great talking point for others.
[Reproduced with permission from: https://geeksaroundglobe.com
Title: Do you like collecting miniatures? Here are some useful-tips. No author was credited]