Quick answer
Start with a clean, primed miniature, then base coat the ranger and lynx separately before layering highlights and adding a wash for depth.
Why the Wardlings Girl Ranger & Lynx is a great beginner project
This pre-painted miniature already has a base coat, so you can focus on adding your own color scheme and details. The separate animal companion (the lynx) lets you practice painting fur and eyes without pressure.
What you'll need
You'll need acrylic miniature paints, a fine detail brush, a wash (like Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade), a primer (if you want to repaint), and a steady surface. Optional: a wet palette and a magnifying lamp.
Step-by-step painting guide
- Step 1: Clean and prime (if needed): Wash the miniature in warm soapy water to remove mold release. If you want to repaint completely, apply a thin coat of primer. Otherwise, you can paint directly over the pre-paint. Skipping the wash can cause paint to peel later.
- Step 2: Base coat the ranger: Paint the ranger's cloak, tunic, and boots with your chosen colors. Use two thin coats for smooth coverage. Let each coat dry fully. Thick coats hide detail; thin coats preserve it.
- Step 3: Base coat the lynx: Paint the lynx's fur, ears, and tail. Use a light brown or gray for the body and a darker shade for the tips. Keep the brush damp to avoid streaks. If the paint dries too fast, add a drop of water or medium.
- Step 4: Add washes for depth: Apply a wash (e.g., Agrax Earthshade) to the ranger's cloak and the lynx's fur. Let it flow into recesses. Wipe excess from raised areas with a damp brush. Too much wash can darken the whole model; blot excess quickly.
- Step 5: Layer highlights: Using the original base color or a lighter shade, drybrush or edge-highlight the raised areas: the ranger's collar, the lynx's back, and the base rim. A drybrush with a stiff brush gives a soft highlight; edge highlights need a fine tip.
- Step 6: Paint eyes and small details: Paint the ranger's eyes with a tiny dot of white and an even smaller dot of black. Add the lynx's eyes, nose, and claws. Use a fine detail brush or a toothpick. If your hand shakes, brace your wrists together or use a painting handle.
- Step 7: Seal and finish: Apply a matte varnish spray or brush-on varnish to protect the paint. Let it cure for 24 hours before handling. Gloss varnish can make the model look shiny; matte is better for a natural finish.
Product facts
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WizKids Wardlings Painted Miniatures: Girl Ranger & Lynx: The WizKids Wardlings Girl Ranger & Lynx is a pre-painted miniature from the Wardlings line, designed for families and gamers of any age. Because it's pre-painted, you can skip the priming step and start painting immediately, or use the existing paint as a guide for your own color scheme.
WizKids Wardlings Painted Miniatures: Girl Ranger & Lynx
