Resin 3D Printing: Why Our Miniatures Are So Detailed

Azmordion silver dragon miniature, resin printed by GLC3DPrints

All of our miniatures and busts are printed in resin rather than plastic filament. Resin printing captures far finer detail, which is exactly what you want on faces, armour, scales and weapons. Here is how it works and what to expect when your figure arrives. Every model is printed to order in the UK.

How resin printing works

A resin printer holds a vat of liquid resin above a screen. The screen shines ultraviolet light through the bottom of the vat in the exact shape of one thin slice of the model, and the light hardens the resin in that shape. The build plate lifts a tiny amount, the next slice is cured, and the model is slowly drawn up out of the vat, layer by layer.

Because each layer is extremely thin and the shape comes from a high-resolution screen, the surface is smooth and the fine details are sharp. Layer lines are usually hard to see without a magnifier.

King Arthur v2 knight miniature, resin printed by GLC3DPrints

Why we use ABS-like resin

Standard resin can be quite brittle. We print in an ABS-like resin, which is a little tougher and more forgiving, so thin parts such as swords, spears, horns and wing tips are less likely to snap during handling and play.

From printer to your table

  • Supports: models are printed on small supports that hold overhanging parts in place. We remove them by hand, which can leave tiny marks in hidden spots.
  • Washing: each print is washed to remove leftover liquid resin.
  • Curing: it is then cured under UV light so it is fully hardened and ready to handle.

Silver dragonborn sorcerer 120mm bust, resin printed by GLC3DPrints

Painting and care

  • Prime first: a light coat of primer helps paint grip the smooth resin surface.
  • Handle thin parts gently: resin is detailed but can chip or snap if dropped.
  • Avoid long periods in direct sunlight: strong UV over time can make unpainted resin more brittle. A coat of paint and varnish helps protect it.
  • Not a toy for young children: miniatures have small, sharp parts.

Sovram the Betrayed ancient black dragon miniature, resin printed by GLC3DPrints

Resin or PLA?

Resin is best for small, highly detailed figures such as miniatures and busts. PLA, which we print with FDM printers, is better for larger, sturdier items like games, frames and terrain. You can read more in our guide to PLA and FDM printing.

Explore our resin range

Not sure which size to pick? Read 32mm vs 75mm Miniatures, or browse the full Miniatures collection.