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Caring for Painted Miniatures: Storage and Display

By Dynafabs

Keep painted miniatures looking sharp: handling, storage trays, transport and display tips after a Some Miniatures commission, plus printed accessories.

The parcel has landed, the bubble wrap is off and your freshly painted miniatures are finally on the desk. A commission from Some Miniatures can represent hours of brushwork, and at their top Diamond tier a standard-sized figure can take 30 to 40 hours. The next job is yours: keeping that paint looking good for years of games, campaigns and cabinet time.

This guide covers handling, storage, transport and display, plus the printed accessories Dynafabs can make to help.

Handle by the base, not the model

Most paint damage on finished minis comes from fingers rather than dice. Skin oils and friction wear down raised edges first: sword tips, helmet crests, knees and cloak hems.

• Pick models up by the base wherever you can. Larger bases on big models give you room to grip.
• Keep hands clean and dry before a session, especially after snacks.
• Avoid pinching thin parts like spears, banners, tails and wings, which are often the weakest joins.
• Ask about protection when you order. If your army will see heavy table use, mention it on the Get a Quote form or by email so you can discuss what finish suits the job.

Storage that stops rubbing and chipping

The enemy in storage is movement. Minis that slide around a box knock into each other and chip.

1. Use foam trays or magnetic storage. Pick-and-pluck foam lets you cut a snug slot per model. Magnetised bases on a steel-sheet tray hold infantry still without squeezing them. 2. Give each model its own space. Do not stack figures or lay them on their sides where paint rests on paint. 3. Keep boxes somewhere stable. Avoid lofts, damp garages and windowsills where heat, cold and moisture swing about. 4. Keep them out of direct sunlight. Strong light can fade colours over time, so a closed box or a shaded shelf is kinder than a sunny one. 5. Label your trays by unit or faction so you are not rummaging through models to find one hero.

Taking your army to games and tournaments

Travel is where painted armies get scuffed. A few habits help:

• Pack the night before, not in a rush at the door.
• Fill empty slots in foam with off-cuts so nothing tips over.
• Carry big centrepieces separately, ideally in a dedicated box with extra padding around wings, weapons and scenic bases.
• Bring a small repair kit: plastic glue, superglue, a cocktail stick and a fine brush. If a part does pop off, bag it straight away and fix it at home.
• Do not leave cases in a hot car. Heat can soften glue joints and make foam sweat.

If something does break or needs touching up after a few seasons, photograph it and ask Some Miniatures. Their FAQ explains they look at repairs and repaints case by case, based on the model and the damage.

Displaying your best pieces

Platinum (display piece) and Diamond tier work deserves better than a shoebox.

• Use a closed cabinet to keep dust off. Dusting fine details is fiddly and can catch edges.
• Think about light. LED strips give even light with little heat. Keep cabinets away from windows.
• Raise heroes on plinths so they sit at eye level and are easy to lift without touching the paint.
• Add a name plate for gifts or commissions you are proud of; it turns a model into a keepsake.

Read more about those tiers in our display miniature painting post.

Printed accessories from Dynafabs

This is where Dynafabs comes in. We can print practical kit around your painted collection from original designs or files you have the rights to:

• Storage trays and inserts sized to your bases, with pockets for magnets
• Movement trays that keep units together and reduce handling
• Display plinths and risers for heroes and centrepieces
• Carry handles and transport frames for big scenic models
• Custom name plates with your text

PETG and ASA are tougher choices for trays and inserts that take regular knocks, while PLA works well for indoor display pieces. Our material guide and tolerances guide explain how to get a snug fit for magnets and bases.

As always, we print tabletop minis and accessories only from original or properly licensed designs. Official Warhammer models bought from Games Workshop can go straight to Some Miniatures for painting, with no printing involved.

FAQ

Should I glue magnets in myself? You can, once the paint is fully cured. Test the polarity on every magnet before gluing so units stack the way you expect. If you want magnet pockets in printed trays, tell us the magnet size when you request a quote.

Can a chipped mini be fixed? Often, yes. Send Some Miniatures clear photos first and they will say whether it is worth repairing.

What is the best way to send minis back for more work? Our packing and posting guide covers wrapping, photos and tracking step by step.

Look after the paint, enjoy the game

Painted miniatures are made to be played with. A little care in how you handle, store and carry them keeps the work looking sharp for years. Book your next painting job with Some Miniatures, and if you want trays, plinths or fresh tabletop minis printed, get a Dynafabs quote.

--- #Dynafabs #3DPrinting #SomeMiniatures #MiniaturePainting #TabletopGaming #MiniatureStorage