Display Miniature Painting: Platinum & Diamond Tiers
By Dynafabs
Display miniature painting from Some Miniatures' Platinum and Diamond tiers, plus 3D printed plinths and scenic bases from Dynafabs for your centrepiece.
Most collections have one figure that deserves more than a quick paint job. It might be your army's leader, the villain your players finally defeated after three campaigns, or a big centrepiece model you've been saving for "when I have time". This post looks at how Some Miniatures handles display-standard painting, and how Dynafabs can print a plinth or display base that shows that figure off properly.
What makes a display miniature different?
A tabletop figure needs to look good at arm's length during a game. A display piece is meant to be picked up, turned in the light and looked at closely in a cabinet. That means smoother blends, sharper highlights, more careful shading and often extra touches like freehand detail or a scenic base.
Some Miniatures sets this out clearly across its five painting levels on its home page. The top two are the ones to know about for a showpiece:
- Platinum is described as "Display pieces", the tier for "the main centrepiece of your army, a special miniature or a figure you simply wish to display in your cabinet".
- Diamond is "The best that we have to offer and then even some." Their site says to expect 30 to 40 hours on a normal 28–32mm figure, and up to full weeks on larger models, with work ranging "from freehand to special basing".
Below those sit Gold (premium, for a hero or captain that should stand out on the table), Silver ("tabletop plus") and Bronze ("tabletop quality"), so you can mix levels across one collection.
Choosing the right figure for the top tiers
Because Diamond in particular is a big time investment, it makes sense to save it for the model that means the most to you. A few good candidates:
- Your army or warband leader, the figure that anchors the whole force.
- A personal D&D character that has been with you through a long campaign.
- A large centrepiece model, where a strong paint job really transforms the piece.
- A gift, such as a painted figure for a friend's favourite character.
If you're torn between tiers, the Some Miniatures FAQ says they're happy to have a conversation first and brainstorm a style that works for you. Their site also suggests asking directly about what to expect from the Diamond tier, so it's worth getting in touch before you decide.
Collaboration, not just a paint job
One of the nicest things about a commission at this level is the back and forth. A customer review shown on the Some Miniatures site, posted by "highroader" on Fiverr, describes this well: "they took care of everything, from ordering and handling the miniature itself, communicated quickly and often, worked with me to land the colour scheme, made excellent suggestions to add to the model (the person being stomped was a great idea!)". You can read more on their testimonials page.
From the FAQ, you'll also get a photo when your models arrive, an update halfway through, and a final picture when the commission is finished. Finished models are individually bubble-wrapped and packed in a sturdy box.
Official models from big ranges, Warhammer included, can be bought from the manufacturer and sent straight to Some Miniatures for painting. They can even buy the figure for you, with the cost added to your deposit. No printing is involved there.
Where Dynafabs fits: plinths and display bases
A display-standard paint job deserves a good stand. Dynafabs can 3D print the display hardware around your figure from your own designs or files you have the rights to use:
- Display plinths that lift a figure off the shelf, with a recessed top to seat its base.
- Scenic display bases, such as rubble, rocks or ruins, from original or properly licensed designs, which can go to Some Miniatures to be painted to match the figure.
- Name plates and labels for a character or army.
- Original or licensed tabletop minis to be painted as display pieces, if you'd rather start from a design you've bought for printing.
For fine scenic detail that will be painted, resin usually gives the crispest finish. For a chunky plinth, PLA or PETG with a fine layer height works well and is easy to sand and paint. Our resin vs FDM guide explains the trade-offs, and our layer height and infill guide covers getting a smooth surface on larger parts.
Tips before commissioning a display piece
1. Gather reference images of colour schemes, lighting or moods you like. 2. Decide on the base early, because a scenic base changes how the whole figure reads. 3. Measure your cabinet shelf so a plinth and figure will actually fit. 4. Tell the painter if it's a gift and when you need it, so the timing works.
FAQ
How long does a Diamond-tier figure take? Some Miniatures says to expect 30 to 40 hours on a normal 28–32mm figure, and up to full weeks for larger models.
Can I mix painting levels in one order? Their tiers are designed for different jobs, from tabletop troops to centrepieces, so it's worth asking about a mix when you request a quote.
Where is Some Miniatures based? In Cuffley, Hertfordshire, just outside London. They ship across the UK and internationally.
Give your favourite figure the spotlight
Start the conversation about a display piece with Some Miniatures, and if you'd like a printed plinth, scenic base or original mini to go with it, upload your file for a Dynafabs quote. Our collaboration post explains how the two services fit together.
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