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Miniature Painting Commission: How It Works, Step by Step

By Dynafabs

How a miniature painting commission works with Some Miniatures, from quote and 30% deposit to updates and tracked delivery, with prints by Dynafabs.

If you've ever wondered what actually happens after you hit "send" on a painting enquiry, this one's for you. Dynafabs prints miniatures, terrain and bits for tabletop players, and our painting collaborator Some Miniatures turns them into finished models. We've already covered getting a printed mini ready to paint, so this time we're walking through the commission itself, step by step, using what Some Miniatures sets out on their process page and FAQ.

Step 1: Send a detailed enquiry

Everything starts on the Some Miniatures Get a Quote page. The form asks a handful of practical questions:

There's also a free-text box, and their process page is clear that it's worth using. Mention freehand work, colour schemes, base ideas and anything else the painter should know, plus exactly which miniatures you want painted and how many. Their FAQ says a well-filled form usually gets a quote back "likely within the hour". If you're not sure what to ask for, they're happy to chat it through first by email at Someminiatures@gmail.com.

Where Dynafabs fits: if your models are 3D printed, tick "supplying the model" and say so in the message. Tell them whether the parts arrive clean and assembled or still need work, and what material they're printed in. Resin and FDM prints behave differently under primer, so it's useful context.

Step 2: Pick your painting tier

Some Miniatures offers five tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Bronze is described as "tabletop quality" and Silver as "tabletop plus", with the higher tiers adding more highlights, contrast and time. The galleries are the best way to choose, because you can see real finished work at each level. A common approach is a lower tier for rank-and-file troops and a higher one for heroes, lords and centrepieces.

Step 3: Agree the quote and pay the deposit

Once your quote arrives you can still tweak it: swap tiers, add or remove models, or change your mind on colours. When you're both happy, Some Miniatures invoices a 30% deposit, which secures your place in their calendar. If you've asked them to buy the models for you, that cost is paid at the same time as the deposit. Your quote also includes an estimated timeline, which depends on the size of the job and their current workload.

Step 4: Get the models to the painter

You can post your own models or have Some Miniatures order them. If you're sending them, they may ask for a photo showing their condition (unless they're still sealed in the box), and you'll want to pack them securely.

For printed miniatures, this is where planning pays off. If you're ordering prints from Dynafabs specifically for a commission, let us know in your quote request so we can talk about material, detail and supports with that end goal in mind. Our guide to print tolerances is handy if your kit has push-fit joints or magnets.

Step 5: Updates while they paint

This is the part people love. According to their FAQ, Some Miniatures photographs your models when they arrive, sends at least one update halfway through and shares final photos at the end, and you can ask for news at any time. They also post most commission photos on their Instagram and Facebook. If you want a colour change after the deposit, they'll try to fit it in, though extra work means an updated quote.

Step 6: Final payment and delivery

When the job's done you'll get photos from every angle plus the final invoice, which is due within 14 days. Once it's paid, your models are posted with photo proof of postage. Their shipping page says they use Royal Mail within the UK and a tracked and signed service internationally, wrap every model individually in bubble wrap and pack them in a sturdy box. They strongly recommend paying a little extra for tracking, and after all that brushwork, we'd agree.

FAQ

Can I send Some Miniatures models that are already painted? Sometimes. Their FAQ says they'll look at stripping and repainting case by case and may decline models that are too damaged or heavily coated, so send photos first.

How do they take payment? PayPal or bank transfer, per their FAQ.

Do they ship outside the UK? Yes. International postage depends on the country, size and weight, so include your postcode or email them for a delivery estimate.

Can Dynafabs print the models for my commission? Yes, that's exactly what the collaboration is for. Tell us what you're printing and that it's heading for paint, and we'll help you choose the right setup.

Ready to start your army?

Get your models printed with Dynafabs, then hand them over to Some Miniatures for the brushwork. Start with a Dynafabs quote, and when your prints are ready, head to the Some Miniatures quote form.

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