Packing Miniatures for a Painting Commission
By Dynafabs
Pack and post miniatures for a painting commission: photos, bubble wrap and tracking tips so models reach Some Miniatures safely.
Sending miniatures to a commission painter should feel routine, not risky. Most breakage and delays come from loose packing, missing photos or unclear paperwork — not from the paint job itself. Some Miniatures, based in Cuffley, Hertfordshire, paint commissions from tabletop troops to display heroes, and their FAQ and Shipping and Delivery pages already spell out how models travel both ways.
This guide is for a first (or next) commission: how to pack, what to photograph, and how Dynafabs prints slot into the same workflow.
Decide what you are sending before you box it
Their FAQ is clear: you can send models you already own, ask Some Miniatures to order figures for you, or mix both. If you send anything, photograph it first so the studio knows the condition — fresh from the box, assembled, or needing cleaning and assembly as part of the job.
Before packing, sort the batch into:
- Assembled and cleaned figures ready for primer
- Still on sprues or loose parts that need build work
- Already painted pieces you want stripping or rescue (they assess these case by case; see our repainting guide)
- Bases and scenery that should travel with the army
Official Warhammer models you bought from Games Workshop can go straight to Some Miniatures for painting — no printing involved. For new tabletop minis from Dynafabs, stick to original or properly licensed designs only.
Pack so nothing rattles
Some Miniatures return finished work individually wrapped in bubble wrap inside a sturdy box. Mirror that care on the outbound trip:
1. Wrap each miniature in its own bubble wrap or soft foam. Keep sharp spears and thin antennas from poking neighbours. 2. Fill voids so parts cannot slide. Tissue, packing paper or foam scraps work; avoid loose polystyrene beads that lodge in joints. 3. Separate metal from plastic where you can — heavier models crush lighter ones if they migrate in transit. 4. Bag fragile extras (weapons, banners, scenic bits) and label the bag. 5. Use a rigid outer box, not a soft jiffy bag as the only protection. Double-box for long UK journeys or international posts if the parcel will be handled a lot. 6. Include a paper packing list with your name, email, phone and a short job note matching your quote.
Do not ship wet glue, open paint pots or damp green stuff. Let assemblies cure fully first.
Photos and paperwork travel with the parcel
A clear photo set speeds the quote and protects you if anything arrives differently than expected. Shoot:
- The whole batch laid out
- Close-ups of damage, mould lines or missing parts
- Any existing paint if you are asking about a strip and repaint
Fill in the Get a Quote form as thoroughly as you can before you post. Their FAQ notes that a detailed form often gets a reply within the hour, and a postcode helps with the delivery fee — especially outside the UK. Stuck on painting tier? Email Someminiatures@gmail.com and talk it through first.
Useful extras in the box or email: colour references, army photos, deadline (tournament, campaign start, gift date) and whether basing is included.
How Some Miniatures ship finished work back
On the return leg they use Royal Mail within the UK. International deliveries use a track-and-sign style service. Customers can choose cheaper or pricier options, but their site recommends at least tracking so painted miniatures do not go missing. UK tracked and signed shipping is listed around £3–6 depending on weight and size; overseas costs depend on country and parcel size — ask with your postcode when you enquire.
You also get progress visibility: arrival photos when models land, a halfway update, a final picture before return, and check-ins on request. Payment options listed on their site are PayPal and bank transfer.
Where Dynafabs fits the shipping chain
If you need new prints to travel with (or instead of) kit models, order from Dynafabs first. We print tabletop minis, custom bases, display plinths and scenery from original or properly licensed files, then you can pack the finished prints for paint — or have us ship prints to you so you consolidate one outbound parcel to Cuffley.
Handy prep reading:
FAQ
Do I have to send the models myself? No. Some Miniatures can order figures for you (added to the deposit) or you can send what you already own. Photograph anything you post.
What if a model arrives damaged? Take condition photos before packing and keep tracking. Their return packing is designed for safe transit; solid outbound packing closes the loop.
Can I send internationally to Cuffley? Yes — they ship UK-wide and internationally. Include your postcode on the quote so delivery fees are accurate both ways.
Will I see the paint job before it ships home? You get arrival photos, a mid-job update and a final picture, with extra updates on request.
Ready to pack your next commission?
Get the quote sorted, photograph the batch, wrap each figure and post with tracking. Start on the Some Miniatures quote form. If you need new tabletop prints, bases or scenery to go with them, upload your files at Dynafabs and we will get them ready for paint.
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