How Long to Paint a Miniature Army?
Painting a full army is a bigger commitment than most hobbyists estimate, because the per-model time adds up fast across dozens of figures. This calculator multiplies your models by hours and paint cost each, and — if you set an hourly rate — shows what your time is really worth, which matters enormously for commission work.
Time per model varies wildly
A quick tabletop standard — base colors, a wash, minimal highlights — runs roughly one to two hours per model. Display or competition painting with blending, freehand, and detailed bases can take many hours each. Multiply by an army of thirty or more and the difference between standards becomes dozens or hundreds of hours.
The real cost is time
Paint and primer are a modest per-model cost; the dominant expense is hours. That's why commission painting is priced primarily on labor. Even as a hobbyist, seeing the total hours helps you plan realistically — batch-painting similar models and choosing an achievable standard are the two biggest levers on finishing an army before losing motivation.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to paint a miniature?
- About 1-2 hours for a tabletop standard; many more for display-level detail.
- How much does painting an army cost?
- Paint is a small per-model cost; the real expense is time, especially for commissions.
- How can I paint an army faster?
- Batch-paint similar models, use washes and contrast paints, and pick an achievable standard.