Warhammer commission painting guide
Commission painting turns a model list, a visual reference and a target finish into a finished collection. The best brief is not simply “make it high quality”. It explains how the models will be used, which details matter most and how closely the result should follow a sample.
This guide explains the main painting levels, preparation choices, WIP review process, model-kit arrangements and worldwide shipping questions that international Warhammer collectors should understand before commissioning a studio.
What is Warhammer commission painting?
Warhammer commission painting is a professional service for customers who want painted miniatures without completing the entire preparation and painting process themselves. It can cover a single character, a squad, a vehicle, a centerpiece or a complete army.
A commission is most successful when the client and studio agree on the finish before production begins. A painted sample, a reference image or a clear description of the desired effect gives the studio a useful target for colour, contrast, basing and detail density.
Choose the painting level for the model’s purpose
Basic or army-ready painting
Basic painting is designed for coherent armies and models that will be used at the gaming table. The priority is clean colour separation, readable silhouettes, consistent basing and a durable finish across a batch of models. Maxon Casting services currently show Basic projects from $28, with the final quote depending on the kit and scope.
Fine Detail painting
Fine Detail is suited to heroes, elite units, important squad leaders and collectors who want stronger close-up refinement. It can include smoother transitions, sharper edge highlights, refined faces, controlled metallic effects and selected OSL or NMM where they support the model. Current service guidance shows Fine Detail from $95; large or complex models require a specific quote.
Exhibition or display painting
Exhibition work is planned for centerpiece models, Primarchs, Titans, large monsters, scenic bases and collector displays. The quote depends on the model, composition, effects, freehand work, base design and the amount of refinement required. A clear reference and a conversation about priorities are more useful than choosing a label alone.
Preparing a Warhammer commission brief
List the models and the intended use
Start with the exact model list. Mention whether the project is a gaming army, a display collection, a gift or a competition-focused centerpiece. For an army, separate troops, leaders, vehicles and centerpiece models so the studio can suggest a practical mix of finish levels.
Describe the colour scheme
Reference photos are valuable for an existing army or a custom scheme. Include the main colours, trim, markings, basing theme and any elements that must remain unchanged. If you want a sample matched, link to the closest painted catalogue reference and list the changes separately.
Call out high-priority details
Tell the studio which details deserve attention: faces, weapons, heraldry, OSL, NMM, weathering, freehand symbols or a scenic base. This helps the quote reflect the work that matters most to you instead of applying the same treatment to every surface.
How the commission process works
- Choose a sample or describe a custom finish. The catalogue gives you a concrete starting point.
- Send a commission brief. Include the model list, target tier, references, budget range and shipping country through Start Commission.
- Approve the quote and pay the 40% deposit. The confirmed quote records the agreed scope and model-kit arrangement.
- Model sourcing and production begin. Catalogue pricing includes the corresponding official model kit; custom projects confirm the arrangement in the quote.
- Review WIP progress. The process includes a mid-project review with up to three revision rounds according to the agreed scope.
- Approve final media, pay the balance and ship. Photos and video are provided before final payment. Shipping and customs expectations should be confirmed for the destination country.
For the full sequence, see Process & Pricing. A good brief makes the quote more accurate and reduces avoidable changes later.
Warhammer 40K, Age of Sigmar and army projects
The same commission principles apply across different games, but the production plan changes with the model range. Warhammer 40K armies often need repeatable armour, trim and basing recipes. Age of Sigmar projects may need more varied materials, monsters, cloth, wood and scenic elements.
For a Warhammer 40K project, review the Warhammer 40K commission painting service. For a complete force, see the miniature army painting service and ask whether a test model or phased delivery would help.
Pricing questions: what changes the quote?
Pricing is shaped by the official model kit, model size, number of parts, assembly requirements, painting level, basing, effects, freehand work, quantity and delivery plan. A single infantry model, a Primarch and a full army should not be compared only by a per-model number.
Use the service tiers to choose the intended finish, then use the catalogue or a custom brief to define the actual scope. The written quote should state what is included before the deposit is paid.
Worldwide shipping and safe delivery
Fragile painted miniatures need packaging that protects banners, wings, weapons, resin parts and scenic bases. Give the correct shipping country in the brief so the studio can confirm the available delivery method, tracking and any customs or import responsibilities.
Read the worldwide shipping information before commissioning a large or delicate piece.
DIY painting or a professional commission?
Painting your own models is rewarding when you have the time and want to develop the hobby. A commission can be the better option when the army is large, the deadline is important, the finish requires techniques you do not use regularly or the model is intended as a gift or centerpiece.
Many collectors combine both approaches: they paint regular units themselves and commission the models that define the army’s identity.
FAQ
Do catalogue prices include the model kit?
Catalogue prices are presented as total commission prices and include the corresponding official model kit. Custom projects should confirm the kit arrangement in the written quote.
Can I request a colour or sample variation?
Yes. Start from the closest painted sample, then list the requested changes to colour, markings, basing or detail priority in the brief.
How many WIP changes can I request?
The standard process includes a mid-project WIP review with up to three revision rounds according to the agreed scope. Confirm any unusual revision request before production begins.
Can you paint a full army?
Yes. A full army is usually planned in stages, with a repeatable colour recipe and, when useful, a test model before batch production.
How do I start?
Browse the catalogue, compare the painting tiers and send a model list through Start Commission.