Warhammer commission painting prices
Warhammer commission painting prices vary because a squad, a Primarch and a full army require very different amounts of assembly, surface work, basing and review. The most useful comparison starts with the intended finish and then confirms the exact model and scope.
This guide compares the three Maxon Casting service levels, explains what changes a quote and shows how to prepare a brief that produces a more useful price.
Warhammer commission painting price overview
| Painting level | Best for | Current guide price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic / Army Ready | Squads, troops and coherent gaming armies | From $28 |
| Fine Detail | Heroes, elite models and showcase units | From $95 |
| Exhibition | Primarchs, Titans, monsters and display centerpieces | Custom quote |
These are starting points, not a substitute for a written quote. Model size, assembly, basing, effects, quantity and the requested finish can move the final price.
Basic painting: from $28
Basic is designed for tabletop readability and consistency across a unit or army. It suits customers who want clean colour separation, a coherent scheme and a practical finish at gaming distance.
Choose Basic when the main goal is to get a force ready for the table, when the project contains many repeated models or when the most important requirement is a consistent army-wide recipe.
Fine Detail painting: from $95
Fine Detail is intended for heroes, elite units, important leaders and collectors who expect stronger close-up refinement. Depending on the model, the work may include smoother gradients, sharper edge highlights, refined faces, controlled metallic effects, NMM or OSL.
Large models and complex kits need a custom quote even when the desired finish is Fine Detail. A Primarch, large monster or heavily converted model should be described with photos rather than priced like infantry.
Exhibition painting: custom quote
Exhibition projects are planned around the model and the intended presentation. The scope may include a scenic base, freehand heraldry, lighting effects, weathering, display composition and a higher density of refinement.
Because every centerpiece is different, a useful exhibition quote needs the exact kit, reference images, target deadline, base requirements and the details that matter most to the client.
What changes the final price?
Model size and complexity
Infantry, cavalry, vehicles, monsters, Primarchs and Titans do not require the same preparation or painting time. Parts count, sub-assemblies, fragile components and conversions should be included in the brief.
Painting techniques
Simple colour blocking is different from layered gradients, NMM, OSL, freehand, battle damage or a complex display base. List the techniques you actually want instead of relying on a general phrase such as “competition quality”.
Quantity and consistency
An army quote needs a repeatable recipe, batch planning and a decision about which models deserve a higher finish. Many projects use Basic for regular troops, Fine Detail for leaders and Exhibition for one or two centerpieces.
Model-kit arrangement
Catalogue prices include the corresponding official model kit. For a custom project, the quote should confirm whether Maxon Casting sources the official kit or whether the client supplies it.
Basing and shipping
Simple gaming bases, scenic bases and fragile display bases have different material and packaging requirements. The destination country also matters for shipping, tracking and customs expectations.
How to get a useful commission price
- List every model or unit, including quantity and size.
- Choose the closest painted sample or attach reference photos.
- State the intended finish: Basic, Fine Detail or Exhibition.
- Describe colour scheme, markings, basing, effects and any must-have details.
- Add your budget range, shipping country and deadline if one exists.
- Send a commission brief so the studio can confirm scope and price.
What happens after the quote?
The standard process begins with an approved quote and a 40% deposit. Production planning and model sourcing then begin. A mid-project WIP review allows the client to review progress and request changes within the agreed revision scope. Final photos and video are provided before the balance is paid and the completed work is shipped.
See Process & Pricing for the full sequence and Worldwide Shipping for delivery considerations.
FAQ
Is the model kit included?
Catalogue prices include the corresponding official model kit. Custom quotes should state the kit arrangement clearly before payment.
Is Basic always the cheapest option for an army?
Basic is usually the most efficient finish for repeated gaming units, but the final army price depends on the exact kits, quantity, assembly and basing requirements.
Can one army use more than one painting level?
Yes. A mixed plan can give regular troops a consistent tabletop finish while reserving Fine Detail or Exhibition work for leaders, heroes and centerpieces.
Can I request a price before choosing every detail?
Yes. Send the model list and the closest sample you have in mind. The studio can identify the missing information and refine the quote before production.
Where do I start?
Compare the service tiers, browse the sample catalogue and send your brief.