Painting small details on your miniatures just got a lot easier with Stampin’ Plates; now you can add designs quickly without freehand techniques.
Adding intricate details to miniatures has always been a challenge. Freehand painting takes time and considerable skill (who hasn’t tried to save money on transfers only to be disappointed with their own skills), transfers can be finicky and are very limited in quantity, and getting consistent results can feel impossible.
Stampin’ Plates by Goblin Hobbies is the brainchild of Bent from Goobertown Hobbies and Casey from eBay Miniature Rescues. They change the game by offering a fast, reliable way to apply crisp designs without the stress of hand-painting. Whether working on banners, armor, or custom base textures, this system delivers professional-looking results with minimal effort.
This is more than just a hobby shortcut—it’s a tool that opens up creative possibilities, giving painters more time to focus on other aspects of their miniatures.
How Stampin’ Plates Work
The process is based on industrial pad printing, a technique used for transferring detailed designs onto surfaces with precision. The metal plate holds the design, which is then picked up by a soft stamping surface and transferred onto the miniature. The result is a clean, repeatable image without the need for a steady hand or advanced brushwork.
This method is perfect for hobbyists who want to add intricate insignias, custom patterns, or uniform markings across entire armies without spending hours on freehand detailing.
Step-by-Step Guide
Perfecting the technique takes a little practice, but once the process is familiar, the results speak for themselves. It’s also similar to how nail stamping plates work if you have ever seen those.
1. Apply Stampin’ Color
A small amount of Stampin’ Color is applied directly to the etched design on the metal plate. The goal is to cover the details without flooding the surrounding areas.
2. Scrape the Excess
Using the provided scraper, the color is spread evenly across the plate at a 45° angle. This pushes the pigment into the recesses while removing excess material that could interfere with the transfer.
3. Pick Up the Design
The stamper is pressed gently onto the plate to lift the design. Too much pressure can cause distortion, while too little may result in an incomplete transfer. Finding the right balance is key. If unwanted details stick to the stamper, they can be removed with a scraper card or tape.
4. Transfer the Design
The stamper is quickly aligned with the miniature and then pressed down evenly. Holding it for a moment before lifting ensures a clean application. Speed matters—the color dries fast.
5. Refine and Experiment
The first few attempts may not be perfect, but repetition builds consistency. Once the process feels natural, entire units can be stamped quickly with uniform results.
Why Nail Stamping Plates Matter for Miniature Painting
This system is designed to save time without sacrificing quality. Freehanding insignias and patterns is an impressive skill, but not every hobbyist has the time or confidence to paint complex designs by hand. Stampin’ Plates provide a way to achieve the same professional look in a fraction of the time.
Painters working on large armies will appreciate the speed and consistency this method offers. Whether customizing Space Marine shoulder pads, detailing banners for fantasy miniatures, or adding texture to bases, these tools simplify the process while maintaining precision.
Get a Free Goblin Mini STL to Practice On
Goblin Hobbies is offering a free set of goblin miniatures (STLs) for signing up to their mailing list. This is a great way to test out the system while keeping up with new releases and tutorials.
Stampin’ Plates bring a new level of efficiency and creativity to miniature painting. For hobbyists looking to add sharp, detailed designs without the hassle of freehand work, this tool is a must-try. Sign up now and get a free goblin mini STL to start practicing today! You can also order your own set of stamping plates here.
A Smarter Way to Add Detail
Hobbyists are always looking for ways to refine their techniques and improve efficiency, and these alternatives to nail-stamping plates provide a simple solution for achieving detailed results. Whether working on a full army or adding finishing touches to a single model, this system offers consistency without sacrificing creativity.
Instead of spending hours trying to perfect insignias and patterns, painters can focus on composition, shading, and weathering—bringing their miniatures to life with less frustration.
Sign Up And Get Your Free Mini Here
What designs are you looking forward to using these Stamping Plates for? Will this help miniature painting small details for you? Have you ever heard of Nail Stamping Plates before?
