I'm New to Painting

[The Brant]

I went out and got the BattleTech: Paint Starter kit, and I'm getting ready to paint my minis from the Beginner Box.

I also got a hobby knife and brass brush to follow along CamoSpecs' video on Removing Mold Lines.

I know I need to wash the mini with soap before painting on the primer. Is there anything else I need to do for prep or advise on priming with a brush?

[CranstonSnord]

You might find that holding onto the hex base while you're painting the mini tires your hand out, or prevents you from keeping your hand steady, etc. There are a variety of mini holders you can buy, free files to 3D print your own, you can use blu-tak to stick the mini on an old medicine bottle... I personally glue each mini to a square of scrap cardboard about 2-3 inches across, which also lets me scribble down paint colors if I'm doing a bunch of different schemes at the same time.

[Pat Payne]

you can use blu-tak to stick the mini on an old medicine bottle

My go-to is some old paint bottles (Tamiya's work best because of the textured top giving more surface area/grip, but any bottle with a flat top will do) and a dollop of Silly Putty.

[Elmoth]

LIGHT!!!

Paint somewhere with abundant light. Or procure a flexo to paint under. Your eyes will really appreciate that.

Do not place your drink side by side with your paint water. It does not taste good...

If you are in a dry climate a wet palet will make a big difference. If not, it is not that important.

I hold the mini by the base, but handles like the ones proposed are good too.

If you are painting several minis on the same scheme you can paint them together, so you apply all thebgreens to all miniatures, then all the reds... I wouldnsuggest taking notes on what colors you are using in case later you want to reproduce the same scheme or technique somewhere else.

And paint. Your first minis will not look so good, bit you can improve only by painting, and the improvement is fast.

[Pat Payne]

And paint. Your first minis will not look so good, bit you can improve only by painting, and the improvement is fast.

To piggyback on this sentiment, also remember that the goal is to have fun and to get stuff that looks good to you, not necessarily to win Golden Paintbrush awards. Paint so that it looks good for you. You are the only person you have to impress.