Resin vs Metal Miniatures: Which Material Suits Your Army?
By Sarissa Precision Ltd – Sarissa Precision Limited | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Comparisons
Compare resin and metal miniatures for wargaming: detail, weight, durability, and assembly. Find out which material fits your army and painting style.
Quick Answer
Choose resin for crisp detail and lighter weight, but metal for durability and a reassuring heft. Your decision should balance painting preferences, handling, and the look you want on the tabletop.
Detail and Weight: Resin Leads, Metal Carries Heft
Resin miniatures capture fine detail with sharp edges and smooth surfaces, making them ideal for display pieces or centerpiece models. Because resin is lighter than metal, it's easier to handle during painting and less tiring to move around the table.
Metal miniatures have a satisfying weight and a solid feel that many hobbyists appreciate. The extra mass helps them stay put on uneven terrain, but it also means they can be more tiring to hold for long painting sessions and may require pinning to prevent parts from sagging.
Durability and Care: Metal Bounces, Resin Needs Caution
Metal is forgiving: if you drop a metal figure, it may dent or bend, but you can often bend it back without breaking. Resin, however, is more brittle and can chip or shatter if dropped, so it demands careful handling and storage.
Both materials need proper preparation before painting. Metal figures should be washed to remove release agents, and resin may require cleaning as well. Always use a primer designed for the material to ensure paint adheres well.
Assembly and Conversion: Know the Trade-offs
Metal figures often come in multiple parts that need assembly with superglue, and you may need to pin larger pieces for extra strength. Resin parts also require superglue, but they are easier to cut and reshape for conversions, though you must be careful not to break delicate details.
Consider your skill level and patience. If you enjoy converting and customizing, resin offers more flexibility. If you prefer a straightforward assembly and a durable result, metal might be the better choice.
Resin vs Metal: The Trade-off at a Glance
- Detail and precision: Resin captures finer detail and crisper edges. If you want the sharpest sculpts, choose resin. Metal can still be detailed but may have softer edges due to the casting process. Check the product photos for detail level before buying.
- Weight and feel: Metal has a satisfying heft that feels solid in hand and helps figures stay put on the table. Resin is lighter, making it easier to handle and transport. Consider how often you'll carry your army to games or events.
- Durability and repair: Metal bends but rarely breaks; you can often bend it back. Resin is brittle and can chip or shatter if dropped. For long-term durability, metal wins. If you're clumsy or play on hard surfaces, metal may be safer.
- Assembly and conversion: Metal may need pinning for large parts and is harder to cut. Resin is easier to cut and convert, but requires careful handling to avoid breakage. If you love converting, resin offers more flexibility; if you prefer simple assembly, metal is straightforward.
Products That Show the Difference
- Guards of Traitor's Toll Hardback Rulebook: This deluxe hardback rulebook features a larger format, high quality paper, stitched binding and spot varnished cover, with updated photos and errata. A well-made rulebook complements your miniatures collection and helps you get the most from your chosen material, whether resin or metal.
Guards of Traitor's Toll Hardback Rulebook - Vigiles Urbani halt!: This pack contains 2 metal figures with 25mm MDF bases; miniatures are supplied unpainted and may need some assembly. Metal figures like these are durable and have a satisfying weight, ideal for gaming pieces that will see frequent handling on the tabletop.
Vigiles Urbani halt!
Which Material Fits You?
Best for
- Hobbyists who prioritize crisp detail and enjoy painting display-quality pieces
- Players who value a lighter army for easier transport and handling
Not for
- Gamers who need maximum durability and don't want to worry about drops or rough handling
- Beginners who prefer simple assembly without pinning or careful resin handling
