If you're shopping for tabletop miniatures, one of the first decisions you'll face is whether to choose resin or plastic. Whether you're building an army for a wargame, collecting fantasy monsters or creating the perfect Dungeons & Dragons party, the material your miniatures are made from can have a big impact on appearance, painting experience and long-term enjoyment.

There isn't a single "best" option for everyone. Both resin and plastic miniatures have their strengths, and the right choice depends on how you plan to use them.

In this guide, we'll compare resin and plastic miniatures across quality, durability, painting, price and value so you can decide which material is right for your collection.

What Are Resin Miniatures?

Resin miniatures are created using liquid photopolymer resin that is cured layer by layer using high-resolution 3D printers or moulds. Modern resin printing technology allows creators to produce exceptionally detailed models with sharp edges, intricate textures and dynamic poses.

Resin has become increasingly popular among tabletop gamers, collectors and painters because it captures details that would often be softened or lost in mass-produced plastic.

You'll commonly find resin miniatures representing:

• Player characters
• Dragons
• Boss monsters
• Demons
• Terrain pieces
• Display models
• Limited-edition sculpts

Many independent miniature designers now release their models primarily in resin because it offers greater creative freedom and finer detail.

What Are Plastic Miniatures?

Plastic miniatures are generally manufactured through injection moulding, where molten plastic is forced into metal moulds under high pressure. This process makes plastic miniatures ideal for large production runs and keeps costs relatively low.

Plastic models are extremely common in:

• Starter sets
• Board games
• Wargaming armies
• Beginner hobby kits
• Collectible miniature games

Because the manufacturing process is designed for mass production, plastic miniatures are often more affordable than premium resin models.

Resin vs Plastic at a Glance

Detail: Which Material Looks Better?

When it comes to pure visual quality, resin is difficult to beat.

Modern resin printing can reproduce incredibly fine details, including:

• Individual scales on dragons
• Facial expressions
• Armour engravings
• Flowing fabric
• Hair strands
• Chainmail
• Weapons
• Tiny accessories

These details stand out once the model has been primed and painted, making resin a favourite among hobbyists who enjoy displaying or painting miniatures.

Plastic miniatures can still look fantastic, particularly high-quality injection-moulded kits, but very fine details may appear slightly softer due to manufacturing limitations.

Winner: Resin

Durability: Which Material Lasts Longer?

Plastic has a reputation for being extremely tough.

It can withstand regular handling, accidental drops and frequent transport to gaming nights with minimal risk of damage.

Resin miniatures are durable when handled with care but can be more brittle than plastic. Thin parts such as swords, staffs, wings or banners may require extra attention during transport.

This doesn't mean resin is fragile—it simply benefits from careful storage and handling, especially for highly detailed models.

Winner: Plastic

Painting: Which Is Easier?

Both resin and plastic miniatures can produce fantastic painting results.

The key difference is how well each material captures detail.

Because resin preserves sharper edges and deeper textures, techniques such as:

• Dry brushing
• Washing
• Edge highlighting
• Contrast paints

often produce more dramatic results with less effort.

Painters frequently find that engraved details and textured surfaces naturally guide the brush, making it easier to achieve satisfying results.

Plastic miniatures also paint well, particularly when properly primed, but softer details can sometimes require more careful highlighting to create depth.

Winner: Resin

Preparation Before Painting

Before painting any miniature, proper preparation is essential.

For resin miniatures:

1. Inspect the model for any remaining support marks.
2. Carefully remove any small imperfections with a hobby knife or fine sanding stick.
3. Wash the miniature in warm water with a small amount of mild soap if recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Allow it to dry completely.
5. Apply a suitable primer before painting.

For plastic miniatures:

1. Remove mould lines using a hobby knife or mould line remover.
2. Assemble any separate pieces.
3. Prime the miniature before applying acrylic paints.

Taking the time to prepare your models will improve both the painting process and the finished result.

Which Material Offers Better Value?

Value isn't just about the purchase price.

A cheaper miniature isn't necessarily better value if it lacks the level of detail you're looking for.

Resin often costs more because:

• Production runs are smaller
• Printing takes longer
• Post-processing is more labour intensive
• Higher resolutions require premium equipment
• Designs are often produced by independent sculptors

For collectors, roleplayers and painters, many consider the additional cost worthwhile because the finished models look exceptional.

Plastic provides excellent value if you need dozens or even hundreds of miniatures for large-scale battles.

Which Material Is Better for Dungeons & Dragons?

For Dungeons & Dragons players, resin is often the preferred option.

Most campaigns only require a relatively small number of miniatures, allowing players to invest in models that truly represent their characters or memorable monsters.

A highly detailed dragon, lich or player character can become the centrepiece of an entire campaign.

Dungeon Masters also benefit from building collections of distinctive enemies that make encounters feel unique and memorable.

Which Material Is Better for Painting Competitions?

Many competition painters choose resin miniatures because they showcase advanced painting techniques exceptionally well.

Sharper details allow for:

• Cleaner highlights
• Better shading
• More realistic textures
• Greater visual impact

While outstanding results are certainly possible on plastic models, resin often provides a stronger starting point for display-quality painting.

Which Material Is Better for Beginners?

Both materials can work well for someone new to the hobby.

If your priority is affordability and learning the basics, plastic offers an accessible entry point.

If you're excited by painting detailed fantasy characters or creating a memorable Dungeons & Dragons collection, resin provides an excellent experience from the very beginning.

Many hobbyists start with plastic before gradually adding premium resin miniatures as their confidence grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are resin miniatures more detailed than plastic?

Yes. Resin can reproduce exceptionally fine textures and crisp details that are difficult to achieve with many mass-produced plastic miniatures.

Do resin miniatures break easily?

Not necessarily. High-quality resin is durable, but delicate components such as swords or wings should be handled with care and stored safely.

Can I paint resin miniatures?

Absolutely. Resin is widely regarded as one of the best materials for miniature painting because of its sharp detail and excellent surface quality.

Are plastic miniatures better for children?

Plastic miniatures are generally more resistant to rough handling, making them a practical choice where durability is the main concern.

Which material is better for D&D?

For many players, resin offers the ideal combination of detail and visual impact, especially for heroes, villains and iconic monsters that become the focus of a campaign.

Our Verdict

There is no universal winner in the resin versus plastic debate.

Plastic miniatures remain an excellent choice for large collections, beginners and anyone prioritising affordability and durability.

Resin miniatures, however, stand out for their exceptional detail, premium appearance and rewarding painting experience. For collectors, tabletop roleplayers and hobbyists who appreciate intricate sculpting, resin offers a level of quality that can truly bring fantasy worlds to life.

At Just Re-Roll, we specialise in high-quality resin miniatures designed for tabletop gaming, painting and display. Our growing range of fantasy heroes, monsters and creatures is created to help players build unforgettable adventures—one miniature at a time.