--- title: How to Cast Perfect 28mm Miniatures at Home: A Step‑by‑Step Guide for Tabletop Gamers siteUrl: https://logzly.com/miniaturecast author: miniaturecast (Miniature Casting Mastery) date: 2026-06-19T03:04:47.585686 tags: [miniatures, casting, tabletop] url: https://logzly.com/miniaturecast/how-to-cast-perfect-28mm-miniatures-at-home-a-stepbystep-guide-for-tabletop-gamers --- **Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.** You’ve just bought a fresh batch of 28mm models, but the [price tag](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=price+tag&tag=organizationtip101-20) makes you wince every time you look at the box. A good cast can save you a bundle and give you a stash of spares for those “oops‑I‑broke‑my‑figure” moments. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about watching liquid resin turn into a tiny warrior right on your [kitchen table](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kitchen+table&tag=organizationtip101-20). Let’s walk through the whole process, from mixing the first drop to polishing the final piece, so you can keep your army growing without breaking the bank. ## Gather Your Materials Before you pour anything, make sure you have the basics within arm’s reach. Missing a single item can turn a smooth afternoon into a frantic [scavenger hunt](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=scavenger+hunt&tag=organizationtip101-20). - **[Silicone mold](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=silicone+mold&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – a two‑part silicone kit works best for 28mm. You can buy a pre‑made mold or make your own from a master sculpt. - **Resin** – two‑part [epoxy or polyurethane resin](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=epoxy+or+polyurethane+resin&tag=organizationtip101-20). Epoxy is easier to work with for beginners. - **Mixing cups and sticks** – disposable plastic works fine; you’ll want a separate cup for each batch. - **Vacuum chamber (optional)** – helps pull bubbles out of the resin. If you don’t have one, a simple pressure pot or a gentle tap on the side of the cup can do the trick. - **Release agent** – a light spray of [silicone spray](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=silicone+spray&tag=organizationtip101-20) or a dab of [petroleum jelly](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=petroleum+jelly&tag=organizationtip101-20) keeps the resin from sticking to the mold. - **[Protective gear](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=protective+gear&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – [nitrile gloves](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nitrile+gloves&tag=organizationtip101-20), [safety glasses](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=safety+glasses&tag=organizationtip101-20), and a mask. Resin fumes can be a pain if you breathe them in. - **[Fine sandpaper](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Fine+Sandpaper&tag=organizationtip101-20) (400‑800 grit)** – for cleaning up sprues and flash. - **[Paints and brushes](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Paints+and+brushes&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – once the cast is done, you’ll want to bring it to life. If you’d like a deeper dive into choosing the right resin and mold materials, our comprehensive [DIY resin casting for 28mm miniatures](/miniaturecast/diy-resin-casting-for-28mm-miniatures-a-complete-beginners-guide-to-perfect-tabletop-figures) walks you through every option. Tip: Keep a [small notebook](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=small+notebook&tag=organizationtip101-20) handy. Jotting down the exact resin‑to‑hardener ratio and [the cure](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Cure&tag=organizationtip101-20) time for each batch saves you from guessing later. ## Prepare the Mold ### Clean the Master If you’re making your own silicone mold, start with a clean master sculpt. Any dust or fingerprints will show up in the final cast. I usually give my sculpt a quick wipe with a lint‑free cloth and a dab of [isopropyl alcohol](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Isopropyl+alcohol&tag=organizationtip101-20). Let it dry completely before moving on. ### Build a Mold Box A simple wooden or [acrylic box](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=acrylic+box&tag=organizationtip101-20) works. The walls should be at least 5 mm higher than the highest point of the sculpt. Seal any gaps with hot‑glue or [silicone caulk](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=silicone+caulk&tag=organizationtip101-20) so the silicone doesn’t leak out. ### Mix and Pour Silicone Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the silicone mix ratio. I like to measure with a [small kitchen](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=small+kitchen&tag=organizationtip101-20) scale – it’s more accurate than eyeballing. Stir slowly to avoid whipping air into the mixture. Once mixed, pour the silicone in a thin stream from one corner of the box, letting it flow over the sculpt. This “flood‑fill” method pushes bubbles toward the edges where they can escape. After the silicone cures (usually 12‑24 hours), pop the mold out of the box and give it a gentle wash with warm, [soapy water](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=soapy+water&tag=organizationtip101-20). Let it dry fully before you start casting. For a full walkthrough of the silicone‑molding process, see our [How to Cast Perfect 28mm Fantasy Miniatures at Home](/miniaturecast/how-to-cast-perfect-28mm-fantasy-miniatures-at-home-a-stepbystep-guide). ## Mix the Resin ### Measure Precisely Resin and hardener must be combined in the exact ratio the product calls for – most are 1:1 by volume, but some are 2:1 by weight. Use a graduated syringe or a [digital scale](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Digital+scale&tag=organizationtip101-20) for consistency. A small mistake can cause a soft spot or a sticky finish. ### Stir Slowly, Scrape the Sides Take your mixing cup, add the resin, then the hardener. Stir for about two minutes, scraping the bottom and sides with a stick. The goal is a uniform, clear mixture. If you see streaks, keep stirring – they’re a sign of incomplete mixing. ### De‑bubble (Optional) If you have [a vacuum](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+vacuum&tag=organizationtip101-20) chamber, place the cup inside for 30‑45 seconds. The vacuum pulls bubbles to the surface where they pop. No chamber? Give the cup a few gentle taps on the workbench and let it sit for a minute; bubbles will rise on their own. ## Cast the Miniature ### Apply Release Agent A light mist of release spray inside the silicone mold helps the resin separate cleanly. Too much can leave a film on the finished piece, so a quick spray and a wipe with a [paper towel](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=paper+towel&tag=organizationtip101-20) does the trick. ### Pour the Resin Hold the cup close to the mold opening and let the resin flow in a thin stream. This reduces the chance of trapping air. Fill the cavity just to the top – a little extra is fine; you’ll trim the excess later. ### Let It Cure Most epoxies cure at [room temperature](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=room+temperature&tag=organizationtip101-20) in 4‑6 hours, but a full 24‑hour cure gives the strongest result. Keep the mold on a level surface where it won’t be disturbed. I like to cover it with a [cardboard box](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cardboard+box&tag=organizationtip101-20) to keep dust out. ## Demold and Clean Up ### Pop the Cast After the resin has fully hardened, gently flex the silicone mold to release the miniature. If it sticks, a tiny wiggle with a [craft knife](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=craft+knife&tag=organizationtip101-20) or a [soft brush](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=soft+brush&tag=organizationtip101-20) can help. Never force it – you risk breaking the piece or tearing the mold. ### Trim Sprues and Flash Use a sharp [hobby knife](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hobby+knife&tag=organizationtip101-20) or a pair of flush cutters to cut away any sprues (the little “trees” that fed the resin). Sand the cut edges with 400‑800 [grit sandpaper](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=grit+sandpaper&tag=organizationtip101-20) until they’re smooth. I always [wear a mask](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Wear+a+Mask&tag=organizationtip101-20) while sanding; resin dust is not pleasant to inhale. ### Check for Bubbles If you see a tiny bubble trapped inside the figure, a quick dip in a [warm water](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=warm+water&tag=organizationtip101-20) bath (about 50 °C) can soften the resin enough to let the bubble rise and pop. Be careful not to over‑heat; the resin can become sticky. ## Paint and Finish Now the fun part begins. Prime the miniature with a thin coat of [spray primer](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=spray+primer&tag=organizationtip101-20) – it helps the paint stick and shows you where any imperfections remain. Then paint as you would any 28mm figure: [base coats](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=base+coats&tag=organizationtip101-20), washes, and highlights. A [clear matte](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=clear+matte&tag=organizationtip101-20) sealant protects your work from handling wear. When you’re ready to add color, our [step‑by‑step guide for tabletop gamers](/miniaturecast/how-to-cast-perfect-28mm-miniatures-at-home-a-stepbystep-guide-for-tabletop-gamers) offers detailed [painting tips](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=painting+tips&tag=organizationtip101-20) and recommended product lists. ## Keep Your Mold Happy [Silicone molds](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=silicone+molds&tag=organizationtip101-20) can last for dozens of casts if you treat them right. After each session, wash the mold with [warm soapy water](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=warm+soapy+water&tag=organizationtip101-20), rinse, and let it air‑dry. Store it flat, away from [direct sunlight](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=direct+sunlight&tag=organizationtip101-20), and avoid crushing it with [heavy objects](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=heavy+objects&tag=organizationtip101-20). ## Quick Recap 1. Gather all tools and protect yourself. 2. Make or buy a clean silicone mold. 3. Measure and mix resin precisely, stir slowly. 4. De‑bubble if you can, then pour a thin stream into the mold. 5. Let it cure undisturbed for at least 24 hours. 6. Demold, trim, sand, and paint. 7. Care for your mold for future casts. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a steady supply of crisp, clean 28mm minis ready for any tabletop showdown. The first few casts might feel a bit trial‑and‑error, but once you get the rhythm, you’ll wonder how you ever played without a home casting setup. Happy sculpting, and may your dice always roll in your favor.