Lighting for Miniature Painters & Crafters: The #1 Mistake You’re Probably Making
Lighting is one of the most overlooked yet critical tools for miniature painters and crafters. If you’ve ever felt like your paints look dull or your eyes feel strained after long sessions — your lamp may be to blame. In this video, we walk you through 3 simple lighting tips that can dramatically improve your results.
1: Choose the Right Color Temperature
Warm yellow lights (like most home bulbs) distort color and create harsh shadows. For painting and crafting, aim for daylight-balanced lighting, ideally in the 5000K to 6500K range. This mimics natural light and helps you see the truest version of your work.
2: Use a High CRI Lamp
CRI stands for Color Rendering Index, and it determines how accurately a light source shows color. A CRI of 90+ is ideal for painters and crafters. It ensures your reds, blues, and skin tones appear as they should — especially when working on detailed miniatures.
3: Position Your Lamp the Right Way
It’s not just about the bulb—it’s where you place it. Avoid placing your lamp directly overhead. Instead, angle your lamp at about 45 degrees from the side of your dominant hand to reduce shadows and eye strain.
Whether you’re painting your next army or crafting a delicate diorama, good lighting changes everything. Try these tips, upgrade your setup, and see the difference.
👉 Need a lamp recommendation? Check out the Neatfi XL — a favorite among hobbyists.
