Beginner Guide to Resin Model Kits and Scale
May 31, 2026 · CastForge Team
If you are buying your first resin kit, the two biggest questions are usually what kind of project do I want and what scale will feel manageable. This guide explains what CastForge sells, what “unpainted resin kit” means, and which live CastForge routes make the most sense for a first project.
What is a resin model kit?
A resin model kit is an unpainted hobby project cast in resin. Depending on the subject, buyers should expect part cleanup, dry fitting, assembly, priming, painting, and sometimes basing or display work. Product photos may show a painted example, render, or finished reference image, but kits should be treated as unpainted unless a product page clearly says otherwise.
Are resin kits beginner-friendly?
Some are. A first resin project is usually easier when you choose:
- a single figure, bust, or small scene instead of a large multi-part build
- a scale with enough surface area to paint comfortably
- a subject that does not require heavy conversion work
If you are still deciding between scales, start with the Scale Guide, the more detailed scale route page, and the Starter Guide.
How scale works
Scale describes the size relationship between the model and the original subject. On CastForge you will usually see either:
- millimetre figure sizes such as 54mm, 70mm, 75mm, or 90mm
- fractional scales such as 1/35, 1/24, 1/16, or 1/10
Larger scales usually give painters more room for faces, cloth, armour, weathering, and display effects. Smaller scales can be easier to group into scenes or keep compact on a shelf.
Which CastForge route fits your first project?
If you want a display figure
Display-oriented figures give you enough room to practice colour placement, faces, cloth, armour, and presentation without committing to a very large bust.
If you want to focus on faces and materials
A larger bust can be a good route when you want skin, eyes, leather, metals, or dramatic contrast to be the main challenge.
If you want a military or diorama path
1/35 is one of the cleanest starting points for military figures, vehicles, and scene-building because figures, accessories, and terrain can be kept in the same scale family.
If you want a fantasy or character-focused project
Fantasy subjects are often chosen for expressive poses, monsters, heroes, and display painting rather than strict historical context.
How to choose your first resin kit
- Choose the project type first. Decide whether you want one figure, a bust, or a scene with terrain/accessories.
- Choose the scale second. Bigger is not always better; it just changes the kind of painting and display work you will do.
- Check each product page. Confirm scale, what is included, and whether the kit is a single figure, a set, or an accessory-heavy project.
- Keep the first project controlled. A smaller first win is usually better than a giant unfinished showpiece.
Lower-commitment beginner routes
If you want to keep the first project more controlled, start with these smaller-entry browsing paths:
Beginner checklist
- super glue suitable for resin
- hobby knife or cutters
- fine sanding sticks or files
- primer
- acrylic paints
- brushes or an airbrush
- a dust mask or wet-sanding habit for cleanup
- time for dry fitting before glue
Common first-time mistakes
- assuming painted photos mean the kit arrives painted
- buying a huge scene before finishing a simpler figure or bust
- ignoring scale when combining figures, vehicles, and accessories
- skipping dry fitting before glue
Related CastForge routes
- Shop by scale
- Scale guide
- Starter guide
- Resin model scale comparison guide
- Complete miniature scale chart guide
This beginner guide is meant to help buyers choose a realistic first project, understand what an unpainted resin kit involves, and move into the right CastForge collection without guessing.