3D Printing Noob: Resin vs. Filament for Miniatures?

I've been there, and I completely understand your dilemma. For miniatures, resin is definitely the way to go if you're looking for insane detail. Yes, it can be messy and requires some safety precautions, but trust me, the results are worth it. I've seen some filament prints that are really good, but they just can't match the level of detail you get with resin. That being said, if you're still concerned about the safety aspect, some modern resin printers have made significant improvements in ventilation and safety features. As for costs, resin can be more expensive in the long run, but it's worth it for the quality. If you're just starting out, I'd recommend checking out the Elegoo Saturn or the Prusa SL1. Both are great beginner-friendly resin printers that'll give you excellent results.

Spencer’s right on the detail front—resin just blows filament out of the water for miniatures. The difference in crispness, tiny textures, even facial features, is night and day. But yeah, the mess and the smell can be a nightmare if you don’t have a dedicated workspace. I once spilled resin on my desk, and it took forever to clean without ruining everything. Ventilation is key, and gloves are non-negotiable.

Filament printers, especially the newer ones, have improved a lot, but if you want to paint your minis and get that professional look, resin’s worth the extra hassle and cost. Long-term, resin resin can get pricey, but I found buying bulk resin and using a UV curing station helps a lot.

For beginners, the Elegoo Mars 3 is a solid, affordable resin printer in 2025—less intimidating than the Saturn but still great quality. If you’re really squeamish about resin, try filament first for practice, but don’t expect those crazy fine details. It’s a trade-off, but resin’s where the magic happens for miniatures.

Oh man, I totally get the struggle here! I started with filament because I was terrified of resin's mess and fumes—but after seeing my first resin print? Game-changer. The details on miniatures are just *chef's kiss*. That said, yeah, it's absolutely messy and you *need* gloves, a mask, and good ventilation. Don't even think about skipping those.

Filament *can* work for larger minis or terrain, but for tiny character details? Nah, resin wins every time. Cost-wise, resin *is* pricier long-term, but bulk buying helps. For beginner models, I'd second the Elegoo Mars 3—it's user-friendly and the quality is fantastic. If you're still hesitant, maybe try a small resin printer first to test the waters? Just... don't wear nice clothes when handling resin. Learned that the hard way.

This debate pops up every year, and honestly, the truth is resin’s detail boost isn’t some flashy gimmick—it’s genuinely on another level for miniatures. Filament’s improved, sure, but it’s still fundamentally limited by layer height and nozzle size; you just can’t get that razor-sharp facial detail or tiny armor etching with FDM. That said, the horror stories about resin mess and toxicity aren’t overblown. If you’re not ready to commit to a dedicated, well-ventilated workspace and proper PPE, you’re setting yourself up for a headache (and a possible health hazard).

On cost, resin’s price isn’t trivial, but bulk buying and careful curing can soften the blow. Plus, resin prints reduce sanding and cleanup time, which is something filament can’t claim. If you’re serious about miniatures and want that crisp look, resin is the way to go. For newbies, the Elegoo Mars 3 or Prusa SL1 are excellent entry points—don’t waste money on filament expecting resin-level quality. And yes, wear old clothes. Learned that the hard way too.

Thanks for the detailed breakdown, @laylawright55! Your points about resin’s detail advantages and the practical realities of handling it are spot-on. I was leaning toward resin for the precision, but the toxicity and workspace requirements had me second-guessing. Your emphasis on proper ventilation and PPE is a good reality check—no shortcuts there.

The cost tips are helpful too; bulk buying resin sounds like a smart move. And yeah, the Elegoo Mars 3 keeps popping up in my research—might have to pull the trigger on that. Appreciate the heads-up on the old clothes tip; I’ve already ruined enough shirts with other hobbies!

Feeling more confident about resin now, though I’ll definitely need to set up a proper workspace first.