Ceramic Grey Chronicles: Hopefully will become a look back and look forward at the hobby of miniature painting hobby.
Prologue: The Lead Era – Where Our Painting Journey Began
When you’ve been in the tabletop gaming scene since 1981, you don’t just remember painting miniatures—you remember a whole era of craftsmanship that today’s gamers can barely imagine. Back then, in small cities like Chatham, Ontario, we weren’t working with precision 3D printed resin prints. We were pioneers, transforming lead miniatures with whatever tools we could scrounge up.
Emery boards swiped from our mothers for smoothing rough edges. Toothpicks shaved down until the point was small enough to paint eyes and eyebrows with surgical precision. These weren’t professional tools—they were improvised solutions born from pure passion and limited resources.
Testor model paints were our secret weapon. Those industrial-strength paints that stuck to metal like they were born to do it? They were a godsend. When you’re in a small Ontario city with limited resources, every trip to a bigger center like London wasn’t just a shopping trip—it was an expedition. Each journey meant potential new paints, maybe a rare miniature, a chance to expand our limited palette.
London wasn’t just a city back then—it was a miniature painting mecca. More variety, more options, more possibilities. For a gamer in Chatham, a trip to London was like discovering a treasure trove. Those were the days when “variety” meant having more than three metallic paint colors and finding a miniature that wasn’t completely generic.
The Evolution of Ontario’s Miniature Painting
Fast forward to 2025, and we’ve come light-years from those lead miniatures, borrowed emery boards, and hand-shaved toothpicks. But the spirit? The passion for creating tiny, detailed worlds? That hasn’t changed a bit.
The Landscape of Ontario’s Miniature Painting Scene
Ontario isn’t just a province—it’s a miniature painting powerhouse. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the creative hub of London, we’re rewriting the rules of tabletop RPG miniature artistry. But this isn’t about bragging. This is about understanding a craft that’s equal parts technical skill and pure passion.
The Technical Revolution: 3D Printing Meets Artistic Precision
Let’s break down the game-changer: 3D printed miniatures. Not all prints are created equal, and here in Ontario, we’ve elevated this technology from a novelty to an art form.
Why 3D Printed Miniatures Matter:
- Unprecedented detail and precision
- Customization beyond traditional manufacturing
- Cost-effective for serious collectors and casual gamers alike
- Uniquely Canadian innovation in the gaming world
Ceramic Grey: The Canvas of Possibility
Most painters get this wrong. Pre-painted miniatures? They’re storytelling with training wheels. Ceramic grey? That’s a blank canvas screaming for creativity.
The Ceramic Grey Advantage:
- Perfect base for custom painting
- Reveals intricate details other base colors miss
- Allows for true artistic expression
- Preferred by serious TTRPG enthusiasts and professional painters
The Ontario Miniature Painting Ecosystem
Community Hotspots
- London’s vibrant gaming stores
- Toronto’s advanced painting workshops
- Windsor’s emerging artist collectives
- Ottawa’s technical painting seminars
Local Spotlight: Amazing stores like the Game Chamber offer “Slay the Gray” workshops from time to time, providing local painters a chance to learn advanced techniques and connect with the community. London, Ontario isn’t just a location—it’s a miniature painting laboratory. With multiple gaming communities, technical colleges, and a rich TTRPG history, we’re breeding the next generation of miniature artists.
Techniques That Define a Province
Ontario doesn’t just follow miniature painting trends—we create them. From advanced Warhammer 40k techniques to intricate Dungeons & Dragons character representations, our painters are pushing boundaries.
Advanced Painting Techniques:
- Layering and blending methods
- Advanced highlighting and shading
- Texture creation and weathering effects
- Miniature storytelling through paint
The Economic Impact: More Than Just a Hobby
By the Numbers:
- Growing miniature painting market in Ontario
- Increasing demand for local, Canadian-made miniatures
- Rising interest in workshops and professional training
- Estimated market growth of 15-20% annually in the TTRPG sector
Getting Started: Your Pathway to Miniature Mastery
For Aspiring Painters:
- Invest in quality 3D printed miniatures
- Start with ceramic grey base
- Join local painting communities
- Attend workshops in London and surrounding areas
- Practice, experiment, tell stories
Technical Insights: Beyond the Brush
Printing Technologies:
- FDM vs Resin: Pros and Cons
- Material selection for optimal painting
- Understanding print resolution
- Post-processing techniques
The Competitive Landscape
Ontario isn’t just competing—we’re setting the standard. Compared to imported miniatures, our local makers offer:
- Superior quality control
- Faster shipping
- Direct community support
- Unique, locally-designed pieces
Future Forecast: Ontario’s Miniature Painting 2025 and Beyond
The future is bright, detailed, and absolutely Canadian. With advancing 3D printing technologies, growing communities, and a commitment to innovation, Ontario is positioning itself as the North American hub for miniature painting.
Emerging Trends:
- Advanced resin technologies
- Virtual painting workshops
- Increased customization options
A Personal Note
After 40 years in gaming, I’ve seen trends come and go. But the passion for creating, for telling stories through miniatures—that never changes. Ontario isn’t just making miniatures. We’re crafting experiences, one ceramic grey canvas at a time.
For our views on Ceramic Grey miniatures please check out This Article