January 2026 Miniature Painting Issue Packs Guides, Shows, Reviews

The January 2026 issue delivers a practical lineup aimed squarely at painters looking for new projects, reference material and product guidance. At the center is a focused painting guide for Mantic Plastics tied to the Enforcers miniatures, offering hands-on approaches for working with plastics and translating kit details into tabletop-ready finishes. That piece promises step-by-step techniques useful for those tackling flexible plastic sprues or seeking reproducible results across batches.

Historical and gaming content features a Peninsular and Napoleonic series alongside coverage of Frostgrave 2, providing both period-specific finish approaches and game-driven miniature presentation. These features give historical painters fresh reference points for authentic palettes and basing, while gamers will find scenario-led painting and modelling ideas that integrate directly with tabletop play.

Convention and show reporting appears in a Warfare report that captures scene trends and notable entries from recent events. Show write-ups can serve as a quick pulse check on popular colour schemes, terrain styles and diorama storytelling that are resonating in the community. For painters who follow competitive tables or run club displays, that coverage offers immediate inspiration and talking points.

Modelling and scratchbuilding how-tos are another core component, with practical articles aimed at converting materials into scenic elements and bespoke pieces. Those tutorials are designed to bridge the gap between ready-made terrain and custom scenery, helping painters and modellers create unique backdrops and bases without needing specialist workshops.

Product and terrain spotlights include a feature on Victrix scatter terrain packs, framing their value as modular, quick-deploy scenic assets for tabletops and diorama work. The issue balances these reviews with practical hobby articles on workflow, tool selection and finishing touches that reduce guesswork when starting a new miniature or terrain project.

Released for January 2026, the issue reads like a toolbox for the new year: step-by-step painting guidance, historical and game-driven inspiration, show-derived trend reporting, and hands-on modelling lessons. Look to these pages for project ideas to tackle in early 2026, comparisons and product notes to inform purchases, and concrete techniques you can bring to club nights, painting groups and show tables.