When creating collectible merchandise, brands often face a key decision: custom metal miniatures or resin miniatures, which is better?
Both materials have their advantages, but the right choice depends on your brand positioning, budget, and end use.

This guide compares metal and resin miniatures across durability, appearance, cost, and ideal applications to help brands and IP owners make an informed decision.

Material Overview: Metal vs Resin

Custom Metal Miniatures

Custom metal miniatures are typically made from zinc alloy, brass, or other metal materials. They are produced using die casting or CNC machining, followed by polishing and surface finishing.

Key characteristics:

• Solid and heavy feel
• High durability
• Premium appearance

Resin Miniatures

Resin miniatures are usually cast using liquid resin poured into silicone molds. They are popular for highly detailed designs and short-run production.

Key characteristics:

• Lightweight
• Fine surface detail
• More fragile

Durability and Longevity

Durability is one of the biggest differences between metal and resin miniatures.

• Metal miniatures are resistant to breakage, bending, and wear. They maintain their shape and finish over time, making them ideal for long-term collectibles and international shipping.
• Resin miniatures are more prone to chipping or breaking, especially during transport or frequent handling.

Look, Feel, and Perceived Value

Perceived value plays a major role in customer satisfaction.

• Metal miniatures feel substantial and premium in hand, often associated with high-end collectibles.
• Resin miniatures look detailed but feel lighter and less luxurious.

For brands targeting premium or collectible markets, metal miniatures generally create a stronger emotional impact.

Design Detail and Customization

• Resin allows for extremely fine surface details and complex shapes, making it suitable for artistic prototypes or display models.
• Metal miniatures support high-quality 3D detailing and offer additional customization options such as plating, antique finishes, and brushed textures.

Both materials can be customized, but metal provides more finishing and branding possibilities.

Cost and Production Considerations

Metal Miniatures

• Higher initial tooling cost
• Lower unit cost for medium to large quantities
• More consistent quality in mass production

Resin Miniatures

• Lower mold cost
• Higher unit cost for larger quantities
• More manual labor involved

For small test runs, resin may be cost-effective. For long-term or repeat orders, metal is usually more economical.

Ideal Applications for Each Material

Choose Custom Metal Miniatures If You Need:

• Premium brand merchandise
• IP collectibles and limited editions
• Durable products for global shipping
• High-perceived-value gifts

Choose Resin Miniatures If You Need:

• Highly detailed display models
• Short-term or prototype production
• Lightweight items with low initial cost

Which One Is Right for Your Brand?

If your goal is to create long-lasting, premium, and collectible merchandise, custom metal miniatures are the preferred choice for most brands and IP owners.

Resin miniatures can be suitable for specific artistic or prototype needs, but for durability, brand value, and scalability, metal miniatures offer a stronger return on investment.

Looking for expert advice on custom metal miniatures?
We help brands and IP owners choose the right material and deliver high-quality custom metal miniatures from concept to production. https://custometalcrafts.com/custom-metal-miniature-figurines-sculptures/

👉 Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.