So, I have two Mist Hunter models and wanted to paint one like this:

So, other than possibly changing the dazzle camo to a more traditional setup, this is what I want to try and do. So, any advice for someone who’s never painted a miniature before?

There's a lot to learn, and most of it comes from learning from doing.

• Watch a few "basics" tutorials on YouTube
• Buy some good to decent acrylic paints. (Vallejo, Citadel, Army Painter, etc.)
• Buy some brushes (get some cheapy ones to start)
• Have patience

Don't worry about "ruining" your model, stripping the paint off is simple.

Priming isn't necessary for the X-wing minis, but here's a VERY general breakdown of the steps one might typically take:

1. Prime your model/figure
2. Lay down the base colors (the main colors) and highlights
3. Shades
4. Finishing touches
5. Seal with a clear coat of flat/matte varnish.

Although not X-wing, this is my favorite intro to painting x-wing minis video:

1 hour ago, Force Majeure said:

There's a lot to learn, and most of it comes from learning from doing.

It means it's a good idea to buy some cheap plastic models of whatever on a bazar and try the paint and get the basics instead of starting on your beloved ship and scream to the seven hells two months later when you are better painter and look back to your first creation...

Thin your paints and use multiple coats - someone was bound to say it.

I use Vallejo, which doesn't need much thinning, and comes in convenient dropper bottles.

Also, as a beginner, I suggest you learn to use the drybrush technique. You can get some nice early returns with just base coats and drybrushing. Then, you can add shades. Base coat, secondary colors, shade then highlights with drybrushing.