Basing Your Miniatures!
Crafting Bases for Your Warhammer Miniatures
Creating captivating bases for Warhammer miniatures not only enhances their visual appeal but also immerses you deeper into the narrative and aesthetics of your army. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or a newcomer, this guide will walk you through the process of making dynamic and detailed bases for your miniatures.
Materials You’ll Need
- Bases: Provided with your miniatures or purchased separately.
- PVA Glue: Essential for sticking materials to the base.
- Texture Paste: For creating realistic ground surfaces.
- Sand and Gravel: Adds gritty texture to your bases.
- Static Grass and Flock: For grass effects.
- Cork: Ideal for creating rocks and elevated areas.
- Acrylic Paints: A variety of colors for painting the base.
- Brushes: Different sizes for painting and applying glue.
- Tweezers: For precise placement of small details.
- Decorative Basing Materials: Tufts, small stones, skulls, etc.
- Sealer: Varnish to protect the finished base.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparation
- Clean the Base: Ensure the base is free of mold lines and debris.
- Plan Your Layout: Consider the scene you want to create. Sketching a rough layout can be helpful.
2. Creating Texture
- Apply Texture Paste: Spread texture paste or a mixture of PVA glue and sand/gravel over the base. This forms the groundwork.
- Add Elevation: Use pieces of cork to create rocks and elevated areas. Secure them with PVA glue.
- Dry Time: Allow everything to dry thoroughly before proceeding.
3. Adding Details
- Incorporate Additional Elements: Glue small stones, skulls, or other decorative items to enhance the base. Use tweezers for precise placement.
- Static Grass and Flock: Apply PVA glue where you want grass, sprinkle static grass or flock, then shake off the excess. For a more realistic effect, use a static grass applicator if available.
- Drying: Ensure all glue is completely dry.
4. Painting the Base
- Base Coat: Paint the entire base with a base coat. Dark brown or black works well.
- Dry Brushing: Highlight textures using a dry brushing technique. Light browns, grays, or beiges are ideal for this step.
- Detail Painting: Paint additional elements like rocks or skulls in appropriate colors.
- Grass and Foliage Wash: Apply a wash of green or brown to the grass and foliage to create a natural look.
5. Final Touches
- Seal the Base: Apply a protective sealer or varnish to safeguard your work.
- Attach Your Miniature: Once the base is dry, use super glue or epoxy to secure your miniature in place.
Tips for Creating Amazing Bases
- Consistency is Key: Keep your bases consistent to maintain a cohesive look across your army or set.
- Draw Inspiration: Look at real-world environments and other hobbyists’ work for ideas.
- Experiment Freely: Don’t hesitate to try new materials and techniques to achieve unique effects.
Conclusion
Creating beautiful bases for your Warhammer miniatures is a rewarding aspect of the hobby that can significantly enhance your models' overall appearance. By following these steps and experimenting with different techniques and materials, you can create stunning bases that bring your miniatures to life.
Happy basing!
At Wandering Adventures we have many of the products you might need to help make your bases:
AK Interactive Texture Paste