Over the last few months, I have been requested a number of times to reveal my secrets on how I base my figures. So please grab a pen and paper and prepare to copy this very simple but effective way to base your lads to perfection.
Tools
- PVA glue
- Fine sand
- BBQ sorbent
- Old paintbrush
- Small squeegee bottle (for glue)
- Gamer’s Grass or alternative static grass
- Citadel paints: Tallarn Sand, Iraqui Sand and White
Steps for BAsing your Desert scene
The steps below describe how to add a desert base to your figures, however, the same technique can be applied to other terrains with the use of different paint colours and vegetation.
The first step of many is to glue your lads to a base. I use PVA glue, which sets well. If you have to rebase (heaven forbid) you just have to simply place the base in hot water and the figures will come off straight away.
I buy about 5 litres of PVA at a time and transfer small amounts to my favourite squeegee bottle.
The next step is to squeeze a small amount of PVA glue onto the base and with an old brush make sure the glue is spread fairly evenly over the base. Try not to get too much glue on the figures as it can be a bit of a pain later when the glue dries and bits of sand is stuck to the figures.
After you have completed spreading the glue onto the base, hold the base lightly to an angle and with your hand pour the sand mixture (shown above on the base, which is very fine sand and BBQ sorbent). Ensuring that you do not get too much sand on the base just gently shake off the excess.
Once completed it should look similar to the image above. Now let the base and PVA glue dry for at least eight to ten hours.
Once the glue has dried, grab an old paintbrush and using the back end rub the majority of small stones off the base. Once completed paint the edges of the base the same colour as your base coat.
The colour I use for the edge and the base colour is a watered-down Citadel Tallarn Sand. I water the paint down to a 50/50 water/paint.
Next, I paint the base and leave it dry for the next two to three hours.
Once the base is dry I then start to dry brush the base with……
Iraqui Sand for the first layer and then for the next two layers I add a little white to lighten the look of the base.
The first layer is just Iraqui Sand.
The second layer is slightly lighter.
The last layer is slightly lighter again.
Nest step is to grab your favourite static grass. I use Gamer’s Grass but there are plenty of other companies out there that make similar products.
Again with a dab of PVA, the grass is placed on the base.
Followed by a few small stones just to add a little more effect.
And ‘Boom’ the base is completed. You could also add a few flowers if you wish just to add a little more colour.
I hope that helps those who are having a little trouble basing the boys. This is a fairly quick way to do the base and can be done for any base size.
