Basing your miniatures has always been a topic of debate. For gaming or display a finished base helps show off and protect a figure(s).

With this article I will cover some of the techniques used in creating bases for gaming and display.

SAND AND GLUE (or flock)

This technique will finish bases in a pleasing way for gaming.

Materials needed are fine sand and liquid super glue. The sand can be found at train shops as ballast. Keep the sand in a small plastic dish with a tight lid. When possible base the figure before painting (though this will work with a pre-painted fig if care is taken).

Attach the figure to the base with a spot of glue. Once dry put super glue around the base of the figure covering to the edges of your gaming base. Holding the miniature dip the figure into your sand dish covering the base completely to the knees. After a few seconds remove and tap off excess sand with a brush handle. You will now have an empty area around the feet of the miniature. Repeat the process until all areas are covered. Add glue to fill in low spots and/or create high areas.

Once dry, paint using the techniques used in painting the miniature.

PUTTY OR CLAY

A bit of sculpting skill is needed with this technique. Materials used are epoxy putty or craft clay (air drying) and a needle or similar small sharp pointy thing.

Mush a desired amount of putty around the feet and base of the figure. Cover the entire base to the edges.

Slate stones and metal floors (for sci-fi things) can also be done with the putty. Smooth out the desired amount as mentioned above. For the slate, scribe grooves into the wet putty making the rock shapes. Add bits and small areas of grass on the grooves, once dry-paint as desired.

HELPFUL NOTE: With clay and putties that are porous (most are), after an hour, but before the putty has cured, was with a 3:1 ratio of water:black ink. The ink will soak into the putty. So if a tip or two of grass breaks in transport, it will be unnoticeable.

DISPLAY

Odd object such as rocks, wood, odd plastic blocks, etc. look great when displaying a figure. With any you choose, (I like odd-shaped rocks) also use the above techniques to improve on the look. I often paint the base I choose covering the fact it's a natural object I choose (bricks) for their shape as to show off a figure and match a dynamic foot position or mood.

TOOL, BITS AND ALL THEM OTHER STUFF ON THE TABLE....

Throughout the article, I have mentioned bits and have lightly touched on useful tools. Here is a list of the things I use on a regular basis:

Sand
Epoxy
Dental tools
tweezers
Wire
Putty
Super Glue
Craft Knives
Wire Clippers
Bits Box

ONCE FINISHED

Bases that are well done help show off a miniature/stand by creating a frame around your painting. Bases also serve as protection to your miniatures, by keeping them upright, and giving curious fingers something to hold while admiring your work.

The techniques discussed here are only the basics. In the future I will go into greater detail on creating bases on an advanced scale.

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