Tips for beginner Baser

[tweak]

So I'm trying to start basing my models, currently my Protectorate of Menoth army, but I seem to be having some difficulty as I have never based before.

I am using sand which I store in a Tupperware for a desert motif. The plan I was going to follow was but a wood glue and water mixture, which either ted or adam recommended, on the base and then dip it into the sand, where the mixture would absorb sand and dry as such. I think I might be doing something wrong and am looking for any tips or pointers on how to actually base my models with some sort of skill.

My main concerns are:
-How much water to wood glue should I be using, what consistency am I looking for?

-Do I just take the base with the glue mixture and push it into the sand, what is the best way to get an even covering?

-Is there anything else I may be missing since a lot of you guys seem to have some rather amazing basing done on your models?

This is not system specific and any advice is welcome and appreciated.

[Andrew]

I also mix white glue and water. I'd say two parts glue, one part water. This should give you enough viscosity that it flows almost like paint, but enough glue still so that it actually holds it in place. It should definitely be opaque; if you can see through the mix, it's probably a bit thin.

I coat the part to be based and then dip the front edge in first, the back half in second. Shake it lightly to get sand everywhere desired, sprinkle some on top if necessary. Then, tip it over, dump off excess into the container, and set it aside. This always gives even coverage and makes sure it's not too thick and chunky looking.

[RARE CHOICE GAMES]

I agree with andrew on mix amount. You dont want it to thin cause it wont hold anything.

Add "texture" to the bases by adding small things like rocks, static grass (harvest yellow from woodland scenics works well for desert), bits, etc. This makes bases look good in my opinion.

[dragonbait]

I'm a pretty crappy baser myself, and I just finished adding some new stuff to the bases for my 40k ork army to boost my stats. Sometime this weekend I'll try to take come pics and put them up, that way there's some shots of basing that looks decent and is pretty easy to do (sand and cork boulders go a long way for me!)

[modius13]

I forgo the sand and use Woodland Scenics Medium Ballast. I have a huge 32 ounce container of the stuff and would probably have most of it left if I didn't use a ton of it on a gaming board. I like it because it gives a lot more texture than the sand.

I've also started using Galeforce 9 rocky basing grit. Just a piece here and there...

I also found that covering the whole mess in a slightly watered down acrylic polymer before painting it really helps it to stick together and not come off the base when you're drybrushing.

just my US$0.02

[ddaypunk06]

The VCB has this stuff that adam uses called celuclay or something like that. Its like instant paper mache. Worked very nice for just base dirt as you can texturize it. Then just layer on flock and paint from there.

[RARE CHOICE GAMES]

I learned about celluclay from adam also. I highly suggest it. It is cheap and easy to use and looks great.

[modius13]

Wow! I had totally forgot about celluclay! I did some scenery as a piece of art using that stuff.... need to get some more.