Basic Basing For Miniatures

People have asked me on different forums as to how I base my models. It’s really simple and easy (which I like very much) and I’m going to show you how I do it. It’s in two steps – sand, then grass – easy peasy.

Sand Layer:

Step 1: I have small tub of fine sand I dug up from a parking lot somewhere. I mix white/pva/Elmer’s glue with water – about 25/75, water/glue. I like my glue thicker, but not right out of the bottle thick.

Step 2: I use a crappy, throw away brush to put down some glue.
Step 3: Put the boy in the bowl.
Step 4: Push/wiggle him down into the sand until the base is buried.
Step 5: Pull him out and shake off the excess sand.
Step 6: Gives ya this!

Grass:

Step 1: I picked up a tub of GW grass. I know here’s so many alternatives and cheaper and…. whatever. I think I paid $8 for this and have barely put a dent in it. It’s worth it unless you’re flocking entire hills/terrain boards.

Step 2: Using the same glue from before (and brush) I put down some random spots of glue. I have not let the sand dry, I just don’t push my brush around to stir up any of the sand.
Step 3: Shimmying the boy around in the grass doesn’t work like it did in the sand. I sprinkle a bunch on top, not worrying where it goes, as long as it covers the glue spots.
Step 4: Tilt the boy on his side and TAP the excess off back into the tub.
Step 5: It took me a while to find this trick out and now I pass it on to you. Blow a puff of air on the grass – don’t worry if you think you’ll blow it all off – you won’t. This puff of air will remove the excess grass that isn’t touching glue and it will amazingly make the grass stand up. Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself.
Step 6: Gives ya this!

Here’s a closer look at the boyz showing the end product. The highlights are a bit bright as I haven’t Dull Coted them yet, but this will show you what the final details area like. Not great art but nice tabletop.

Some people have also been asking me “how long did it take?” and “how much time per boy?” kinda questions. It took me 24 days to finish culminating in about 60 hours of painting. In terms of hours/boy, roughly 1.5 hours. My secret? GW Foundation paints and Devlin Mud.

Thanks for looking and hanging in there!

Sukigod