How to Base Miniatures

Basing is the fastest way to make a model look finished. A painted miniature on a bare plastic base looks unfinished; the same model on a simple textured base looks like part of an army. It takes minutes and ties your whole force together visually.

The quick standard base

The most reliable, fast approach:

1. Texture - spread texture paste (or PVA glue and sand) over the base, keeping it off the rim.
2. Basecoat a dark earth brown.
3. Drybrush up through a lighter brown to a bone/grey to pick out the texture - this is where drybrushing shines.
4. Wash optionally to knock it back, then add details.
5. Paint the rim a single clean colour (black or a dark brown) - this one step makes an army look unified and intentional.

Adding interest

• Static grass and tufts - a couple of tufts per base adds life instantly.
• Rubble, skulls and slate - press bits into the wet texture for ruined-battlefield bases.
• Themed bases - snow (baking soda and PVA), sand, urban rubble, or alien growth to match your army.

Tips and common mistakes

• Always paint the rim. It is the single biggest "finished vs unfinished" tell.
• Keep it consistent. The same base recipe across the army is what makes it read as a force.
• Don't overdo it. Bases should frame the model, not upstage it.