Basing Materials Explained: Sand, Tufts, and Texture Paste

Quick Answer

For most army painters, start with a fine sand or texture paste as your base layer, then add tufts for natural detail. Choose texture paste when you want a pre-mixed, crackle-free finish; choose sand when you want maximum control over grain and coverage. Tufts are optional accents that add realism and colour without extra painting.

Basing is the step that turns a painted miniature into a finished scene. But with so many materials—sand, tufts, texture paste, and more—it’s easy to overbuy or pick something that fights your painting style. This guide breaks down the three most common basing materials and gives you clear decision rules for choosing between them.

We’ll look at what each material does well, where it falls short, and how to combine them for a cohesive army. You’ll also find practical tips for working with each type, plus product examples from The Army Painter range to illustrate the differences.

Texture Paste vs Sand: What’s the Difference?

Texture paste is a pre-mixed compound that you spread over the base with a tool. It holds its shape, dries hard, and can be painted once dry. Sand is a loose material that you glue down, usually over a layer of PVA or superglue. The key difference is control: paste gives you an even, predictable surface in one step, while sand lets you vary grain size and density by how you apply it.

If you want speed and consistency across many models, texture paste wins. If you want to replicate specific ground—like coarse gravel or fine dust—sand gives you more flexibility. Many painters use both: a thin layer of paste for bulk, then a sprinkle of sand for texture.

• Texture paste is ready to use; sand requires glue and a bit more drying time.
• Sand can be mixed with paint or applied over paste for extra detail.

When to Use Basing Tufts

Basing tufts are pre-made clumps of artificial grass that you glue onto the base. They add a splash of colour and organic shape without any painting. Tufts are ideal for breaking up flat areas and suggesting a living environment—whether that’s a jungle, a meadow, or a wasteland.

Use tufts sparingly. A few well-placed clumps look more natural than a carpet of grass. They work on any base size, but on small bases (25mm or less) you may need to trim them down to avoid overwhelming the miniature.

• Apply tufts after painting and sealing your base for best adhesion.
• Mix tuft colours and heights to create a more realistic look.

How to Choose Basing Supplies for Your Army

Start by deciding on a theme. A desert army might use fine sand and sparse, dry tufts. A jungle force could use coarse texture paste and lush green tufts. Your choice of basing materials should support the story of your army, not distract from it.

Next, consider your painting workflow. If you batch-paint dozens of models, texture paste and pre-made tufts save time. If you enjoy customising each base, loose sand and static grass give you more creative control. Don’t be afraid to experiment on a few test bases before committing.

• Buy a small variety pack of tufts to test colours before committing to a full sheet.
• Keep a dedicated brush or tool for spreading paste to avoid contaminating your painting brushes.

Mixing and Matching Basing Materials

You don’t have to pick just one material. A common approach is to spread texture paste over the base, let it dry, then drybrush it to bring out the texture. After that, add a few tufts and perhaps a small rock or bit of debris. This layered method gives depth and realism.

If you use sand, seal it with a thin layer of diluted PVA glue after it dries to prevent shedding. Then paint and drybrush as usual. Tufts go on last, after any varnish or protective coat, so they stay fluffy.

• Seal loose sand with diluted PVA to keep it in place during gaming.
• Add tufts after varnishing to preserve their colour and texture.

Decision Rules for Basing Materials

• If you want speed and uniformity: Choose texture paste. It spreads evenly, dries fast, and needs no glue. Ideal for batch-painting armies. Best for tournament armies and beginners.
• If you want maximum control over ground texture: Choose sand. You can vary grain size, density, and coverage by mixing grades and application methods. Best for dioramas and character models.
• If you want instant organic detail: Add basing tufts. They require no painting and break up flat areas with natural colour. Use sparingly for the most realistic effect.

Basing Products from The Army Painter

• Wargamer: Basecoating Brush: New to the Wargamer Brushes range, the Size 5 Basecoating brush with Bionic Bristles is long-lasting, smooth, and engineered for basecoating your entire army. A dedicated basecoating brush makes it faster to paint the base itself before adding texture, and the durable bristles stand up to repeated use.
• Historical: WWII British 8th Army: Desert colours inspired by the British 8th Army’s historic fight across North Africa. Historically accurate uniform and equipment tones, designed in collaboration with WWII expert historian, Dr. Stephen Bull. 10 paints: 9 unique acrylic colours, 1 Wash. Utilises proprietary Warpaints Fanatic stabilising technologies for unsurpassed coverage and performance. If you’re basing a desert-themed army, these paints give you historically accurate colours for both miniatures and bases, saving you mixing time.
• Warpaints Air: Drab Green: Airbrush-ready paints right from the bottle. No thinning required. Pre-loaded Mixing Balls. Developed in a Colour Triad System. For airbrushing large batches of bases or terrain, this paint saves time and delivers consistent colour without extra prep.

Who Should Use Which Basing Material

Best for

• Beginners who want a simple, reliable basing method.
• Army painters who need to base many models quickly.
• Wargamers who want durable bases that withstand handling.

Not for

• Painters who want to sculpt custom ground shapes from scratch.
• Those who prefer natural, loose materials like real dirt or rocks.
• Very small bases where tufts may overwhelm the miniature.

Basing doesn’t have to be complicated. Pick one primary material—paste for speed, sand for control—and add tufts for life. Test on a few bases, see what fits your army’s story, and then commit. With the right supplies, you’ll turn every miniature into a finished piece.