How to Base Miniatures for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

To base miniatures, start by cleaning the base and removing mold lines. Apply texture or sand, then paint the base with a basecoat, drybrush highlights, and finish with tufts or static grass. Seal with varnish for durability.

Basing your miniatures transforms them from plain models into finished pieces that tell a story. Whether you're building a swamp-themed army or a desert patrol, the base sets the scene and adds visual interest.

This beginner basing guide walks you through the entire process, from preparing the base to adding final details. You'll learn essential basing techniques and how to avoid common pitfalls.

Gather Your Materials

Before you start, collect everything you need. You'll want a base (plastic or resin), texture paste or sand, a small spatula or old brush, superglue or PVA glue, and a selection of paints. For painting, a basecoat color, a drybrush highlight, and a wash are essential. The Army Painter offers a range of basing materials and paints that work well together.

Consider the theme of your army or the environment your miniature belongs to. Swamps need murky greens and browns, while urban ruins call for greys and rubble. Having a clear vision helps you choose the right colors and textures.

• Use an old brush for applying texture paste—it will get ruined.
• Keep a pot of water nearby to clean your tools before the paste dries.

Prepare the Base

Start by cleaning the base. Remove any mold lines or flash with a hobby knife or file. If the base is separate from the miniature, glue the miniature to the base first, unless you plan to paint them separately. Ensure the miniature is firmly attached and won't wobble during basing.

If you want to add height or shape to the base, you can glue on small pieces of cork or plastic card. This is optional but can add dynamism. Make sure everything is secure before moving on.

• Wash resin bases with warm soapy water to remove mold release agent.
• Test-fit the miniature before gluing to ensure it sits naturally.

Apply Texture

Now it's time to add texture. You can use texture paste, sand, or a combination. Apply texture paste with a spatula or old brush, spreading it unevenly to mimic natural ground. For sand, spread PVA glue on the base and dip it into a container of sand, then tap off the excess.

For a swamp theme, consider using the Basing Bundle: Swamps, which includes sticky mud, wet grass, and low-hanging growth. This bundle is ideal for marshlands, lizardfolk, or gloomy terrain. Follow the included tutorial for best results.

• Avoid covering the miniature's feet entirely—leave some areas clean for contrast.
• Let texture dry completely before painting; overnight is best.

Paint the Base

Once the texture is dry, paint the base. Start with a basecoat that matches your theme. For example, use a dark brown for dirt or a dark green for grass. Apply the paint evenly, making sure to get into the crevices. A wash can add depth and shadow.

After the basecoat, drybrush a lighter color to highlight the texture. Use a flat brush and wipe most of the paint off before brushing over the base. This picks up the raised areas and creates contrast. For red-themed bases, the Paint Red With Warpaints Fanatic bundle provides all the reds you need to follow a tutorial.

• Use a dedicated drybrush to avoid ruining your good brushes.
• Build up highlights gradually—it's easier to add more than to remove.

Add Final Details

Finish with tufts, static grass, or other decorative elements. Apply a small dot of glue where you want the tuft, then press it into place with tweezers. For swamp bases, the Basing Bundle: Swamps includes suitable materials. You can also add rocks, skulls, or bits from your bits box.

If you want a cohesive look, paint the rim of the base a solid color, like black or brown. This frames the base and gives a clean finish. Finally, seal the base with a matte varnish to protect your work.

• Use superglue for tufts—it dries faster than PVA.
• Varnish in a well-ventilated area and let it cure fully.

Step-by-Step Basing Process

1. Clean and prepare the base: Remove mold lines and flash. Glue the miniature to the base if not already attached. Ensure a secure fit. Checkpoint: The miniature should sit flat and not wobble.
2. Apply texture: Spread texture paste or glue and dip in sand. For swamps, use the Basing Bundle: Swamps for mud and grass. Let dry completely. Common mistake: Applying too much texture and covering the miniature's feet.
3. Paint the base: Basecoat with a dark color, wash for depth, then drybrush a lighter shade. Use Paint Red With Warpaints Fanatic for red-themed bases. Checkpoint: Highlights should catch the raised texture, not fill the recesses.
4. Add final details: Glue on tufts, static grass, or rocks. Paint the rim for a clean look. Seal with matte varnish. Common mistake: Skipping varnish, leading to chipped paint during handling.

Products That Help

• Basing Bundle: Swamps: Sticky mud, wet grass, and low-hanging growth—ideal for marshlands, lizardfolk, or gloomy terrain. This bundle provides all the textures you need for a swamp-themed base in one package, saving time and ensuring consistency.
• Paint Red With Warpaints Fanatic: Obtain that perfect shade of red with the Warpaints Fanatic Red Bundle. The high-quality, pigment-dense formula makes getting insane coverage simple, fast, and fun even with traditionally difficult-to-paint colours like red. If your base includes red elements like lava or red rocks, this bundle gives you the exact paints needed for strong coverage without multiple layers.

Basing miniatures is a rewarding step that elevates your models. With these steps and the right materials, you can create bases that enhance your army's story. Practice on a few bases to refine your technique, and don't be afraid to experiment with different themes.