What are compatible Warhammer skulls used for in wargaming?

Compatible Warhammer skulls and bones are popular in wargaming for customizing bases, dioramas, and models. They add an extra layer of detail, bringing to life themes like death, battle, or ancient ruins. These components can be glued to bases or terrain features to create immersive environments. In games like Warhammer 40K, Warhammer Fantasy, or Age of Sigmar, these types of compatible Warhammer bits are used to enhance the gothic or war-torn aesthetic of an army. They provide a versatile and dramatic look, elevating the narrative of your miniatures to represent long-fought battles or mystical realms.

Their production can be achieved through two main methods: traditional polyurethane casting and using modern 3D printers. While both systems offer advantages, 3D printing opens up possibilities for creating intricate and highly detailed parts that would be difficult or even impossible to achieve with traditional techniques.

• Polyurethane Casting: 

In the traditional method, polyurethane is poured into silicone molds to create parts. This system is highly effective for producing large batches of simpler components with good detail and durability. The molds are made from master sculpts, which are either hand-carved or 3D designed and then printed or sculpted. However, there are limitations to this approach, especially when trying to capture extreme detail or create more complex shapes. Thin features, undercuts, or fragile structures can be difficult to produce consistently with polyurethane. Additionally, mold degradation can lead to a loss of detail over time.

• 3D Printing:

On the other hand, 3D production allows for much more intricate and complex designs. This method involves using a liquid resin that is cured layer by layer by a laser or UV light. The high precision during the printing means that very fine details, such as tiny cracks, ornate designs, or intricate bone structures, can be created with ease. This level of detail would be challenging to achieve with polyurethane casting due to the physical constraints of molds.

Furthermore, 3D production offers immense flexibility in customization. Design files can be adjusted digitally before printing, allowing for modifications without the need to create new molds. This is particularly useful for creating unique pieces or small batches of highly detailed parts without incurring the cost or time associated with mold-making. For example, creating an entire range of sets of compatible Warhammer bits with individual expressions, sizes, or intricate decorative elements is easily achievable with 3D printing.

The advantages of 3D production are especially evident when dealing with underhangs, hollow designs, and organic shapes. Features like hollow bones or complex, entwined skeletal structures that would require multiple mold pieces or intricate planning in the traditional casting process can be printed seamlessly in a single piece. Additionally, support structures in 3D printing help stabilize these intricate elements during production, which are easily removed post-print, leaving behind clean and precise details.

How do you prepare and paint skeletons?

Before painting skeletons, it’s essential to clean the pieces by washing them in warm soapy water to remove any release agents. Once dry, lightly sand any imperfections or remove supports. Acrylic priming is crucial for getting a smooth base coat; most hobbyists prefer using spray primers designed for miniatures. Painting can then be done with acrylic paints, using techniques like dry brushing or washes to highlight details and create a realistic, weathered look. Adding different tones for bone, dirt, and moss will make them blend naturally into diorama or wargame base designs.

Are resin skulls compatible with all scales of miniatures?

Yes, they are versatile and can be used with a variety of miniature scales. Our productions are designed to fit popular wargame scales like 28 mm - 32 mm, making them perfect for compatible games like Warhammer 40K or Age of Sigmar. However, they can also work with other scales, such as 15mm or 54mm, depending on how you wish to create your scene. Adjusting the perspective, such as using larger skulls for monsters or smaller bones for terrain, gives hobbyists flexibility in scale usage. The material allows for easy cutting or reshaping to ensure compatibility with different projects.

What types of bases are best for using skeletons?

Either complete skeletons or small parts of skeletons can be applied to various types of bases, including MDF or plastic miniature bases. Textured bases often work well as they provide a more natural environment for the bones and skulls to blend into. The bones can be glued directly onto the base using superglue or a model adhesive. Layering them with other materials like hibby sand, gravel, or grass tufts will help to create a more realistic and immersive scene. 

How can compatible Warhammer skulls enhance your Warhammer army?

Resin skulls and bones are perfect for enhancing the grimdark aesthetic that Warhammer is known for. Whether it’s a Space Marine base littered with Warhammer skulls from past enemies or a Chaos army marching through a battlefield of bones, these pieces add atmosphere to your army. Bones can be used to decorate terrain, vehicles, or infantry bases, creating a post-apocalyptic or cursed world feel. For players focusing on factions like Death Guard or Necrons, Warhammer skulls and bones become integral to the army's theme, enhancing both visual storytelling and immersion on the battlefield.

Can resin skulls and bones be used for dioramas?

Resin skulls and bones are excellent for dioramas, offering a high level of detail and realism. They can help tell a story within a diorama, whether it’s an ancient battleground, a forsaken cemetery, or a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Hobbyists can scatter Warhammer skulls and bones across a scene or stack them to represent mass graves or monuments. Paired with weathering effects, moss, or broken structures, these bones add texture and realism to your miniature world. Dioramas allow for more creative freedom so that they will help to bring unique, grim narratives to life.

What is the best glue for attaching compatible Warhammer skulls to miniature bases?

When attaching compatible Warhammer skulls and bones to wargaming bases or dioramas, the best adhesive to use is superglue (cyanoacrylate). It offers a strong bond, dries quickly, and works well with all types of resins. For larger pieces, two-part epoxy can be used for extra durability. Applying a small amount of glue to the base will secure it. If desired, modelers can use sculpting putty such as Green Stuff or Maxx Putty around the connection points to blend the piece into the terrain or base more smoothly.

How do resin skulls and bones affect gameplay in tabletop wargames?

These decorations generally do not affect the gameplay mechanics of tabletop-compatible wargames like Warhammer. However, they do enhance the visual appeal of your miniatures and battlefields, creating a more immersive gaming experience. Custom bases adorned with bones and skulls can help players visually distinguish different units or emphasize their army’s theme. For instance, Chaos or Undead armies may use skull-covered bases to reflect their sinister origins. The primary benefit is thematic, offering a richer storytelling element during games, which can make battles feel more epic and personal.

Why choose 3D resin over other materials?

3D resin is an excellent material for miniature components because of its fine detail and durability. Compatible Warhammer skulls and bones can capture intricate features that plastic or metal often miss, making them ideal for detailed miniature projects. They are lightweight, which is important when attaching them to bases or models, and they are easy to paint. This material also offers flexibility in its application, allowing hobbyists to create realistic scenes, from ancient burial grounds to post-apocalyptic battlegrounds.