Miniature basing materials are various decorative elements that are used to build and decorate the base on which a miniature figurine is displayed. These compatible Warhammer basing materials are typically used in wargaming, roleplaying games, and model painting.

The choice of basing material often depends on the desired effect and the type of miniature being displayed. Some tabletop enthusiasts even combine multiple resources to build a more complex and unique display.

Basing materials for miniatures

There is a large variety of basing material miniatures that can be used for miniature models. Here are some common hobby materials used to decorate and finish your miniatures:

Scenic Basing Kits: Pre-made scenic kits may come with a variety of products such as rocks, grasses, and terrain features that can be used to create realistic and immersive pieces.
Modeling Putty: Modeling putty can be used to sculpt custom decorations or organic elements. It can be molded and shaped to create interesting textures and terrain features.
Cork: Cork can be used to create a natural-looking rocky terrain. It can be cut, shaped, and glued creating different rock heights to create interesting textures.
Sand and Gravel: Sand and gravel can be used to create a realistic texture. Basing material miniatures with sand is one of the most common techniques to build your army with a common look. Once done, the hobby sand can be painted to match the color of the whole model.
Wood bark chips: Pine bark chips can be used to simulate a forest floor or even natural-looking rocky areas.
Static Grass: Static grass is a type of grass that is used to add a natural-looking texture to the ground. It can be purchased in various lengths and colors.
Flock: Flock is a fine, colored material that can be used to add textures to surfaces. It comes in a variety of colors and lengths to match different environments and many times is used as different types of miniature leaves.
Tufts: Tufts are small clumps of grass or flowers that are the best miniature basing materials that can be added to create a natural-looking texture.
Water effects: Water effects are used to make realistic water features on bases. They can be used to create ponds, rivers, or other bodies of water.
Snow: Model snow can be used to build a winter-themed look for your miniatures. It can be purchased in various textures and formats.
Rocks: Rocks can be used to make realistic rocky terrains. They can be glued onto the base and painted to blend in with the rest of the terrain.
Scenic elements: Scenic elements, such as trees, bushes, and buildings, can be added to create a more realistic environment.

Miniature basing materials | Warhammer basing

How to base miniatures with compatible Warhammer basing materials

Compatible Warhammer basing is a fun and creative process that can add a lot of character and immersion to your miniatures. Here is a general guide on how to create compatible Warhammer bases:

Choose a Base: The first step is to choose the right size and shape for your miniature. Bases come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so choose one that matches the size and style of your miniature.
Prepare it: Once you have it, you can prepare it by sanding down any rough edges or imperfections. Sanding will help the gluing of any basing materials for miniatures to their support and will ensure that it is ready for painting.
Glue Miniature to the surface: Next, use a strong adhesive such as cyanoacrylate Glue or plastic glue. Make sure to position it in the center and allow the hobby glue to dry completely.
Add Texture: Once your wargame figure is attached, you can start adding ground textures. You can use a variety of materials such as sand, gravel, cork, or wood chips to produce realistic textures.
Paint it: After the texture is dry, you can start painting using acrylic paints. You can choose a basecoat color that matches the overall theme of your army and then add highlights and details to build a realistic and immersive look.
Adds vegetation for dioramas: Once it is painted, you can add final touches such as static grass, grass tufts, or water effects to add depth and character to the base. Be creative and have fun with it!

Remember, compatible Warhammer basing is a fun and creative process that allows you to showcase your individuality and style. Experiment with different materials and techniques to create unique and memorable bases for your miniatures.

13 Best compatible Warhammer 40k base ideas

Getting compatible Warhammer 40k base ideas can be a fun and creative aspect of the hobby, allowing you to customize your miniatures and make them stand out on the tabletop. Here are some basing 40k ideas to inspire your base decoration:

Basing material miniatures: After finishing the miniature base with, for example, modeling sand or textured paste, you can paint the base. Then, the most basic thing would be to add glue to different types of plants, electrostatic grass, or vegetation for dioramas.
Themed Terrain: Create thematic terrain elements that represent the battlefield environment. For example, use sand and small rocks for an arid desert looking, or add patches of static grass and shrubs for lush, forested terrain.
Incorporate elements like broken walls, ruined buildings, or ancient ruins to give your bases a sense of place and history.
Weathering and Battle Damage: Add weathering effects like chipped paint, scorch marks, or bullet holes to your bases to indicate the harsh conditions of the 41st millennium.
Use modeling putty to create realistic cracks and craters on the surface, making it appear as if the ground has been scarred by constant warfare.
Hazardous Materials: Depict hazardous substances or toxic waste spills by using green or toxic-colored paint and glossy varnishes to simulate the appearance of dangerous liquids.
You can also add small barrels, chemical drums, or warning signs to emphasize the hazardous nature of the environment.
Corpse and Skull Piles: Scatter small skulls, bones, and skeletal remains across your bases to evoke the grim atmosphere compatible with the Warhammer 40k universe. Create gruesome scenes with piles of bodies or dismembered limbs to capture the brutality of the ongoing warfare.
Themed Bases: Invest in pre-made inserts, or 3D miniature bases already designed, or just design your own using 3D printing or sculpting. These inserts can depict specific environments, like urban streets or industrial platforms.
Customize base inserts with detailed textures and paintwork to match your army's theme.
OSL (Object-Source Lighting): Simulate the effect of glowing energy weapons or devices by using Object-Source Lighting. Paint the base as if it's being illuminated by a nearby energy source. OSL can add a dynamic and eye-catching element to your miniatures' bases.
Alien Flora and Fauna: If your army represents a faction from a unique world, consider adding alien plant life or creatures to your bases to emphasize their origin. Sculpt exotic plants, fungi, or alien critters to make your army stand out.
Narrative Elements: Incorporate small diorama scenes or vignettes that tell a story. For example, show a wounded soldier being attended to by a medic or an enemy being ambushed. Use miniatures and terrain pieces to convey a dynamic narrative that engages viewers and adds depth to your army.

Remember that the key to successful base decoration is creativity and attention to detail. Experiment with different techniques, types of miniature basing materials, and materials to achieve the desired look for your compatible Warhammer 40k miniatures. Whether you're aiming for a gritty, battle-worn aesthetic or a more fantastical appearance, the possibilities for base decoration are virtually limitless in the grim darkness of the far future.

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