What are MDF bases for miniatures?

MDF bases are commonly used in the wargaming community as an affordable and versatile alternative to plastic ones. These bases serve as the foundation on which miniatures are mounted, providing stability and a surface that can be easily customized with paints, textures, and other decorative elements. Its precision cutting with CO2 lasers allows for intricate designs and consistent shapes, which are crucial for maintaining uniformity in wargaming setups.

MDF bases provide stable and decorative support for board game and wargame miniatures, as they are compatible with games such as Warhammer Fantasy, Old World, or Warhammer 40k, among others. This material is rigid and at the same time lightweight. It can be easily painted and glued with almost any modeling glue. 

Medium-density fiberboard is an engineered wood product that breaks down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, combining it with wax and resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure. It is known for its smooth surface, uniform density, and strength, making it an ideal material for various applications, including crafting bases for wargame miniatures.

One of the key characteristics of the material is its compatibility with CO2 laser cutting. This process involves using a high-powered laser to cut it through, enabling the creation of highly detailed and precise shapes. The resulting edges are clean and smooth, requiring minimal finishing work. This precision is particularly beneficial for wargame miniatures, where base shapes and sizes need to be consistent for gameplay accuracy.

MDF bases can withstand temperatures up to 130ºC for short periods (not longer than 15 minutes), making them suitable for use with polymer clays. This property is advantageous for hobbyists who wish to sculpt custom terrain or bases directly onto the MDF  bases using polymer clays, which can be cured in an oven without damaging the MDF base. This feature expands the creative possibilities for miniature enthusiasts, allowing for more intricate and personalized designs.

Can I use a water-based primer on MDF? 

It is highly receptive to paints and primers, including water-based primers. This makes it easy to prepare MDF bases for further painting and detailing with model paints. The process of priming involves applying a base coat that helps subsequent layers of paint adhere better and ensures even coverage. Water-based primers are particularly popular because they are easy to apply, dry quickly, and clean up with water.

Once primed, they can be painted with any type of model paint, allowing for a wide range of colors and effects. This adaptability is crucial for wargamers who need to match the grounds beneath the miniatures to the aesthetic of their armies or gaming boards. Additionally, their smooth surface provides an excellent canvas for detailed painting, ensuring that even the smallest details can be rendered accurately.

How to magnetize MDF bases?

Magnetizing MDF bases is a common practice among wargamers to ensure that miniatures can be securely attached to metal storage trays or display boards. There are several methods to achieve this:

• Magnetic Sheets: These can be trimmed to size and adhered to the underside. They offer a broad magnetic surface and are easy to apply, although they may not provide as strong a hold as other methods.
• Magnetic Stickers: Similar to magnetic sheets, these stickers can be cut to fit and applied directly to the base. They are convenient and readily available but may vary in strength.
• Neodymium Magnets: These rare-earth magnets are known for their strong magnetic force. You will need holes already made to accommodate the magnets or make the holes with a hand drill. Some manufacturers, like Green Stuff World, offer them pre-drilled to be used with neodymium magnets, simplifying the process and eliminating the need for a hand drill.

What thickness MDF terrain base?

The minimum thickness is 3mm. This is the minimum thickness possible due to the limitations of the material itself.

This thickness provides a good balance between durability and ease of use. Thinner materials might not withstand the rigors of gameplay or handling, while thicker than 3 mm could be unnecessarily bulky and harder to cut or modify.

Why do people use 40k MDF bases?

An MDF wood base offers a versatile, cost-effective, and customizable option for wargaming miniatures. Their compatibility with laser cutting technology, ease of painting, and adaptability for magnetization make them a favorite choice for hobbyists and gamers. They are compatible with both Warhammer 40k and other tabletop games, providing a solid base for building and displaying complex and detailed miniatures.

In the context of compatible games such as Warhammer 40,000 (40k) and other similar wargames, they have become a popular alternative to traditional plastic miniatures. Several factors contribute to their popularity:

• Cost-Effectiveness: They are generally more affordable than the ones made of plastic, making them an attractive option for gamers looking to reduce costs, especially when assembling large armies.
• Comparable Properties: They match the ones made of plastic in terms of thickness and weight, ensuring that they do not alter the balance or performance of the miniatures.
• Paintability: Their smooth surface takes model paints well, allowing for high-quality finishes. Gamers can achieve the same level of detail and customization as with the plastic ones.
• Environmental Considerations: This material is made from recycled wood fibers, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to ones made of plastic.
• Customization: The ease of cutting and shaping allows gamers to create custom terrain pieces, adding a unique touch to their gaming setups.

Discover also our huge collection of wood bases for figures and dioramas.