Cookie preferences
Bases have been fundamental to modeling, sculpture, and figure display for years. Traditionally, they have served to provide stability to sculptures and trophies, as well as to enhance their visual presence. However, within the world of miniatures and wargames, the wooden base not only fulfills a practical function but has also become a key element for customization and immersion in the fictional universes in which the games are set.
In this context, wood has emerged as a particularly attractive material for manufacturing baseplates. Its strength, versatility, and ease of workmanship make it a favorite for miniature artists. In this article, we explore the wooden baseplate in depth, the types available, its advantages over other materials, and how to preserve them.
What is a wooden base?
A wooden base is a base used to support and display miniatures, figures or models in the field of modeling and strategy games. Its main function is to provide stability to the miniature, facilitating its manipulation and improving its aesthetic presentation.
Wooden bases usually range in height from a few millimeters to several centimeters and come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, from standard bases used in wargames to elaborate platforms for dioramas and exhibitions. Depending on their intended use, they can be treated with varnishes, paints, or engravings to improve their durability and aesthetics.
Types of wooden bases and pedestals for miniatures
The variety of this type of base available on the market is wide and adapts to different uses within modeling and miniature games. The choice will depend on the purpose of the miniature and the artist's personal taste, as it may be for playing, displaying or as part of a diorama. There are many types, but the most common are:
• Round wooden base. This is the most commonly used format in modern wargames and miniature games, as it facilitates the measurement of movement and the arrangement of the figures on the board. It is also a frequent choice for display.
• Square wooden base. Traditionally, these have been used in battle games with regimental formations, such as Warhammer Fantasy Battles or The Ninth Age. The square shape facilitates the alignment of units and their mobility as a block on the battlefield.
• Oval wooden base. These are usually used when the figures require a larger base space without losing mobility, such as in light vehicles or large creatures. It is also an excellent option for dynamic figures that need a more elongated base to suit their position.
• Hexagonal wooden base. Although less common, it is used in turn-based strategy games and systems that use hexagonal grids for the movement of miniatures. It can also be used in display for a more geometric and stylized design.
• Wood bust pedestal. Specially designed to hold busts and partial figures, this type of pedestal provides a raised base to enhance them in exhibitions and painting competitions.
• Other wood pedestals. There are different formats of pedestals for miniatures. They include cylindrical, square, oval, rectangular, and even pedestals with straight backs.
Each type of base fulfills a specific function and can be customized to better suit the style and setting of the miniature. The choice will depend both on the use within the game and the aesthetic preferences of the modeler.
The importance of the base and wood pedestals in modeling
The base of a miniature is much more than just a simple base. Its design and size influence the stability of the miniature, the ease with which it is transformed into the scene represented, and, in some cases, its functionality within the rules of the game. For example, in strategy games such as Warhammer, Infinity or Kings of War, the dimensions and shape of the base of a miniature can affect its mobility and range on the battlefield.
Beyond its mechanical function, the wooden base is a miniature canvas on which artists have the opportunity to express their creativity. Often, a well-crafted base provides the context that the base needs to stand out from the rest and is responsible for indicating whether it belongs in a desert environment, a ruined city, or an enchanted forest. Thus, not only is the narrative of the game enriched, but the artistic level of the collection is also elevated.
In addition, these bases have found a privileged place in the display of miniatures. Modeling enthusiasts who paint figures for competitions or personal collections often opt for a more elaborate wooden base, which enhances the presence of the miniature without detracting from it. The material offers an elegant and natural finish that complements both fantasy figures and historical representations.
Advantages of the wooden base
When it comes to choosing the material for a figure, modelers have several options: plastic, wood, and resin, mainly. Among them, wood stands out for the following characteristics:
• Durability. This is one of its main benefits. Unlike plastic, which can bend over time, this material offers a more solid and shock-resistant base. In addition, its weight provides greater stability to the miniature, especially in figures with dynamic poses or with a noncentral center of gravity.
• More customization techniques. While plastic usually requires a priming before being painted, wood can absorb paints, inks, and varnishes more effectively. This is why it allows for the application of aging techniques, engravings, or even burning with a wood-burning tool to obtain unique textures.
• Sustainable and ecological. Compared to synthetic materials, this material comes from renewable natural resources and can be recycled and reused more easily and with less pollution.
Maintenance of the wooden base
A wooden base does not require a high level of maintenance, but it is advisable to follow some basic instructions so that the material retains its appearance for longer.
One of the factors that most affects this material is humidity, so it is important to protect it from it. As it is a porous material, it absorbs water easily, which can cause the base to deform or crack over time. To avoid this, it is advisable to apply a layer of varnish or sealant after painting the base. This not only protects the surface but also helps to maintain the intensity of the colors and the effects applied.
If, before painting or because it has been left undecorated, the base shows signs of wear, such as small chips or damaged edges, use fine-grained sandpaper to restore its original texture. In the case of cracks or fissures, the use of wood putty or PVA glue can be useful to repair them without affecting the finish too much.
To ensure the durability of the base plate, it is also important to store the miniatures correctly. Avoid overexposure to direct sunlight to prevent the colors from becoming desaturated. It is also advisable to keep them in closed display cases or in boxes with padded dividers to prevent bumps or scratches.
Finally, if you want to clean your figures, including the base, use a completely dry paint brush to remove dust and avoid cleaning products, especially chemicals, because they are too aggressive for the paint and varnish applied to the surface.
Where can I buy wooden bases for miniatures?
The wooden base is a basic item for modeling artists, and there are many shops where you can buy them. However, many of them do not cater exclusively to the world of miniatures, or the quality of their product is not the best. Therefore, when purchasing one, it is best to go to a specialized shop and investigate the quality of their wood. Likewise, the variety of bases will be much wider and it will be easier for you to find what you need.
The official online store of Green Stuff World only uses top-quality materials for the manufacture of all its products, and it is exclusively dedicated to the modeling sector. That's why it offers an immense variety of bases of all sizes and shapes to suit any miniature or diorama you're working with.
Not only can you buy them on the official website, but they are also available in the shops belonging to our large network of resellers worldwide, as well as in our online shop on ETSY and eBay.
