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For a few planned models, i'd like to base them on 40mm bases with a dryed cracked mud effect. Wasnt realy sure on how to get that effect, i know that these bases could be brought from several internet sites but ideally i dont want to spend the money on them if i can make them myself for cheaper. Any ideas how i can get that effect?
This is the kind of effect i would like to acheive. (Sorry about the image but its the easiest way to show the effect)

Possibly using an oil based paint, make a number of heavy coats, then hit the top with a heat gun. I think that would at least make a bubbling look, uneven terrain as it heats the paint underneath that won't have cured totally. You could probably score the top layer of paint as well to have it sunder in your chosen places.

When removing heavy coats of paint with a heat gun, the surface does all kings of crazy things, so that's where that thought came from.

Head down to your local arts/crafts store and pick up a bottle of Crackle Medium to experiment with. It's painted in between two colored coats of paint - the top coat sticks to the transparent medium which contracts as it dries, forming cracks in the finish and exposing the undercoat. You can manipulate the size and pattern (to a degree) of the cracks by varying the thickness of the layers and the direction of your brushstrokes. With a bit of practice, you can make your bases look reasonably close to that picture.

The one thing I don't know, however, is how resilient it would be if you actually achieved that texture. If you use smart color selection to give the illusion of depth instead of relying on a super-heavy topcoat and actual lifting, however, it will hold up as well as any other paint would after a nice coat of varnish.

You could also cover the base in a layer of Green Stuff and simply carve that into what you want.

A few simple passes with the flat of an X-acto blade in a proper pattern should do the trick.

As a sidenote, using a heat gun would likely melt the base itself (although maybe a lava look?)

I recommend sculpting the bases to get that effect. While slightly time consuming, it will end up looking a lot better than using a crackle medium.

Or you can go the pre-made route and simply purchase resin bases which look like that.

I believe secret weapon minis makes desert bases.

-Nara



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I recommend sculpting the bases to get that effect. While slightly time consuming, it will end up looking a lot better than using a crackle medium.

Or you can go the pre-made route and simply purchase resin bases which look like that.

I believe secret weapon minis makes desert bases.

-Nara

I would agree with Naravus - sculpt in miliput/GS/etc rather than use crackle glaze.

You get a much more uniform result that is much more durable.

or sculpt a couple maybe three or four then cast away.

I do have a heat gun and quite alot of old oil base paints so i will give that a try and have an experiment with it, as that wont cost me anything. I didnt really want to use my remaider of my green stuff up on the base although it may give the best effect. Although alot more messy do you reckon that scuplting clay would work with the same effect as the green stuff?

If you don't want a "deep" looking crack, you can utilize modeling supplies you already have.

What ruins primer/sealant by making it crack? Humidity and water. So you can prime your base in your chosen color or paint, and while still wet spray your sealer over. It will crack up nicely.

You can also get the effect by watering a potting clay down, then using small blocker patches and a heat gun. The differences in evaporation between the masked areas and the open areas will crack.

You do the reverse in potting to prevent cracks.