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Hey Everyone,

So the other night I put mud on my Death Korps bases. I used the following formula:

- Plaster
- Dirt
- Sawdust
- Sand
- Small / Medium Pebbles
- Flocking
- PVA Glue
- Tiny amount of water

I had been experimenting with this consistency and texture for a while and I really like how it turned out. The problem is that around the edges it has flaked off a bit on some figures. I have yet to prime them, but I had a few questions.

1. In the future, should I perhaps lightly sand the tops of the bases to give the glue a bit of "tooth" to grab on to, as well as perhaps putting down a thin layer of PVA before my mud?

2. Is there a way I can seal the mud without adding a glossy look, or filling in any detail?

3. Will the primer create a seal?

Thanks for your help.

CLM

(I can provide a picture or two if needed)

You've got a couple of options here.

First you could try removeing the plaster, my thought behind this is that plaster is makeing the mix brittle.

Second try a different base for the mix, instead of useing glue instead get some Vallejo White Pumice and use that. Then I'd take the sand out of the mix as the Pumice is going to add that grit. Then instead of coloring the mix with dirt I'd use paint.

Third, Back 2 Base-ix makes mud bases...

Chemistry claims that it's the plaster which is the source of your woes...
I did once see someone mix citadel water effects with thinned down paint; very muddy and very easy.

now to answer your questions
1. That won't really have a significant effect, not all of the mud stays in contact with the base, so flaking will still occur.
2. Matt varnish is what you're after. Satin in smaller amounts is also good, but won't seal the mud in lower quantities.
3. Not really. Point in case. Prime some flock that is flaking off your base, it becomes slightly more adherent but still comes off, leaving unsightly patches of unpainted flock

This issue is what led me to buying resin bases or casting my own.

Plaster mud bases flaking or chipping...been there.

Catyrpelius gave some good advice. Maybe try http://www.goldenpaints.com/products/medsadds/gels/gelreview.php you'll see that there are lots of options available. Golden has youtube videos too, to help you decide.