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Hi all - I'm just conceptualising the steps that are going to go into assembling and painting my first models before everything I need arrives here. The question that's occupying my mind right now is basing, and where it should fit into the overall process.

What I'm thinking right now is roughly: a) de-sprue and assemble model; b) attach model to base; c) decorate base (likely comprised of some sand from the big bag I have); d) paint results.

Is that a reasonable point in the process to do the base work? I think doing so then would offer the benefit of being able to prime the base at the same time as everything else (yes, I do plan on painting the sand), though I can see arguments being made for finishing the base before attaching the model or after painting the rest of the model.

Sounds like a good idea. I always forget to do the bases and am left trying to glue and paint around a finished model...

Normally thats how I would have done it.

However given I am somewhat of a perfectionist with my stuff I shall be taking a new approach once I get some supplies.

The primer over the sand really helps as it seals in the sand.

I usually forget to base before priming but prefer to.
Partly for the reason John mentioned, but also it helps judge colours of the base and model together.

I usually base my models when I'm finished painting the piece. This can lead to some awkwardness when gluing, but it's not too bad - you just need a steady hand and have to correct mistakes immediately when they occur.

Other than that, I prefer to soak my basing material (sand/grit mixture) in a dark sepia wash - also locks the sand in and gives a very natural color to the base you can build up upon with drybrushing.

Cheers,


IK-Painter

I prepare the bases separately.

1. Fill with lead shot ballast.
2. Seal with resin or polystyrene.
3. Texture the surface with putty or polystyrene.
4. Wash
5. Spray paint.
6. Attach painted models.
7. Add sand (I do sand for all my 40K armies now, for a common theme.
8. Add some Army Painter Highland Tufts.

Im pretty much doing roughly the same as Kilkrazy and doing the base seperate from the mini. Although my process will be a bit different and take a bit longer.

1.Cover base in a layer of GS.
2.Press mini into said GS to leave the model footprint.
3.Base the raised surface.
4. Paint base and mini.
5.Superglue mini into the footprint left in stage 2.

Hopefully I will get some good results.

Kilkrazy wrote:
8. Add some Army Painter Highland Tufts.

Would you recommend the Highland Tufts? Can you use it with other forms of static grass, or do the Tufts replace them for you?

I nearly always base before priming.
After the glue has dried I also cover the base with watered-down white glue with a touch of washing-up liquid to seal the sand.
You can get a different effect if you mix the sand with the glue & then apply like a paste.
Make sure everything is dry before priming.

If using static grass, glue this on after the model has been painted & varnished.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone - based on what you've said, I think I will stick with my initial plan.

IK-Painter wrote:

Kilkrazy wrote:
8. Add some Army Painter Highland Tufts.

Would you recommend the Highland Tufts? Can you use it with other forms of static grass, or do the Tufts replace them for you?

I never tried static grass because it looked like a fiddle.

The great thing about the Tufts is that they are already stuck into patches of clear base. You rip up as much as you need and superglue it to the base.

They do several different colours. I find the Highland works well with my rough beach sand.

I'm much less of a painter than some people, so I always look for quick and easy ways of producing "good enough" models that will stand up to tabletop use.

I always base before priming. If I add grass, that's after everything's painted and sealed. If you want to use the actual color of the basing material and not just paint it, then you can glue it on after everything's painted. I did that for my desert themed Orks when I was new to basing.

I usually take them apart from sprue and file them down, then assemble a couple pieces, prime, paint, fully assemble, then base

After attaching whatever model I'm working on to its base, I glue down sand with watered down Elmer's, then prime over the whole thing. I find that this method makes the sand stick more securely.

nectarprime wrote:After attaching whatever model I'm working on to its base, I glue down sand with watered down Elmer's, then prime over the whole thing. I find that this method makes the sand stick more securely.

Don't use Elmer's, unless it's actually Elmer's craft glue. Their glue-all is non-archival and won't last that long. Use PVA glue from a craft store.

Brother SRM wrote:

nectarprime wrote:After attaching whatever model I'm working on to its base, I glue down sand with watered down Elmer's, then prime over the whole thing. I find that this method makes the sand stick more securely.

Don't use Elmer's, unless it's actually Elmer's craft glue. Their glue-all is non-archival and won't last that long. Use PVA glue from a craft store.

Ummm ok.... I have models that are over 5 years old that I've used Elmer's on and they are fine. Priming the sand helps seal it also.

I add my bases at the time of mini assembly, prime and paint it all at the same time. However, since my bases are either painted black, or black sides with green flock top it doesnt much matter. Im just not that into putting a large amount of work into the base.