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Im wanting to make my first Wargaming table.
The table itself is already built, it will be 4x3foot can make it bigger if needed.
The issue I'm having is making scenery and the table top its self into something which looks relatively good, but doesnt require a whole lot of know how.
Ive looked around for different tutorials. But I find its easier If Im talking to the person Im getting advice off.
Any examples are appreciated.

I also want to know if there are any paints out there that are on the same level as Citadel but dont come with the same price tag.

Thanks all in advance.

You will want at least 4x4 foot... 3 feet is not big enough for some games (whfb, 40k). Terrain can be easily made from high density foam, like insulation foam. Household paint goes over that nicely.

Youtube, look for terrainaholic, rubbishinrubbishout and kamloopian.

There are man more good resources there as well.

As far as "talking to" they talk to you.

Here are some things to consider ...

What are your storage needs.
Do you have a particular type of terrain you like?
What kind of a budget do you have?
What is a more limited resource - time or money?
How are your crafting skills?

Think about those things, then let us know any specific questions you might have.

(last note: on the paints regarding citidel...please at least look through this forum...there are AT LEAST two active threads on cheaper paint. However, for most terrain you don't want model paint - craft paint will be just fine - you can get craft acrylic paint at most crafting stores cheap).

best of luck!

davethepak wrote:
Youtube, look for terrainaholic, rubbishinrubbishout and kamloopian.

There are man more good resources there as well.

As far as "talking to" they talk to you.

Here are some things to consider ...

What are your storage needs.
Do you have a particular type of terrain you like?
What kind of a budget do you have?
What is a more limited resource - time or money?
How are your crafting skills?

Think about those things, then let us know any specific questions you might have.

In terms of storage that isnt a problem
I have a rough idea of what I want to do, it will a Imperial Guard outpost on planet with Lava stems in the ground(So I want to be able to dig into the ground so I will have a base layer of foam)
In terms of budget, I have a ton of polystyrene and paint and terrain can be easily bought. I wouldnt wanna spend more than £50 if thats possible.
I have plenty of time, and money well I wanna try do it within £50
My crafting skills are sub-par but I learn really well, and will be able to get the assistance of people with craft knowledge(More wood based)

Good info.

Sounds like you will want a table with the surface made of the high density insulation foam (not the white stuff, but the blue or pink stuff you can get at home improvement stores) that way you have thickness you can carve into for your rivers of lava.

If this does not work, you can simulate a depth change with some various surface techniques of building up "banks" with putty or hot glue (this is common in cardboard RPG terrain) - but the foam is a lot easier to work with.

I would say, get some foam, make a few simple sketches and watch a few videos on the net and experiment.

While you can get tons of ideas and tool suggestions online, nothing replaces first hand experience.

One final note: when working with foam, high temp hot glue melts it A LOT, and you need to coat it with something before spray painting it as the propellants in most spray cans will eat it.

best of luck and have fun!

Thanks man. Sound advice, I was thinking about the foam stuff being better.

Any idea what the stuff to stop the spray can eating is called?

Use regular household primer instead of aerosol primer, you should be able to get a litre at a paint store for 10 pounds or so. Will last you a long time, too!

Try to get what's called a 'plastic primer' - basically a primer for difficult surfaces - they usually are good for fiberglass and such as well. A little goes a long way!

Hmm ok, Ill nip into B&Q tomorrow see what I can find.

Thanks for the help. Lets hope all goes well.

Also use emulsion paint - take a colour sample for them to scan & they can match it with their mixing machine.

Cutting into the isulation foam as mentioned above is a great plan.

If you want just a surface that you can put modular terrain on, a 4x8 sheet of plywood ran me $40 at the local hardware store. Some cheap wood planks added support to the bottom $12 and I got a 50"x100" roll of flock grass from a model train store for $25. That would seem to fit your budget as well.

For your specific setup, make sure you find a good tool for carving insulation. My knife and screwdriver work, I am highly considering a hot wire cutter.

On the paint, I've been having a surprisingly little melting recently (actually tried to cause melting and failed). You may only need the paint itself, but test it first on some scrap. Might save you some cash in exchange for time.

For protecting/priming foam:
I have used -
*craft paint
* paint can primer
* acrylic gesso (from the craft store - basically a primer)

For working with foam
* various brands hot wire cutters - very awesome.
* bread knife.
* big blade utility knife
* high grit sanding sponges
* various scraping tools
* heat gun (be careful of fumes)
* soldering iron

Oh, and this ....thing! (I could not remember what it was called). For doing negative surfaces (i.e. cutting INTO something, rather than cutting something off...) this tool is VERY handy.
http://www.harborfreight.com/curved-multi-rasp-66641.html

I do enough terrain (for our group, and I also do large project commissions) that I even built my own hot wire cutting table, although to be honest for this simple trench work you don't really need one (its handy for making buildings, lots of walls, bridges, etc.).

best of luck!