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I'm looking for some cheap, effective textured paint for basing, the kind of stuff that looks good at a casual glance and is quick to achieve.

I've tried the GW textured paints (too expensive for what you get) and the Coat D'Arms version (not enough texture).

Does anyone have any ideas?

Vallejo textures?

http://www.snmstuff.co.uk/vallejo-effects/

I've tried the textured paints and the drying cracking stuff and nothing is as good as plain old glued and fine beach sand. SUPER cheap and you can make a ton of different bases with just that, some different colored paints and some imagination.

Azreal13 wrote:Vallejo textures?

http://www.snmstuff.co.uk/vallejo-effects/

Thanks, looks interesting, has anyone tried them?

Mdlbuildr wrote:I've tried the textured paints and the drying cracking stuff and nothing is as good as plain old glued and fine beach sand. SUPER cheap and you can make a ton of different bases with just that, some different colored paints and some imagination.

Yeah, I've got plenty of beach sand thanks! I'm looking for something that is quicker than the whole "glue sand to base, wait for it to dry, then paint" thing.

 Undead_Love-Machine wrote:


Yeah, I've got plenty of beach sand thanks! I'm looking for something that is quicker than the whole "glue sand to base, wait for it to dry, then paint" thing.

Ahhh, got it!

 Undead_Love-Machine wrote:

Azreal13 wrote:Vallejo textures?

http://www.snmstuff.co.uk/vallejo-effects/

Thanks, looks interesting, has anyone tried them?

Oh, I've tried them, wouldn't suggest if not!

Limited use though, only one of the lighter shades. They're pretty much as you might imagine, a hard, gritty substrate in a colored medium. Probably need to be applied with a spatula or other tools rather than painted on, but will take a limited amount of sculpting. Quite slow to dry, and needs to be built up in layers rather than just dumped on in thick lumps. At least, that's my gut instinct. A standard infantry base will probably cover in a oner though.

It's a terrain/diorama material rather than a basing material, so it's just that little bit more crude, but it comes in good size jars (they're about jam jar sized) so reasonable value and may do what you want.

Go to a classic art supply store, they have a variety of additive textures for paints.
http://www.liquitex.com/us/shop/mediums/available-in/effects-medium/36023/
Liquitex has been my go-to for more exotic stuff.
They are supposedly the inventors of the modern day acrylic paint.
http://www.liquitex.com/AboutUs/

I think in your part of the world "Ken Bromley Supplies" carries them.
The other contact info is here:
http://www.liquitex.com/Contact/
They have a UK specific contact listed there.

Hope this helps.

the vallejo stuff is very useful, and quite cost effective over all, if you want quick. You really don't even need to basecoat your stuff imo. Although I do tend to use it more for terrain.

For bases - sand (make sure it's clean if you collect it yourself) yes! small gravel is also great, usually you can get a pretty good deal on aquarium rocks, so you might check there first.

I also hang onto almost every little bit of sprue and clipping and make my own texture paint. Mind you it is better for terrain, because of size, but you can easily sort out the smaller stuff and use for bases. Just add paint and PVA and you're good to go. It might be a bear if you haven't been hanging onto your stuffs, but for future reference as you're cutting sprues etc, throw the remains in a cup and when you need them, it'll likely be full.

This is how I did all my luna wolves bases (plus cork and some other random pieces).

You will want to remember to squirt 50/50 pva/water over the top of your bases, once you've gotten your stuff on there, before painting or priming, so it'll really stick. Give it a day or at least a few hours to completely dry and it'll be hard as rock (lol) and it won't come off nearly as easily while painting etc.

good luck have fun!

Thanks everyone.

Thanks for the info on the Vallejo stuff Azreal, it sounds like it might be perfect for my needs.

 Undead_Love-Machine wrote:
Thanks everyone.

Thanks for the info on the Vallejo stuff Azreal, it sounds like it might be perfect for my needs.

I always use it, i find it very useful. Note that some of it is quite fine, especially the sand textures. The dark earth and rust looks a lot better on GW minis because it is more gritty.

Once dry it is easy to prime, paint, wash and drybrush.