Basing figures for 20mm WW2

Basing figures is quite straight forward .Most rule systems will say how figures should be based to be able to play their game .However ,for 20mm the most common and universal way to base figures is for each figure to be on it’s own base .On it’s own a figure is quite light and might move around or fall over .To avoid this create a base that’s quite heavy .You can buy metal washers at most DIY shops that are the size of a small coin .The other option and one that’s widely used ,is to use English 1pence pieces .Cheaper then metal washers and just the right size to base 20mm figures on .

 To make the texture for the base you will need the following …

1. Fine sand .You can buy this from pet shops .It’s usually sold for bird cadges .Or you can get it from a builders merchant .If you do buy it from a builders merchant make sure the sand is sifted before use to remove all the large grains or debris .
2. Acrylic paint .For terrain of any type ,it’s a good idea to buy a large tin from a paint merchant .They will mix a colour for you .I always use dark brown but you could use green if you prefer .A large tin will cost you around £10 but works out much cheaper then using your craft paints and will last a couple of years .
3. Water .plain tap water is all you need.
4. PVA glue .This is optional .I’ve never needed to use any ,but for large areas it might be worth adding a little for extra strength and durability .You will need PVA glue to attach static grass to the finished base.
5. A plastic tub .To mix and store the texture use a small plastic tub with a good lid to it .I’ve found the small 1ltr ice cream tubs are ideal and prevent the mix from drying out .
6. Static grass .This is fine modelling grass ,available at most good hobby shops.

To make the texture ,take the tub and fill 50% of it with sand .Pour in about a coffee cup worth of paint and about half that amount of water .Mix together with a sturdy screwdriver .What your after is a grainy paste .Add more paint and water as needed until you get the right consistency .Don’t make it runny or the finished base will look to flat .Don’t make it lumpy or you won’t be able to apply it to the base properly .

 To look after the mixture ,make sure when your not using it to keep the tub sealed .If you find the mixture is getting a little dry ,just add a bit of water and stir it in .One mix will last me about 6 months for just basing figures .

 Using the texture .To create the base take a small flathead screwdriver and carefully apply the texture to the base avoiding the feet of the figure .Don’t get any on the sides of the base as this will make the finished model look messy .Wait until the texture has dried .It takes about 45 minutes to dry properly .Depending on the colour of texture you chose ,you now need to dry brush the base .If like me you chose dark brown ,you will need a light brown for dry brushing .Dry brushing will create a 3D look to the base .Next you need to paint the sides of the base .The colour you chose is entirely your own preference .I prefer a dark brown ,slightly darker then the base ,however I do use other colours depending on the geographical region I’m basing the figures for .I’ll use a sandy brown for desert ,dark brown for western Europe .Next is to add some static grass .Place a few blobs of watered down pva glue randomly on the base and sprinkle on some static grass .Allow to dry then shake or blow the excess grass off .Finally spray with matt varnish ,this will ensure the static grass won’t fall off at a later date . To make the base look more scenic add small stones or long grass at the stage before adding the texture to the base

The picture shows the finished base .I used a dark brown texture ,dry brushed in light drown and has a sprinkling of static grass .The side of the base is also painted dark brown .

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