How to Base Miniatures: A Comprehensive Guide

Basing miniatures is an essential part of miniature painting, enhancing both the presentation and immersion of your models. A well-based miniature elevates even a simple paint job, making characters feel more dynamic and grounded in their setting. Whether you’re painting Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, or historical miniatures, a thoughtfully crafted base adds aesthetic appeal and storytelling—whether it’s a lone warrior trudging through snow, adventurers exploring a mystical forest, or soldiers marching across a war-torn city.
Beyond artistic impact, basing also creates contrast and depth that make miniatures more visually compelling. A dark and moody figure may stand out against a glowing lava base, while a bright, heroic character can pop against a ruined battlefield. Using materials like sand, static grass, cork, and water effects can add realism and texture, bringing your miniatures to life. Additionally, textured or weighted bases provide better stability, making models less prone to tipping during gameplay.
This guide covers the fundamentals of miniature basing, from choosing a theme and materials to advanced techniques like lava, swamp, and snow effects. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simple yet effective methods or an experienced hobbyist pushing for more intricate details, this guide will help you craft immersive bases that enhance the overall impact of your miniatures.

Part 1. Choosing a Theme for Your Bases
Before you begin basing your miniatures, it’s important to decide what kind of environment they belong in. The base should enhance the narrative of your army or character. Here are some common themes you might consider:
Grassland / Meadow
A classic, versatile choice for fantasy and historical miniatures. This base type uses a mix of static grass, grass tufts, dirt, and small stones to create a natural landscape.
- Best for: Empire, Bretonnia, High Elves, Chaos Warriors, Historical Armies
- Materials: Static grass, fine sand, small rocks, tufts
Desert / Wasteland
A dry, barren landscape, perfect for nomadic armies or post-apocalyptic settings. Fine sand, cracked earth effects, and warm drybrushing techniques bring out the arid aesthetic.
- Best for: Tomb Kings, Tau, Chaos Marauders
- Materials: Fine sand, texture paste, dry grass tufts, weathering powders
Snow / Ice World
Snow-covered bases can make a model stand out, adding contrast and cold realism. Using baking soda, white paint, and gloss varnish creates an icy effect.
- Best for: Space Wolves, Kislev, Frostgrave, Ice Trolls
- Materials: Baking soda, white glue, gloss varnish, crackle medium
Urban Ruins / Rubble
Perfect for war-torn battlegrounds, ruined cities, or post-apocalyptic wastelands. This type of base uses broken bricks, plasticard, and debris to create a devastated cityscape.
- Best for: Imperial Guard, Chaos, Necromunda Gangs
- Materials: Corkboard, plasticard, sand, debris bits, rust pigments
Swamp / Wetlands
A murky, damp look with water effects, moss, and reeds. Adding small pools of water and algae gives the illusion of a soggy battlefield.
- Best for: Lizardmen, Nurgle, Swamp Orcs, Undead
- Materials: Greenstuff, water resin, moss, swamp tufts
Lava / Volcanic
A fiery, hellish look with cracked earth, glowing lava, and blackened rock. Drybrushing the cracks with bright orange and yellow gives the illusion of glowing magma.
- Best for: Khorne, Fire Elementals, Salamanders, Chaos Dwarfs
- Materials: Cork, texture paste, orange/yellow paints, gloss varnish
Underground / Cavern
For a dark and subterranean feel that includes rocky caves, tunnels, caverns and abandoned mines.
- Best for: Skaven, Drow, Dwarfs, Night Goblins and Underdark Creatures
- Materials: Cork, pebbles, foam, texture paste, brown, black or gray paints, matte or gloss varnish
Here is a List of Basic Basing Materials
- Sand
- Static grass
- Cork
- Water effects
- Texture paints
- Gravel
- Small rocks
- Tufts and foliage
- Snow effects
- Pigments for weathering

The simplest way to base miniatures is just to glue sand onto the base and paint the sand to match your theme. This will work for a sand or wasteland themed display.
Part 2. Basic Basing Techniques
This part covers some fundamental basing techniques, including applying texture, painting, and adding simple details to create visually appealing and immersive miniature bases.
Step 1: Preparing the Base
Before applying materials, ensure the base is clean and smooth. If using a plastic base, you may want to lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper to improve glue adhesion.
If the miniature’s feet do not sit naturally on the base, use green stuff or modeling putty to sculpt a more natural transition.
Step 2: Applying the Base Texture
The base texture determines the terrain your miniature will stand on. There are several methods to achieve a realistic texture:
Option 1: Sand & PVA Glue
- Apply PVA glue (or Mod Podge) over the base.
- Sprinkle fine sand or gravel onto the glue while wet.
- Shake off excess and let it dry before painting.
Option 2: Texture Paints
Many companies, like Citadel, Vallejo, and AK Interactive, make pre-mixed texture paints designed for basing. Simply spread them onto the base using a spatula or old brush.
Option 3: Cork for Rocks & Stone
- Tear small pieces of cork to create natural-looking rock formations.
- Glue them to the base.
- Fill gaps with texture paste or sand for realism.
Step 3: Painting the Base
Once the texture has dried, prime the base in black or dark brown to enhance shadows. Then, apply the following techniques:
- Basecoat: Apply a solid layer of paint to match the terrain (e.g., dark brown for dirt, gray for stone).
- Drybrushing: Use a lighter shade and lightly brush over the raised areas to add depth.
- Washes: Apply dark washes (like Agrax Earthshade or Nuln Oil) to increase contrast and realism.
Example:
- Dirt Base: Basecoat Dark Brown → Drybrush Medium Brown → Edge highlight with Tan.
- Stone Base: Basecoat Dark Gray → Drybrush Light Gray → Edge highlight with White.
Step 4: Adding Scenic Details
Once the base is painted, you can add realistic details such as these examples below:
- Grass & Tufts: Attach static grass or tufts using tweezers and glue.
- Small Rocks & Debris: Sprinkle tiny pebbles or broken sprue pieces.
- Skulls & Bones: Many miniatures kits include spare skulls for extra detail.
- Water Effects: Use resin or gloss gel to simulate puddles or swamp water.
Step 5: Sealing & Varnishing
To ensure your base lasts, seal it with a varnish:
- Matte varnish for natural looks.
- Gloss varnish for wet effects (water, lava, ice).
Part 3. Advanced Basing Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics of basing, advanced techniques can take your miniatures to the next level by adding realism, depth, and atmosphere. These techniques involve using specialized materials, intricate layering, and creative painting methods to create immersive and highly detailed scenes. Below are several advanced basing techniques and how to achieve them.
1. Realistic Water Effects
Creating realistic water effects, such as rivers, puddles, or swampy terrain, adds a dynamic element to a base.
Materials Needed:
- Clear resin or UV resin
- Water effect paints or gels
- Transparent acrylic sheets (for waterfalls)
- Pigments or inks (for tinting water)
- Gloss varnish
Steps:
- Paint the base where the water will go, using darker shades for depth.
- Use a clear resin or water gel to pour the water, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- For moving water, use a sculpting tool or a hairdryer to shape ripples.
- Apply gloss varnish once dry for added shine.
- (Optional) Add floating debris, lily pads, or drowned skeletons for extra detail.
2. Lava and Volcanic Bases
Lava bases create striking contrast and a fiery atmosphere, perfect for demons, Chaos warriors, or volcanic landscapes.
Materials Needed:
- Texture paint or sand for rocky terrain
- Red, orange, and yellow paints for the lava
- Black or dark gray for cooled lava
- Gloss varnish for a molten effect
Steps:
- Sculpt raised terrain using cork or modeling putty to create cracks and fissures.
- Paint the recessed areas with a gradient from yellow to orange to red.
- Dry brush black or dark gray on the raised rocky areas to simulate cooled lava.
- Apply gloss varnish or water effects to make the lava look molten.
3. Snow and Ice Bases
Perfect for winter settings, frozen landscapes, or tundra-themed armies.
Materials Needed:
- Baking soda, crushed glass, or artificial snow flock
- White glue or PVA glue
- Gloss varnish or Mod Podge
- Light blue and white paints for ice effects
Steps:
- Apply a thin layer of PVA glue to areas where snow will go.
- Sprinkle artificial snow or baking soda while the glue is still wet.
- For icy patches, mix white glue with a bit of blue paint and apply in smooth areas.
- Apply gloss varnish for a wet or frozen look.
- Dry brush white on raised areas to enhance the frosty effect.
4. Swamp and Muddy Bases
A great way to create grimy, wet, or eerie environments for undead, monsters, or jungle-based armies.
Materials Needed:
- Brown and green washes for muddy tones
- Clear resin or water effect gel
- Static grass, moss, and reeds
- Small rocks for terrain variation
Steps:
- Apply a mix of brown texture paint and green washes to create a swampy effect.
- Pour a thin layer of clear resin for standing water.
- Add static grass, reeds, or moss for plant life.
- Use gloss varnish on wet mud areas for added realism.
5. Cracked Earth and Desert Bases
Ideal for wastelands, undead legions, or arid environments.
Materials Needed:
- Crackle paint or crackle medium
- Sand and gravel
- Dry pigments for weathering
Steps:
- Apply a thick layer of crackle paint over the base and let it dry naturally.
- Dry brush with desert tones like beige, ochre, and brown.
- Add sand and gravel for extra texture.
- Lightly apply dry pigments for a dusty, wind-swept look.
6. Urban and Ruined City Bases
Great for gothic horror, post-apocalyptic settings, or futuristic warzones.
Materials Needed:
- Corkboard or plasticard for broken pavement
- Small bricks, rubble, and debris
- Metal rods or wire for twisted rebar
- Weathering pigments
Steps:
- Cut and shape cork or plasticard to resemble cracked pavement.
- Glue bricks, rubble, and rebar onto the base.
- Use gray and brown washes for weathering.
- Apply dry pigments to create dust and grime.
7. Underground and Cavern Bases
Underground bases create a dark, mysterious, and enclosed environment, perfect for subterranean creatures like Dwarfs, Skaven, Dark Elves, and Underdark monsters. These bases can feature rocky tunnels, glowing crystals, damp cavern floors, or abandoned ruins.
Materials Needed:
- Cork or foam for rock formations
- Sand and texture paste for uneven ground
- Small resin or plastic crystals for glowing effects
- Water effects or gloss varnish for damp areas
- Dark earth pigments for a grimy, cave-dwelling look
Steps:
- Use cork or foam to sculpt jagged rock formations and cave walls.
- Apply a mix of sand and texture paste to create uneven cavern floors.
- Add glowing crystals by painting them with bright colors and applying gloss varnish.
- Dry brush gray and brown tones for a natural, rocky effect.
- Use water effects or gloss varnish to simulate damp cave floors or underground rivers.