When it comes to miniature painting in hobbies like Warhammer, Infinity, or Bolt Action, many painters understandably focus their attention on perfecting the model itself— creating crisp highlights, smooth blends, and stunning freehand details. However, one critical aspect that often gets overlooked is the base. A well-crafted base can dramatically elevate even a modest paint job, while a poorly finished or neglected base can leave the most expertly painted miniature looking incomplete.
Why the Base Matters
The base is the literal foundation of your miniature, and it serves a dual purpose: grounding the model in its environment and enhancing the overall visual impact of your work. A good base tells a story, setting the scene for your miniature and adding a layer of immersion. For example, a Space Marine standing on a cracked desert wasteland or an Infinity operative positioned on a futuristic city street with hints of neon lighting reflected on the ground adds context that complements the paint job and ties the model to its narrative environment.
Neglecting the base, on the other hand, undermines your work. A beautifully painted figure perched on a plain black base, or one hastily smeared with some sand and glue, feels incomplete. The disconnect between the model's detail and the base's lack of attention jars the viewer, detracting from the effort you put into painting.
How a Strong Base Elevates Your Miniature
A strong base enhances the overall presentation of your miniature and can transform a good model into a truly standout piece. Here are four key ways a strong base elevates your miniature:
- Adds Depth and Storytelling: A base creates an environmental context for your miniature, giving it a sense of place and narrative. This transforms your model from just a figure into a character within a scene.
- Balances the Overall Presentation: A well-executed base frames your miniature, drawing the eye to the model itself while still complementing its design. It’s like a good photo frame—it supports without overpowering.
- Enhances Even Basic Paint Jobs: If you're new to painting or don’t have time for highly detailed techniques, a strong base can make a simple model shine. A well-textured base with thoughtful colours and details adds polish, making the whole project look cohesive.
- Bridges Inconsistencies: A creative base can help unify a model that might have slight imperfections. By pulling the focus to the overall composition, it can shift attention from small mistakes on the miniature.
Crafting a Great Base
Creating a great base doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Here are a few tips:
- Plan the Environment: Decide where your miniature is "living." Is it standing in a war-torn city, a dense forest, or an alien landscape? Let this guide your materials and colour choices.
- Texture is Key: Use materials like sand, cork, small rocks, or texture paints to create realistic ground effects. These add visual interest with minimal effort.
- Layer Your Colours: Just like on your miniature, apply base coats, washes, and highlights to the textures on your base. This makes even simple designs pop.
- Details Bring it to Life: Add small details like tufts of grass, snow effects, or debris. These touches tell a story and tie the miniature into its setting.
- Seal Your Work: Don’t forget to seal your base with a matte varnish to protect it during gaming or display.
A great base isn’t just a platform for your miniature—it’s a stage that showcases your work in the best possible light. While it’s tempting to rush through basing to move on to the next model, taking the time to craft a thoughtful and well-finished base will always pay off. Remember, even a basic paint job can look fantastic on a great base, but a poorly done base can make even the most beautifully painted model look unfinished.
Check out our range of diorama texture paints and grass tufts to get started on improving your bases.
So next time you’re at your painting desk, give your bases the love they deserve. Your miniatures—and anyone admiring them—will thank you!
