Warhammer Basing Guide: Why Every Great Army Starts from the Ground Up

Need Help Choosing the Right Basing Materials?

When hobbyists talk about creating an impressive Warhammer army, conversations usually revolve around paint schemes, conversions or the latest miniatures. Yet one of the most overlooked aspects of the hobby is also one of the most important—basing.

A well-finished base transforms a painted miniature into a believable character standing on a living battlefield. Whether you're fighting across the ash wastes of Armageddon, the frozen plains of Fenris or the ruined streets of a Hive City, your bases tell the story before a single dice is rolled.

Why Is Basing So Important?

Think of your miniature as the main character and the base as the setting. Without the setting, something always feels unfinished.

A consistent basing scheme:

• Makes your entire army look unified.

• Adds realism and immersion.

• Frames your paint job and helps colours stand out.

• Creates stunning display pieces for cabinets and tournaments.

• Gives every model a narrative.

Many experienced hobbyists even say that a finished base can make an average paint job look great, while an unfinished base can make an excellent paint job feel incomplete.

Choosing a Theme

Before opening the glue or texture paint, decide on the story you want your army to tell.

Popular themes include:

Urban Ruins

Perfect for Space Marines, Astra Militarum and Adeptus Mechanicus forces fighting through shattered cities.

Materials:

• Cork

• Slate

• Rubble

• Broken plasticard

• Rust pigments

• 
  

Desert Wasteland

Ideal for Necrons, Thousand Sons or desert campaigns.

Materials:

• Sand

• Texture paste

• Dry tufts

• Bone fragments

• 
  

Snow & Ice

Excellent for Space Wolves or armies battling across frozen worlds.

Materials:

• Snow effects

• Ice crystals

• Rocks

• Winter grass

Forest & Jungle

Perfect for Sylvaneth, Seraphon or narrative campaigns.

Materials:

• Moss

• Static grass

• Tree roots

• Fallen leaves

Keeping every model on the same themed base instantly makes your force look more cohesive.

Essential Basing Materials

You don't need an expensive collection of products to get started.

A solid basing kit should include:

• PVA glue

• Texture paste

• Sand

• Cork sheet

• Small stones

• Static grass

• Tufts

• Dry pigments

• Hobby clippers

• Old brush for drybrushing

These simple materials can produce hundreds of unique bases.

Simple Step-by-Step Basing

If you're new to the hobby, try this beginner-friendly method.

Step 1 – Apply Texture

Spread texture paint or PVA glue over the base before adding sand or grit.

Step 2 – Let It Dry

Patience is key. Allow everything to cure fully before painting.

Step 3 – Basecoat

Paint the entire base with an earthy or thematic colour.

Step 4 – Drybrush

A lighter drybrush instantly brings out all the raised details.

Step 5 – Add Details

Glue on tufts, skulls, rocks or battlefield debris.

Step 6 – Paint the Rim

A clean black, brown or neutral rim finishes the model and makes it look professional.

Less Is Often More

One common mistake beginners make is trying to fit every basing product onto one miniature.

Instead, choose one or two focal elements and keep the rest simple.

Consistency across an army almost always looks better than making every base completely different.

Match the Base to Your Army

Contrast is your friend.

Dark miniatures often stand out better on lighter bases, while bright armies look fantastic against darker terrain.

Think about where your force is fighting and let the environment support your paint scheme instead of competing with it.

Ready to Take Your Hobby Further?

At Megathorium Models, we're passionate about helping hobbyists create armies they're proud to display and play with.

Whether you're looking for premium paints, hobby tools, basing materials, gaming accessories or expert advice, our team is here to help you bring your vision to life.

Visit us in-store, join one of our hobby events, or browse our range of hobby supplies and discover how the right tools can elevate your next project.

Final Thoughts

Basing is more than simply decorating a plastic disc. It's storytelling.

It's the final brushstroke that turns a painted miniature into a warrior fighting across the battlefields of the far future or the Mortal Realms.

So next time you finish painting a model, don't stop there.

Give it the battlefield it deserves.

Need Help Choosing the Right Basing Materials?

Not sure which texture paints, tufts or pigments will work best for your next project?

Our experienced team is always happy to help. Whether you're building your very first Combat Patrol or putting together a tournament-winning army, we can recommend the right products to suit your budget and hobby goals.

📞 Call us today on 01621 220590

📧 Email: info@megathoriummodels.co.uk

Or better yet...

Pop into our shop at Unit 12a, Mayfair Industrial Estate, Maldon Road, Latchingdon, CM3 6LF and see our huge range of hobby supplies in person.