When you scroll through social media, you often see stunningly painted miniatures accompanied by proud comments like, „Finally finished!” But more often than not, there’s something missing – the base. It’s as if the brush never touched it, leaving a flat, unpainted surface beneath an otherwise impressive model. This raises an interesting question: Are we, as wargamers, base-blind?
Wargamers spend countless hours perfecting every detail on their miniatures, from layering and shading to adding highlights that make the model pop. Painting competitions like Golden Demon and countless „How to Paint a Miniature” guides naturally make us focus on this aspect… Yet, the base, which forms the foundation of the model, is frequently overlooked. While it’s easy to focus solely on the figure, we must remember that the base contributes about 20-30% to the overall visual impact of the miniature. A fully finished base enhances the immersion, telling a story about where the character is standing—whether it’s a war-torn battlefield, a desolate wasteland, or a lush, alien jungle.
What’s surprising is that finishing a base often takes just a fraction of the time spent painting the miniature itself. In fact, it’s arguably the simplest part of the entire process. With just some basic materials – PVA glue, sand, bark, gravel, static grass, or a few scattered rocks – you can create a visually cohesive base that complements your figure. No advanced techniques are necessary, yet the difference it makes is enormous.
By neglecting the base, we miss out on an essential part of what brings our miniatures to life. The base isn’t just a platform; it frames the figure and helps anchor it in the world we’ve built for our wargames. Imagine a beautifully painted knight standing on bare plastic – suddenly, the magic fades.
Some might argue that it’s difficult or time-consuming to finish bases, but with modern basing materials – tufts of grass, texture paints, and ready-made scenic elements – it’s easier than ever to create bases that complement your miniatures without requiring hours of work. And the payoff? A miniature that truly feels complete.
So next time you finish painting a figure, take a moment to consider the base. It’s not just an afterthought – it’s a crucial piece of the visual puzzle. Let’s move away from being base-blind and give our miniatures the finishing touch they deserve.