How to Paint Wargame Bases – 5 Easy Methods

🔧 What You'll Need

  • Base paint – the foundation color (usually a dark brown or grey)
  • Drybrush paint – a lighter shade for highlighting texture
  • Wash – dark shade to add depth (Agrax Earthshade, Nuln Oil, etc.)
  • Glue – PVA or super glue for basing materials
  • Basing materials – sand, small rocks, static grass, tufts
  • Primer – spray primer (optional but recommended)

If you don't have the right bases yet, check our Plastic Round Bases or Square Bases to get started.

🎨 Method 1: The Classic Drybrush (Best for Beginners)

This is the fastest and most forgiving method. Great for painting 20+ miniatures quickly.

Step 1 – Prime and Base Coat

Spray prime your bases black (or dark brown). Once dry, apply a solid base coat of brown paint. Don't worry about perfection – the base edge can be tidied up later.

Recommended colors: Rhinox Hide, Steel Legion Drab, or any dark brown.

Step 2 – Wash

Apply a dark wash (Agrax Earthshade works perfectly) over the entire base. Let it flow into all the crevices. This adds instant depth and makes details pop.

Let it dry completely (30–60 minutes).

Step 3 – Drybrush

Load a large brush with a lighter brown or beige, then wipe almost all of it off on a paper towel. Lightly brush over the base surfaces – the paint will catch the raised texture and leave the recesses dark.

Recommended colors: Zandri Dust, Terminatus Stone, or Karak Stone.

Do 2–3 passes, each time with a slightly lighter color, for more depth.

Step 4 – Clean Up the Rim

Use black or dark brown paint to neatly paint the base rim. This gives a clean, professional look on the tabletop. Two thin coats work best.

Step 5 (Optional) – Add Texture

For extra realism, apply a thin layer of PVA glue to the base top and dip it in sand or fine gravel. Do this before priming, then paint as above. You can also add static grass or grass tufts for a finished look.

🪨 Method 2: Realistic Battlefield Bases (Intermediate)

This method creates a more realistic, gritty look – perfect for Warhammer 40K armies.

Step 1 – Add Texture

Before priming, apply a thin layer of PVA glue to the base top. Sprinkle on a mix of fine sand and small rocks. Tap off excess and let it dry for a few hours.

Pro tip: Use movement trays to batch-prime multiple bases at once.

Step 2 – Prime

Spray prime the entire base black. The texture will hold the primer well and create natural shadows.

Step 3 – Base Coat

Apply a dark brown base coat over all textured areas. Don't worry about getting paint in every crevice – the black primer will do that job.

Step 4 – Wash

Apply Agrax Earthshade liberally. The wash will pool in the low areas and around the rocks, creating natural-looking shadows.

Step 5 – Drybrush (Two Stages)

First drybrush: Medium brown (e.g., Zandri Dust)
Second drybrush: Light beige or bone (e.g., Ushabti Bone) – only on the highest points.

Step 6 – Rim and Details

Paint the rim black. Optionally, dab a tiny bit of super glue and add a grass tuft or small detail piece for character.

🌿 Method 3: Grass / Forest Bases (For Fantasy & AoS)

Perfect for Sylvaneth, Wood Elves, or any army that lives in the woods.

Step 1 – Paint the Base Rim First

Since you'll be adding materials on top, paint the rim black or dark brown first. Touch-ups are harder after basing!

Step 2 – Apply Texture Paste (Optional)

For a natural ground look, apply a thin layer of texture paste or thick PVA glue mixed with baking soda. This creates a slightly uneven surface.

Step 3 – Base Coat and Wash

Base coat dark brown, wash with Agrax Earthshade. Same as Method 2.

Step 4 – Drybrush

Drybrush with increasingly lighter browns. Then apply a very light drybrush of bone or off-white to the highest points only.

Step 5 – Add Grass

Apply PVA glue in small patches. Use tweezers to place static grass or grass tufts. For a natural look, vary the grass colors (mix dark green, light green, and yellow).

Where to buy: Most hobby stores carry static grass, or check our shop for base accessories.

⚙️ Method 4: Industrial / Sci-Fi Bases (Necrons, AdMech, Tau)

For 40K armies that need a mechanical, futuristic look.

Step 1 – Base Coat Dark Metallic

Use Leadbelcher or Gunmetal spray directly on the base. No primer needed if using a primer spray paint.

Step 2 – Wash with Nuln Oil

Apply Nuln Oil (black wash) to the entire base. This creates the classic "oily metal" look.

Step 3 – Drybrush with Bright Silver

Drybrush lightly with Runefang Steel or Stormhost Silver to pick out edges and raised areas.

Step 4 – Add Rust or Grime (Optional)

For a weathered look, apply a thin wash of thinned-down orange or brown paint to recessed areas. Or use a rust effect paint.

Step 5 – Rim

Paint the rim in a complementary color – black works well, or dark red for a Mars/AdMech theme.

🏔️ Method 5: Snow Bases (Winter Themes)

Great for Space Wolves, Nurgle, or winter-themed armies.

Step 1 – Texture First

Add sand/gravel as in Method 2. This gives the snow something to settle around.

Step 2 – Base Coat Dark Grey

A dark grey base makes the white snow pop. Wash with Nuln Oil.

Step 3 – Drybrush Light Grey → White

Drybrush with Administratum Grey, then a light drybrush of White Scar or Corax White on the highest points only.

Step 4 – Apply Snow Effect

Mix PVA glue with water (50/50) and a drop of white paint. Apply to the base top. While wet, sprinkle on baking soda or dedicated snow effect material. Let dry overnight.

💡 Pro Tips for Better Bases

  • Batch paint your bases. Paint all 20 bases at once using the same steps – it's much faster than doing them one by one.
  • Use the right base size. Check our size guide if you're unsure what base your unit needs.
  • Edge highlight the rim. A thin line of light grey or bone along the top edge of the base rim makes it look much cleaner.
  • Don't overdo it. Simple, clean bases often look better than overly complicated ones – especially on a full 2,000-point army.
  • Match your army's theme. Your bases don't need to be identical across armies, but they should feel cohesive within a single force.

🛒 Recommended Products from Wargame Bases World

Good basing starts with good bases. We carry a full range of sizes and shapes:

Conclusion

Painting bases doesn't need to be complicated. The classic drybrush method (Method 1) will give you great results in minutes per base. As you get more confident, try adding texture materials and grass tufts for extra realism.

Remember: your army's bases are the foundation of the entire model – take a little time on them, and the whole army will look exponentially better.

Good luck, and happy painting! 🎨

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