PART 1

Basecoat

What you need

Superglue (liquid type) mixed sand (playground) and ballast (fine, medium, coarse)

A bare based mini, this won't do!

Step 1

Step 2

Where to start?  Well, let's start with a model.  It doesn't have to be painted, but I usually base my figures when they are complete (I'm a sloppy painter at times and don't like ruining a finished base). So now that we have a figure, let's start!  You need to get together the rest of your supplies.  For basing, I prefer a mix of playground sand and railroad ballast.  Woodland Scenics makes a good ballast in several sizes.  My mix includes course and fine (very fine is available, but has the same consistency as the sand).   I also use a liquid superglue (Locktite liquid).  You can use other glues, but I like the speed at which the superglue dries, and the hardness that it dries to.   Start by adding a little squeeze of superglue to the base and rolling it around for good coverage (see step 1).  When you have a good coat (it doesn't have to be the whole base), dip the base in your sand/ballast mix (see steps 2 & 3).

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

You then want to position the mini above your mix, and tap the base to remove the extra sand (see steps 4 & 5) Continue performing these steps (see steps 6 & 7)  until the base is fully covered.  Clean off any extra sand from the sides of the base at this time (before it dries) and let the mini set for a while (4-6 hours or so).  The superglue will set fairly fast, but will destroy a brush if you move on to the next part right away.

Step 6

Step 7

Looking better, now it needs some color...