At Bomran, we believe that the smallest details can make the biggest difference. Whether you’re painting up your first miniature or preparing your army for display, there’s one often-overlooked area that has the power to dramatically elevate your entire project: the scenic base.
Bomran is your one-stop destination for all things miniature hobbying. We specialise in supplying high-quality materials and accessories, including Vallejo’s incredible line of basing products. From textured pastes to scenic accessories, we’ve got the tools to help you create stunning, storytelling bases with ease. In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the world of scenic basing, exploring what they are, how to make them look amazing, and which products will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Let’s get started or view our full range today!
What are scenic bases?
In the simplest terms, a scenic base is the environment your miniature stands on. But in practice? It’s so much more. Scenic bases are mini-dioramas that add context, realism, and flair to your models. They can suggest everything from a derelict battlefield to a quiet cobbled street, and they instantly elevate the visual storytelling of your piece.
Think of a scenic base as the set for a theatrical performance. Just as an actor performs better in a well-crafted scene, your miniature “performs” better on a base that fits its character and narrative. Whether you’re building a gritty industrial zone, a lush forest floor, or a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the scenic base anchors your miniature in a believable world.
Scenic bases come in many shapes and styles. Some are simple, a bit of sand and a drybrush. Others are complex, with multiple layers of terrain, accessories, and effects like water or snow. What unites them is their power to immerse the viewer and add layers of meaning to your miniature. Best of all? Anyone can create a great scenic base with the right tools and guidance.
Level Up Your Miniatures: Our Favourite Scenic Basing Tips
Creating a scenic base that truly elevates your miniature isn’t just about slapping on some paint and materials; it’s about bringing the entire scene to life. With the right techniques and a bit of creativity, you can transform a simple base into a vivid storybook setting that complements and enhances your model. Ready to unlock some pro tips? Let’s explore our favourite scenic basing tips that every beginner (and seasoned hobbyist) should know…
Let the Base Tell a Story
The most compelling scenic bases are the ones that suggest a bigger narrative. Ask yourself: what just happened here? Is your miniature standing in the aftermath of a battle? Are they on patrol in a foggy swamp? Use the base to hint at movement, atmosphere, and emotion. A few scattered bricks, a fallen signpost, or a bit of broken tile can evoke an entire story.
Work in Layers
Layering adds depth and visual interest. Start with your ground texture—mud, sand, or rock. Once that dries, build up your scene with mid-level features like rubble, wood planks, or broken structures. Finally, add surface details like tufts, moss, or leaves. The layered approach ensures your base doesn’t look flat or rushed. It also allows you to experiment with different materials and build confidence as you go.
Match (or Contrast) the Miniature
A base can either complement or contrast with your model to great effect. A complementary base mirrors the tones and theme of your miniature, helping the whole piece feel unified. A contrasting base, on the other hand, makes the miniature pop and draws attention. For example, placing a vibrant model on a desaturated, gritty base adds dramatic impact.
Texture Is Everything
Nothing ruins a base faster than a lack of texture. Texture creates realism and suggests wear, erosion, and natural variation. Use basing pastes like Vallejo Black Mud, natural elements like cork or bark, or textured rollers and stamps to give your base some life. Even a rough brush stroke with a coarse brush can add essential texture.
Use Colour Theory Wisely
Colour affects mood and storytelling. Cool tones like blues and greys can suggest cold, dark, or industrial environments. Warm tones like red and brown suggest heat, dryness, or chaos. Use colour to highlight features or direct attention. Washes and dry brushing are great techniques for adding tonal variation and drawing out details.
Points of Interest Make It Memorable
Don’t be afraid to add a standout feature. It could be a single fuel drum, a bloodied shield, or a fallen statue. These focal points draw the viewer’s eye and add a memorable element to your base. Just be sure not to overdo it—too many elements can make your scene feel cluttered.
Water Effects for Drama
Adding water to your base can transform it. A puddle can suggest rain. A stream can suggest movement. Use Vallejo Still Water for a simple, realistic finish. Want ice? Paint the base in icy colours first and add a layer of Still Water on top. Just remember to contain the pour—you don’t want water leaking off the edge!
Composition Matters
Think about placement. Is your miniature dead centre? Try offsetting them or rotating them slightly for a more dynamic composition. Think in terms of thirds, diagonals, and balance. This design principle makes your piece feel more intentional and less static.
Final Touches Count
Once everything is set, clean up your base rim with a solid colour. Black is a classic choice, but some hobbyists opt for brown or grey. A clean edge makes the whole piece feel professional and finished. Don’t skip this step—it’s the frame around your miniature’s masterpiece.
By applying these tips, you’ll not only improve the look of your scenic bases but also develop a stronger connection to the stories your miniatures tell. Remember, every detail you add is a brushstroke in a larger narrative that brings your hobby to life. So experiment boldly, layer thoughtfully, and let your imagination run wild; your miniatures deserve nothing less than a base as spectacular as they are.
Base Like a Pro: Our Favourite Products to Bring the Scene to Life
1. Vallejo Black Mud (200ml)
This thick, paste-like texture is brilliant for creating warzones, trenches, and muddy back alleys. It dries with a rough, uneven finish that screams realism. Plus, it’s paintable and works well with other materials like sand or grit.
2. Vallejo Coloured Bricks
Scatter these tiny bricks across your base to add urban decay, war-torn streets, or architectural ruins. They come pre-coloured, but you can easily drybrush them for extra detail. They’re perfect for 28mm scale miniatures.
3. Vallejo Damaged Roof Section Tiles
These pre-broken roof pieces add a fantastic layer of storytelling. Place them underfoot or leaning on a wall to suggest a building collapse or long-forgotten ruin. Pair with moss or tufts for added depth.
4. Vallejo Still Water (200ml)
A must-have for adding puddles, streams, or damp effects. It’s crystal clear, self-levelling, and easy to use. Use it in combination with colour underlayers for realistic depth.
5. Vallejo Ardennes Village Wall
Add a classic European vibe with this textured wall section. Great for WWII settings or fantasy villages. Easy to paint and weather-resistant.
6. Vallejo Modern Fuel Drums
These detailed barrels can set an industrial or sci-fi scene with ease. They look great, rusted up with pigments or weathering powders. Use one or two per base for maximum impact.
7. Vallejo Wild Tuft Dry Green (Extra Large)
Instant nature! These extra-large tufts are perfect for wild fields, overgrown ruins, or fantasy woodland settings. Use a few sparingly to break up uniform textures.
8. Vallejo Wooden Barrels
Perfect for rustic or medieval scenes. Add one next to a miniature for an immediate sense of scale and environment. They look great with woodgrain effects and can be easily modified for battle damage.
The Benefits of Top Quality Scenic Base Products
- Premium Materials, Professional Results
Quality products like those from Vallejo offer a consistent, high-quality finish. They’re easier to apply, more durable, and designed specifically for miniatures. That means better texture, better adhesion, and less frustration.
- Save Time, Not Creativity
Cheaper materials can require multiple layers or extra drying time. Premium products like Vallejo’s texture pastes or tufts are ready to go out of the pot or packet. Less time prepping means more time creating.
- Easy Integration with Paints
Vallejo products are designed to work seamlessly with their paints and washes. That means colours blend more naturally, and weathering effects look more convincing. Everything works together, which removes the guesswork.
- Long-Lasting Durability
Scenic bases take a beating during transport and gameplay. High-quality products hold up better over time, resisting chipping, crumbling, or fading. This is especially important if you’re entering competitions or showcasing your work.
- Perfect Scale & Proportions
Ready-made scenic elements like barrels, bricks and tiles are crafted for scale accuracy. This avoids the “toy-like” effect you sometimes get with hand-made or off-scale items.
- Enhances Overall Presentation
When you use quality materials, it shows. Your bases look sharper, more realistic, and more cohesive. This elevates the overall impression of your miniature—and makes your work stand out.
- Great for Beginners
Top quality doesn’t mean complex. Most premium basing materials are easier for beginners to use because they’re designed with hobbyists in mind. You get better results, faster, with less effort.
- Consistency Across Armies
When working on large projects or full armies, using the same high-quality materials ensures a consistent look across your models. This helps tie your force together visually.
- Endless Possibilities
Top-quality scenic products are incredibly versatile. From fantasy to sci-fi to historical, they’re adaptable to almost any genre or aesthetic. That means fewer limits and more creative freedom.
In Conclusion: Your Miniatures Deserve a World Beneath Their Feet
Basing isn’t just about decoration, it’s about expression. It’s your chance to set the scene, establish the mood, and tell a story that goes beyond the miniature itself. Whether you’re creating a windswept hill, a ruined chapel floor, or a cyberpunk loading dock, the base gives context and depth to your miniature.
With the right mindset and the best tools, scenic basing is accessible, exciting, and deeply rewarding. It transforms your miniatures from static figures into living, breathing characters. And with Bomran’s range of top-quality products, you’ve got everything you need to get started – view our full range here.
FAQs
What is the easiest scenic base for beginners?
Start with texture paste and tufts. They’re easy to use and give impressive results quickly.
Can I base my model before painting?
Yes, many hobbyists do! Just be careful to mask off areas to avoid unwanted paint splatter.
How long does it take for the basing materials to dry?
Most texture pastes dry in 1–2 hours, but full curing can take longer. Always check the product label.
Can I use household items for basing?
Yes! Sand, coffee grounds, or broken cork make great basing materials—just seal them properly.
What glue should I use for basing elements?
Super glue or PVA glue works well for most basing accessories.
Are Vallejo basing products safe indoors?
Yes, Vallejo products are non-toxic and water-based, making them safe for indoor use.
How can I fix mistakes on a base?
Let it dry, sand it down, and reapply texture or paint. Most mistakes are easily fixable.
Should I base each model individually or in batches?
Batch basing is great for armies. For display pieces, take your time and customise each base.
How do I make my base look natural?
Use variation in texture, colour, and height. Nature is never uniform.
Ready to Start Your Basing Adventure?
The world your miniatures live in is just as important as the miniatures themselves. At Bomran, we’re here to help you create scenic bases that bring your models to life. Explore our full range of basing products today and start crafting mini-masterpieces that truly stand out. Your base is your canvas. Let your imagination run wild.
