"Putting tufts on bases" Topic

Getting current on the popular basing style. When I glue down a layer of sand do I have to clear areas for grass tufts? I don't see this done on any examples, so is it needed?

Good question. Tufts don't stick to sand very well.

I have been applying a layer of paint/pva mix, applying the tuft, then dunking or covering with sand while the paint/pva is still wet. All in one step. Usally the tuft holds on and survives.

Curious to know what the best practice is.

I base with lightly textured molding paste link then prime and paint the figures and the base with all the highlights and dry brushing completed. Tufts are the very last thing I apply.

Then wherever there is an imperfection on the base, or I can see a bit of the figure base itself exposed, I drop a dot of white glue (PVA) on it and put the tuft there to hide it. The glue fills small gaps, dries clear, and provides a durable bond with no apparent pattern.

I do use a sand and glue mix to add texture to my bases.

After painting the mix with a thin coat of earth I will let this thoroughly dry before adding electrostatic grass. The grass usually covers no more than 30% of the surface.

Then the tufts of grass are placed randomly about the uncovered areas.

Have fun.

I use self adhesive tufts and have had no problems sticking them on after applying pva and sand to the bases.

I white glue them directly onto the sand coated base. Sometimes they don't stick down very well and need a second application of glue but thats not very often.

I do the sand, drybrush and flock, then the tufts last. They are self adhesive but I use super-glue. No problems so far…

How do you hide the self adhesive shiny base from the tuft?

I use PVA + a mixture of three differnt colored sands, mixed together. After this dries, I apply small tufts of lichen, with PVA -- no static grass. Works for me. Fast, easy, and looks great at arm's length. Cheers!

I do the sand, drybrush and flock, then the tufts last. They are self adhesive but I use super-glue. No problems so far…

Same here.

I do the sand, then drybrush the base with earth colours, then flock, then tufts. This is probably more complex than it need be

The sand and flock sink into the pva layer a little which gets them fairly firm. After tufts I soak the base in dilute white glue to act as a seal. I find that it is a lot easier to drybrush tufts after that

John

I super glue them on.

First super glue the tufts down.
Allow them drying time.
Now use a dropper bottle containing Matte Medium and soak the bottom of the tuft.
Now sprinkle a slightly darker shade of turf around the base
of the tuft. This secures the tufts and the darker turf makes the lighter tuft "pop", so to speak.

Woodlands Scenics "Weeds" is the best choice for the turf that I have found but use your own choice.