"Noob basing question w/ Vallejo Sandy paste" Topic

So, what's the proper technique using this paste with washers and pennies?

Glue the fig to the washer then add paste, dry brush…etc..etc

or

Put the paste on the washer, texture it THEN add the fig?

Thanks

I've not used the Vallejo brand, but instead use Liquitex Natural Sand.

I will base the fig first, then apply the paste. Sometime I've needed to go back and reapply a small second coat due to shrinkage.

I have also added some paint to the paste prior to application. Depending on the effect, this may eliminate the need for the base coat. Then I can wash and dry bush.

Do you paint the fig on the base or paint it before?

I always paint mine before they go on the base. I've got a 12 inch long block of wood that I've drilled holes into about a half inch apart, then I put roofing nails into the holes. Depending on the size of miniature (15mm, 28mm, or 40mm) determines how many I'm able to get on the block.

Thanks Grizzly

Individually based it should be no problem to base them first then paint. The need to paint figures separately usually comes up in multi figure base arrangements. Even at that people do it every which way.

Individual figures on pennies, go ahead and base them up first.

I just get a bag full of sand from the beach or buy it at a pet store. White glue the figures on each base, let dry. White glue on base around each figure and pour sand on, let dry. Paint with dark brown, dry brush red brown, dry brush beige, flocking, flowers tall grass etc.

Glue figure to washer. Add paste. Then, prime and paint the lot.

I don't like handling painted figures until they are sealed, so I'll try and avoid mucking around with a long basing regimen at the end. Plus the primer helps seal in the ballast/sand or paste.

I think those colored earth mixes are an expensive and unnecessary option.

Found a tutorial: YouTube link

Another example: link

Whatever works. I mostly paint boardgame miniatures, so will prime then partially paint the miniature, then do the basing. Priming after sand and glue onto boardgame miniatures didn't work for me, but I wouldn't be adverse to it if it was more convenient for another miniature I was painting.

What other basing materials will you be using and how will you use them? I typically use watered down paint or wash as a glue or sealer after the glued sand on the base has dried.

I mount the fully painted mini onto its base, first. Then I mix 2-3 colors of sand together (different shades of green), along with some ballast (looks like rocks), then swish the mini + base into the sand, after having painted the base with PVA Glue, like wrgmr1 stated. I don't bother painting the bases afterwards. Be sure to brush off the excess sand from the feet, and legs of the mini, to avoid messy mistakes. Easy, fast, and looks decent. Cheers!

PS:

I buy my colored sand at the local Dollar Store. Same with PVA Glue. Much less expensive than any other place. Two bags of colored sand will cover the bases of many hundred's of 1"-square, or steel washer bases!

I appreciate all the sand based techniques, but I find sand (any sand) to be fiddle-some and honestly a PIA.

These pumice gels/sands, while a little pricey, are friggin amazing and will NEVER use sand for basing.

I agree 1869, I only ever use the Vallejo effects pastes now. Individual figures on coins etc, I base after painting although no reason why it can't be done first. For multi figures on a base, I vary the technique. If I have 4 figures on a 40 x 40 base I will still base after. I have varying size kiddy brushes for the job and some patience to get between the guys feet etc.
Recently while doing some elements for the game Warband, I had 15 – 25 guys on a 100 x 50 base….and these fellas are 10mm.
I tried covering the whole base with Vallejo dark earth gel paste and then placing the figures into it, so using the paste as the glue also. When it dried just had the between feet to do, again, carefully….success. Dry brush and flock…

I use the Vallejo texture paints for basing as well. If I'm basing just one figure there's enough stickiness that I can just slop a bunch of the paste on the penny and push the figure right into it, then use a wet paintbrush to make the paste flush with the feet. Sometimes I'll push some small rocks into it for extra texture.