"Basing figures on mdf" Topic

For the first time, I am using mdf bases for my 10mm figures.

What type of glue is best suited for sticking the figures onto them?

Also, I intend to use the like of Basetex to sculpt the base in between the figures.

My concern of course is to avoid any issues with either the figures not sticking well enough or warping of the base.

DA BUG….

Use a contact adhesive like UHU or Bostik.

Make sure your figure bases are filed flat underneath before you start.

Thanks. I normally use UHU for basing on to mounting board so it should be fine.

Any issues with the like of Basetex for texturing the base itself?

I don't use Basetex all that often but I don't recall MDF bases warping, certainly not if they are 60mm wide or lesser.

As a rule I usually add a layer of self adhesive magnetic tape underneath my bases and I stand them on a metal plate while drying.

White glue for all my figures, whatever scale on MDF or 2 mm plywood.

Jim, can you explain the readon for that: is it to prevent warping? My bases are only 30x 30, so I would hope there should not be any such issue.

wrgmr1: I suppose if it is only a dab of white glue for each figure, there should be no issue about warping?

Finally, does anyone score or paint the underside of the base to counter any warping?

PVA glue and magnetic bases are what I've used for many years with no problems with security but still possible to remove with a sharp knife if needed.

Attaching the magnetic base to a metal sheet while it dries counteracts warping and I do that as a matter of course. I would say that a 30mm base isn't going to warp even without that – probably safe up to 50mm provided you don't overdo the texturing.

I do sell the magnetic bases already made up

tinytintroops.co.uk

A 30 x 30 MDF base is unlikely to warp I agree.

I have found that self adhesive magnetic tape sometimes peels off as the curl is stronger than the adhesive.

I reinforce the tape with UHU and leave them to dry on the metal plate. The tape stays firmly attached once the glue dries.

I don't paint the underside of the base.

Haven't had any warping issues with MDF, and I use a textured gel often straight on to it, or over an acrylic basecoat.

Many thanks.

No warping at all.

I use 2"-square bases for many larger fantasy monsters, as well as basing 54mm Army Men figures. I paint PVA Wood Glue on the MDF bases, then swirl them in a mixture of colored sands, with small rocks. I've never had any of them warp yet.

I used peel-n-stick vinyl floor tiles, previously, using the same PVA Glue technique for texturing… After 6-12 months, they warped severely. Had to tear them off, and re-base on MDF. No issues with MDF warping, even after 2+ years. Fantastic stuff for basing material. Edges can be beveled with sanding, if desired. Cheers!

Figures are filed flat with a coarse metal file and then bent so they stand vertically.

I usually start by painting the top and edge of the MDF with a green, flat oil-based paint and after that dries, use a white paint for the bottom. (You can write a unit ID or something else on the bottom that way). ………. I found that PVA glue doesn't work well with 15mm figures & MDF because the surface is too smooth. A bit of coarse sandpapering (even with the paint) worked well and gives an acceptable bonding. ……………….Flocking is done by [1] mix green latex paint 1:1 with PVA (sealed jar for reuse) [2] take a paint brush and smear it over the edge of the figure base and generally everywhere. [3] take a 6"x12" type size 1" high edge baking sheet (Dollar Store) fill with half very fine dark foam flocking and half with 1-2mm sized clumpy stuff. Sprinkle this onto the glue-mixture and shake off.