"Do you seal your plywood bases?" Topic

I recently started using plywood for my bases and have been using modge podge to seal them- both sides and edges. Do I really need to do that?
Bob

I shouldn't think so. I never have, and haven't had any trouble. Note that in my case the edges are painted and the based figures have at least been hit with a matte sealant, and usually a satin coat before the matte.

I never have.

Never had any issues other than if you have large ones, 80mmx80mm or larger they can warp under paint and glue.

Since the castings on the bases are matte sealed after they are mounted and grassed, yes I do.

Like several of the others, I paint the top and sides of the wooden base, and seal it (along with the figure) with several coats of clear sealant. I do not paint the underside of the base. If I ever thought I'd use the figures in water, I would paint and seal the underside, too.

Grelber

I never have. Tho the plywood isn't as rigid as you might think. I used to apply wood putty as scenic cover to the base. It worked fine, but if the base is really long, think horse drawn wagon, it will flex (hog).

Try it without sealant, see what happens. Please let us know what you find. Thank you.

Modge Podge just seems to be watered down PVA with additives to change the finish. Unless I'm missing something it does that PVA won't do, why use that rather than PVA ?

I don't use plywood bases but I use a lot of 2mm MDF and I seal those with acrylic craft paint. I tend to do it as a base colour before adding figures and texturing, the sealing effect is a useful extra though really not needed.

If you really want to be certain a base won't warp then use a magnetised base (stick self-adhesive magnetic sheet on the back). Put the base on a thin steel sheet to dry after sticking figures, texturing or colouring and leave it to dry on the sheet. Once dry it is permanently flat and magnetised for easy and safe storage.

I have used modelling ply for bases for many years. Never sealed them and the older ones are still in use with no issues.

nope