Tutorial : Plasticard bases

Over time, I've had a lot of comments about my bases and how I do them. So, I thought I'd do a simple tutorial on how I use plasticard to improve my bases. It's really simple to do, first off you need to get your hands on some plasticard.

I use Wills Scenics, specifically the crazy paving sheets. The Wills kits come with 4 sheets in a pack for £2.80. You can get 15 small round bases out of each sheet, so you're talking less than 5p per base. A couple of packs will do most armies.

Next, simply cut the sheets in squares that will completely cover the bases you're working with. For this example, I'm going to be using 60mm bases.

Once you've got your squares cut out, glue the onto your bases using plenty of plastic glue. I found if you move the sheet in small circular motions over the base when you first press them together, you'll get a much better bond.

Once they bonded, start to trim the edges with a pair of clippers. At first, work your way around the base take off the bulk of the overhanging plasticard but leaving a couple of millimetres overhanging.

Next, work around the base again but this time keep the flat edge of your clipper flush with the bevelled edge of the base. It's best to do lots off little cuts, bigger cuts might cut into the black base.

Finally, use a flat file to smooth off the edge of the plasticard.

Once you reach this stage, it's no different to any other base, just add your milliput, bits and gravel, then paint it up.