Monday 18 May 2009

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.

13 comments:

FoxPhoenix135 said...

This is great stuff here! Simple, looks great, and cheap! All the elements of truly great hobby material. +1 to setting the bar of basing!

the other Kevin said...

So litte effort, so small a cost, but what a GREAT look! If the local craft store doesn't have similar material, I'll be checking out Wills Scenics. Thanks!

sovietspace said...

Thank you for this great tip - I've been thinking about how I will base my next army, and this is now quite high on the list of suggestions!

Gavin Schofield said...

That looks fantastic, I'll certainly look into that.

Craig said...

brilliant tutorial, i had been wondering about yur bases too! Iv been thinking about rebaseing my cadians for some time... great tip we'll see if I copy!
Craig @ cadian8th

Space Hulk Enthusiast said...

Thanks for posting this, now I have to pick some of this stuff up.

The Inner Geek said...

That is some genius plastic card!

Admiral Drax said...

Superb! And what a great exemplar model!

Thanks

Col. Corbane said...

Thanks guys

Paul Wu said...

Very nice. I had no idea they made plasticard in anything other than plain smooth white. This post has simplified my plans for dioramas by about 10 fold. Thanks!

Sholto said...

A simple and effective idea - I like it :)

Crosser Modelling said...

Would this stuff work with something like instant mould? It would be great to have such easy texturing on hand without having to file down every base edge? In fact the final completed base looks like it would be great to take a press mould cast of!

Col. Corbane said...

That's a damn good idea mate.

I can't see any reason why you couldn't press mould them, although it might take quite a bit of green stuff because the plasticard does add 3mm to the height of the base.