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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Stavros Banjo on 23 July 2007, 12:07:09 AM

Title: Help with basing buildings
Post by: Stavros Banjo on 23 July 2007, 12:07:09 AM

HELP!  :x

I usually don't bother putting buildings on bases as it gives more freedom to slot them into various themed terrain for different games. However, I'm putting together some Old West buildings and want to put them on bases so I can add fences & other clutter to them. So far every base material I've tried has gone 'banana' on me, warping like mad when I go anywhere near it with a splash of glue & paint. I've tried sealing both sides with various mediums but nothing seems to help.

So far I've tried MDF, foamboard & thick card mounting board. Any suggestions before I have resort to concrete paving slabs!

Title: Help with basing buildings
Post by: Lowtardog on 23 July 2007, 01:06:37 AM

If they fail then rigid plastic such as that form shop signs or plastic card from art shops. Not the cheapest option but works well.

Surprised MDF warps :o

Title: Help with basing buildings
Post by: Deathwing on 23 July 2007, 03:26:17 AM

All my Old West (Arnica stuff mostly) is mounted on MDF and I've never had problems. They got glue on them and everything.

Title: Help with basing buildings
Post by: Bravo Six on 23 July 2007, 06:34:45 AM

Add me to the list. MDF has never warped on me. Ever.

-Todd

Title: Help with basing buildings
Post by: Westfalia Chris on 23 July 2007, 12:05:21 PM

Could it be that you have added to much water? I recently built two boards for a gaming table and was really careful to mix the paint as thickly as possible because I had experienced major warpage in the past as well...

Another thing, you might try using only PVA glue and basing material for starters: "stipple" on the glue, ie don´t brush it, since the regular brushstrokes will ease the warping; however if you apply and brush the glue in a "roughly circular motion", the warp is less.

Finally, when dry, paint using as little water as possible.

Title: Help with basing buildings
Post by: matakishi on 23 July 2007, 12:49:45 PM

MDF shouldn't warp. Hardboard doesn't warp either, I use both.

Title: Help with basing buildings
Post by: Stavros Banjo on 23 July 2007, 01:43:17 PM

I was trying to keep the bases as thin as possible, which wasn't helping matters. I've tried some thicker MDF and followed the advice about stippling on the glue rather than painting it on in strokes. This seems to have cured the warping problem and by rounding off the edges of the bases they blend in quite nicely with the table - Hurrah!

Thanks chaps.