Texturing figure bases.

[Predatorpt]

Awesome, it looks like the pumice is the way to go for me.

Thanks heaps.

There's a lot of variety on that range, I usually use the Dark Earth one:

https://www.amazon.com/Vallejo-Dark-Earth-Gel-200ml/dp/B0044L8J2C

[Jagannath]

I mostly paint a) 15mm and b) desert bases - so my thoughts might be a bit niche, but I love the Vallejo Desert Sand base texture (it's pretty fine). I apply that, repaint with a matching paint (to cover any bits I've missed) then I have a glaze I made from gloss varnish and a soft beige tone (vallejo German Camo Pale brown, or something like that) about 15 parts gloss to one part paint. I've been using this for a few months and really like the results - it's 'sandier' then my previous attempts, which always ended up a bit to orange or beige for my taste.



In other words I'd second the Vallejo recommendation, dark earth is scaled well for 28mm.

[Sinewgrab]

I spread a mix of PVA and paint on the base with an OLD brush, and then put the base into a bin I store sand in for a few minutes, than shake the excess off into the bin.  Right now, the bin is a mix of fine flock, sand from the beach, fine grain cat litter, and modeler's snow.  If I want a certain color palette, I change the paint in the PVA, or add a drop thinned down ink to it when it has dried (which also works really well when you want to show stains like oil or blood).

[Orctrader]

Gloop - mix sand, PVA and paint.

Similar - but I find PVA a bit too runny, so my mix is:

Polyfilla - might be called something else around the world but it's the stuff you use to repair cracks in plaster. 
Bird Grit.
Silver sand.

Mix in jar with a little water.  Also keeps for months.  The bird grit and silver sand cost me around £2.00 ten years ago.  I'm still on the original bags.  The polyfilla I bought for a DIY job and still have the 80% left over.  I sometimes add paint; sometimes not.

Last batch I actually used some old wood filler as a substitute for the Polyfilla, only because I saw it first on the garage shelf.   

I apply the gloop/paste/mixture with a small spatula and, while still wet, apply some larger grit and/or small stones.

I think I'm in a minority for the next bit.  I paint the bases before the figure.  Probably why I struggle a bit with multiple figure basing.

[matakishi]

Not wanting to sound like a broken record but...
Gloop applied with a small palette knife and a bit of brass rod standing by for the very rare instances when a teeny tiny amount needs prodding into a gap.

[Ragnar]

There's a lot of variety on that range, I usually use the Dark Earth one:

https://www.amazon.com/Vallejo-Dark-Earth-Gel-200ml/dp/B0044L8J2C

Is this one actually textured though?

[Ragnar]

Some great ideas here.  Thanks all.

Years ago, I tried my own gloop which was just sand and paint.  It was less than satisfactory because it seemed to be more difficult to push around than textured paint, like there was more friction.  Maybe worth revisiting though.

The silver sand as mentioned by Orctrader sounds interesting, I shall investigate further.

Again, thanks all.

[Jagannath]

Is this one actually textured though?

It is, though 'mildly' - I've made a mistake in my above post - it's 'brown' earth that seems well scales for 28mm, dark earth is pretty subtle.

[Ragnar]

Thanks Jagannath.

[SteveBurt]

I use artists' acrylic texture gel, mixed with tube acrylic paint in an appropriate colour.
A tub of 'resin sand' or 'pumice' gel is the stuff you want. One tub costs about £7 and lasts for years.
Apply with a small palette knife (the one that looks like a little trowel).
The gel remains slightly flexible, so won't crack as polyfilla does.

[Ragnar]

Thanks Steve, another method to contemplate.

[carlos marighela]

I tend just to apply PVA or superglue, depending on how quickly I want the result, then paint and highlight it. Gloop makes sense as it removes one step in the process.

I did find a rather wonderful polyfilla-like material that has something akin to the texture of Liquitex, comes pre-stained a terracotta colour and was as cheap as chips.  Being lazy I've stuck with sand and glue.

If anyone wants to try it and they are Australia based the product is Jarrah Multifill. I think I see myself using more for terrain modelling myself.

[Ragnar]

If anyone wants to try it and they are Australia based the product is Jarrah Multifill. I think I see myself using more for terrain modelling myself.

Hmmm, at $5.90 a container, why wouldn't I try it?? 

I imagine that I'd have to sprinkle sand on while it is wet?

Thanks for the tip.

[tinfoilknight]

If you're making "gloop" try skipping the PVA glue and using cheap craft paints. I've found that made the best basing paste since the PVA made it clump together. The craft paint that's like £1 a bottle carries the sand really well and spreads really easy. I've yet to have a problem with coming off.

[Dr. Zombie]

I am in the Gloop camp as well. I apply it with an old brush.

I have to make a new batch however because the one I have has gone off. Now it both smells and looks like someone has emptied their bowels (in both directions) into my Gloop bucket...