Step by step 15mm element basing - Pattus Magnus style

[Pattus Magnus]

Some folks were interested in how I based the figures in my 15mm armies, so here’s a step by step of the process I use.

Stage 1 - planning

The first picture shows 4 bases with the figures and other main components I intended to use. I find it useful to set them up and work out spacing before gluing anything in place.

[Pattus Magnus]

Second stage - sticking stuff down

I use cheap acrylic moulding paste instead of glue. I spread it on about 1mm thick (pic 1), then place the figures (pic 2), and once I’m happy with the placement, I pour on fine grain sand (pic 3). The acrylic hold the figures and sand fairly well.

[Pattus Magnus]

I let the acrylic paste set for a couple of hours, then pour off the excess sand and I use a large soft brush to remove any that is sticking to the figures (pic 1).

Then stage 3 - painting
I use a narrow brush to paint the dark earth layer. I like Vallejo’s US Drab, and mixed an approximation using craft acrylics. I start from the middle between the figures and work outward ( pic 2). And cover the whole base ( pic 3) and let it dry fully.

[Pattus Magnus]

Stage 4 - drybrushing

Once the base coat is dry, I dry brush with khaki, then with a buff/ very light yellow. The pic shows the base following the buff layer. I also glued down the rubberized horsehair for the bush.

[Pattus Magnus]

Stage 5 - greenery

I add flock strategically to cover any artificial looking spots on the drybrushed base, such as the edges between each figure’s cast on base and the sand. Pics 1 and 3 show the drybrushed base, and pics 2 and 4 show the same perspective with the flock mix added. The flock doesn’t perfectly disguise the flaws, but it makes them much easier to overlook.

[Pattus Magnus]

I generally consider the bases done at that point, but it would be easy to add grass tufts or other basing materials to create a more complex look.

I use essentially the same recipe for my entire collection, in 15mm and 28mm and it works on both sizes of figures. I do use larger grade sand on the 28mm figs, though. The consistency across the collection helps maximize flexibility- orcs can be in an army with humans without the bases clashing.