Here at Warlord we are busy getting our gaming boards ready for some of our jungle themed releases later on this year. To this end we’ve assembled this guide to creating lustrous tree terrain bases. This can be a messy job and with fine weather approaching it is a great time to get outside for this fine hobby task.
Tools Required:
- MDF (2mm-5mm)
- PVA Glue
- Fine Sand
- Static Grass
- Assortment of trees, bushes and tufts
Stage 1
Cut and shape your bases into the rough shape you are after with a jigsaw, electric saw or hand saw.
Stage 2
For thicker mdf/wood champher the edges of your base, this is best done with a sharp utility knife or electric multi-tool.
Stage 3
Sand the edges of the bases, rounded bases are more resilient to wear and tear.
Stage 4
Score and paint the base with a suitable undercoat.
Stage 5
Cover the base with PVA glue and sprinkle over fine sand.
When paint or glue are applied to the surface of the base, there is a tendency for the base to bend and curl as they dry. Scoring the surface of the base helps reduce the chances of this bending.
Stage 6
Over the dried base, apply PVA glue again and sprinkle over static grass.
Your base is now ready to add foliage.
There is a great variety of model foliage/plants available to order online such as bamboo, cactus and palm trees. Using a selection of different types of trees and bushes. The terrain bases look best when using a variety of foliage on each base.
Stage 7
Drill holes in the base using a pin vice or electric drill.
When planning the plant positions on your stand you need to allow enough space for your miniatures to be placed on the stand as well.
Stage 8
Glue the trees and bushes in to the base. A glue gun has been used for this although PVA or Super Glue can be equally effective.
Stage 9
Trim the trees and bushes on the underside of the terrain base using flat edge plastic cutters.
Stage 10
Finally add tufts around the base of trees and around the terrain base to build up the look of dense foliage.
When making a stand of bamboo it is best to keep the stand comprised of just bamboo plants.
Finished Terrain
Once you have finished your terrain base it can be sprayed with a mixture of water and PVA Glue (10:1 ratio) which will provide a protective hold on your base.
Once you have finished your terrain base it can be sprayed with a mixture of water and PVA Glue (10:1 ratio) which will provide a protective hold on your base.
The same techniques as used for making your jungle terrain can be used to make other types of terrain bases such as these deciduous tree bases.
Charlie Monaghan
hoytdaniel1