How to Base Miniatures with Real Rock

Miniature Scenery Solutions

How to Base Miniatures with Real Rock

A durable base begins with fine ground texture, adds a few larger features, and finishes with color and vegetation. This method works for fantasy, sci-fi, historical, and display miniatures.

Illustrative rocky desert miniature base using fine dirt, gray stones and earth color
Illustrative project scene: a fine dirt layer anchors the figure, Pennsylvania Gray creates the larger stones, and darker material adds depth around the feet.

Products used in this scene

2000 Industrial Dirt: brushed over the base as the continuous fine ground layer. Buy Industrial Dirt →

1051 Pennsylvania Gray: placed first as individual feature stones, then surrounded with fine ground. Buy Pennsylvania Gray →

1031 Black Cinder: used sparingly near the boots and under larger stones to create dark shadow and burned-earth contrast. Buy Black Cinder →

What you need

  • Painted or unpainted miniature on a clean base
  • Fine sand or fine gravel for the main ground
  • A few small rocks for visual interest
  • PVA/white glue, an old brush, and a tray
  • Optional pigment, tufts, static grass, or small plants
  • Matte sealer for gaming pieces that receive frequent handling

Which glue should I use?

JobBest choiceWhy
Sand and fine groundPVA/white glueEasy to spread, dries clear, and gives working time.
One larger stoneThick PVA or cyanoacrylateProvides more grip on a small contact point.
Heavy display featureTwo-part epoxyBest for weight-bearing pieces; follow the maker’s safety directions.

Six-step base method

  1. Plan around the feet. Dry-place any larger stones. Keep the figure’s stance readable and the base stable.
  2. Spread glue. Brush an even layer of undiluted PVA over the exposed base. Do not flood painted boots or the base rim.
  3. Add feature stones. Place two or three small rocks first. Odd-numbered groups usually look natural.
  4. Cover the ground. Hold the base over a tray, spoon on fine material, press gently, and tap off the excess.
  5. Let it cure. Leave it level until fully dry. Avoid brushing loose grains while the glue is still soft.
  6. Blend and protect. Add pigment, a light wash, drybrushing, and vegetation. Seal gaming pieces with light matte coats after testing on a sample.
Important: Fine natural mineral material can create dust. Pour gently, avoid breathing dust, keep it away from eyes and food, and use appropriate respiratory protection when dust may become airborne. Supervise children.

Materials used for this method

Start with one fine ground color, add one contrasting small-rock color, and use pigment to blend the finished base. Test the combination on one base before completing a whole unit.

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