This guide will walk you how to create a boulder base with realistic large rocks utilising Milliput for the sculpting part and a selection of Games Workshop paints for painting.

Materials Needed

• Milliput (Super Fine White preferred, but any type will do)
• Sculpting tools and a scalpel
• Water or a lubricant like Vaseline for smoothing Milliput
• PVA glue and fine grain sand for texture
• Paints: Vallejo Model Color Black, Games Workshop Deathworld Forest, Ogryn Camo, Morghast Bone, Ushabti Bone, and Kantor Blue
• Weathering pigment (e.g., Forge World Dark Sand)
• Brushes, including a small Artist Opus dry brush
• Matte varnish for sealing

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a Base

Sculpting the Base

1. Mixing Milliput: Take equal parts of Milliput’s two components and knead until uniformly beige. It might initially be flaky; continue until smooth.
2. Forming the Terrain: Roll the mixed Milliput into a ball and press onto the base. Begin sculpting the rough shape of the terrain using sculpting tools, dipped in water or lubricant to prevent sticking.
3. Adding Details: Once you have a basic shape, use tools and a scalpel to carve more detailed rock formations. Ensure the terrain is level where the model will stand.
4. Creating Smaller Rocks: Take excess Milliput, form small balls, and press onto the base to simulate smaller rocks, blending them into the larger mass.
5. Smoothing and Refining: Continue to refine the shapes, adding crevices and smoothing surfaces. Allow the Milliput to partially dry for easier handling.

Painting the Base

1. Base Coat: Once the Milliput is dry, apply a thin base coat of Vallejo Model Color Black. Ensure it’s watered down to cover quickly without obscuring details.
2. Adding Sand: Apply PVA glue to the base and sprinkle fine grain sand over it for additional texture. Allow to dry.
3. Applying Weathering Pigment: Use a dark sand weathering pigment, pushing it into crevices and blowing away the excess.
4. Washing: Create a wash with Deathworld Forest (5 parts water to 1 part paint) and cover the entire base. This will spread the pigment and add depth.
5. Dry Brushing: Once dry, dry brush the base with Deathworld Forest, followed by Ogryn Camo, focusing on top-down strokes to highlight edges and textures.
6. Detailing: Use Morghast Bone and Ushabti Bone to pick out individual rocks and edges for added contrast and detail.
7. Adding Shadows: Water down Kantor Blue and apply it to the undersides of rocks and in shadowed areas to simulate ambient occlusion and enhance depth.

Finishing Touches

• Sealing: Once fully painted and dry, apply a matte varnish to seal the weathering pigment and paint, protecting your work.
• Base Rim: Tidy up the base’s rim with Vallejo Model Color Black for a neat finish.

Tips

• Work in stages, allowing materials to dry fully between steps.
• Be creative with your rock shapes but ensure the model will stand level on the finished base.
• Use a variety of brush sizes for dry brushing to reach different areas without disturbing the painted model.
• Test fit your model frequently on the base during the sculpting process to ensure a good fit

How to Paint a Gold Necron Overlord

Keen to learn how to paint the model standing on this base? Go here:

Necron Overlord NMM Gold

A series of video tutorials on how I painted this Necro Overlord, with gold non metallic metals and a guide to how to paint his glowing weapons. Plus, a guide on creating his base.

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