Create Your Miniature Bases Using Natural Materials – Part Seven: Muddy, War-torn Battlefield
Share
Welcome Back, Hobbyists!
In this installment of our ongoing basing series, we’re swapping snowflakes for shell craters and diving headlong into muddy, war-torn battlefield bases. If you’re looking to recreate the grim slogs of trench warfare, a rain-drenched alien battlefield, or a churned-up fantasy skirmish zone, this guide will help you achieve the perfect blend of grit, grime, and realism using natural materials and hobby classics.
🧰 Materials You’ll Need
As always, we’re combining real-world textures with hobby staples. Here's your supply list:
- Real Soil or Fine Dirt (sterilised and sieved)
- PVA Glue or Mod Podge
- Acrylic Paints (earth tones: browns, blacks, greys, olive greens)
- Matte Varnish
- Gloss Varnish or Water Effects Gel
- Small Stones, Twigs, Bark Chips (for debris)
- Weathering Pigments or Chalk Pastels (optional but brilliant)
Step-by-Step: How to Create Muddy Battlefield Bases
1️⃣ Prep the Soil
Collect some fine dirt from your garden, woodland trail, or a flower pot.
- Bake at 100°C (212°F) for 15–20 minutes to kill off any bugs or spores.
- Once cooled, sieve it to get a smooth, realistic texture.
💡 Top tip: Forest floor soil has a rich, dark colour that works beautifully for war-torn terrain.
2️⃣ Build the Base Layer
- Apply a coat of PVA glue over the base.
- Press in your dried soil using a damp brush or gloved fingertip.
- Let it dry fully before moving on.
This gives you an organic, gritty texture without the mess of synthetic basing materials.
3️⃣ Paint the Ground
Now it’s time to bring it to life with colour:
- Start with a dark brown or burnt umber basecoat.
- Drybrush with lighter earth tones (like tan or khaki) to highlight texture.
- Add black or dark brown washes to simulate wet areas or shadowed trenches.
🖌️ For scorched warzones, add patches of black, charred brown, or even dark green near debris zones.
4️⃣ Add Wet Mud & Puddles
- Mix gloss varnish or water effects gel with brown or black paint.
- Apply sparingly in low spots and around objects.
- To make puddles, create a shallow recess and pour in a small amount of tinted water effects or clear resin.
🌧️ Don’t go overboard with the shine. Less is more—it looks more natural and helps contrast with matte areas.
5️⃣ Scatter Debris for Realism
- Snap twigs for broken branches or ruined timber.
- Use bark or small stones for battlefield rubble.
- Press into wet glue or mud, and drybrush to blend.
Consider adding hobby bits like a discarded helmet, broken banner, or tiny skull for a narrative touch.
6️⃣ Final Touches
- Seal your base with matte varnish (except the wet areas—leave those glossy).
- Use weathering powders or crushed chalk pastels to add subtle dusty tones or highlights.
⚔️ The Battlefield Beckons
Now your miniatures have a base worthy of war—a battlefield smeared in mud, debris, and the echoes of past conflict. Perfect for grimdark sci-fi games, historical armies, or fantasy skirmishers who've seen too much.
Coming Next: The Forest Floor
In our next article, we’ll explore how to build lush woodland bases using foraged moss, bark, and natural scatter to create deep, immersive forest terrain. Until then, stay muddy—and happy basing!
🛒 Looking for basing supplies or printable terrain?
Check out our shop collection for premium miniatures to plonk onto your creations.