Transform your miniatures with stunning desert bases

If you’re a wargamer or miniature painter, you know that a good base can transform your models. A well-crafted base not only anchors your miniatures but also tells a story, setting the scene for their adventures—that’s one of the reasons I enjoy making them.

And among the many types of bases, desert-themed bases are a personal favourite of mine. There’s something about the stark, sandy landscape that brings out the best in so many miniatures, whether it’s a skeleton army, a squad of space marines, or a party of adventurers.

Desert bases are particularly striking due to their contrast. The warm, earthy tones of sand against cooler miniature colours can make models pop in a way that’s hard to achieve with other terrains. For example, placing bone-white skeleton warriors on a sandy desert base gives them a haunting, desolate aura, making them stand out beautifully on the gameboard.

Why desert bases work

Desert bases are incredibly versatile. They can evoke the endless sands of an alien planet, the harsh terrain of an ancient battlefield, or even the ruins of a forgotten civilisation. This versatility is why I love working with them—they’re a blank canvas for creativity.

What’s more, the texture and colour of sand naturally complement miniatures. The rough granules add depth and realism to the base, while the sun-bleached tones help create a visual contrast that enhances the details of your models. Adding small features like rocks, tufts of grass, or even skulls can further bring your base to life, giving it a unique personality and narrative.

The time and effort behind a great base

Crafting a desert base might look simple, but it requires a careful blend of materials and techniques.

Sand from a local river bank makes a great base.

I use sand sourced from the banks of a nearby river in Surrey to mimic the texture of real desert terrain. This sand is sifted to separate the fine grains from the larger particles. For larger minis (32mm and above), I might include small pebbles or textured cork to create the illusion of rocky outcrops. For pieces 40mm and larger, I add wind-sculpted sand ripples. Each element is carefully chosen and placed to ensure the base looks natural yet visually engaging.

Depending on the desired look, I might also incorporate skulls; Games Workshop Citadel Skulls or Green Stuff World’s Resin Skulls packs work well. These are positioned with sand built up against one side and sloping away on the opposite side to give a wind-swept appearance.

Once the base textures and objects are in place, it’s time for painting. For a classic sun-baked desert look on Empire of Dust figures in Kings of War or Star Wars: Legion, I apply layered yellow tones, starting with a dark base coat and building up to lighter highlights using dry brushing. This creates the illusion of sun-bleached sand. For Necrons emerging from ancient tomb worlds or Adeptus Mechanicus forces traversing the rust-red deserts of Mars in Warhammer 40K, I use Vallejo Flat Earth, Red Leather, and Orange Brown to evoke reddish alien landscapes.

A final wash with a suitable shade helps to tie everything together, enhancing the natural shadows and adding depth.

Of course, not everyone has the time or inclination to create bases from scratch. That’s where I come in. I offer a range of handcrafted desert bases that are ready to use. Each one is meticulously crafted to enhance your miniatures, saving you hours of work and material costs.

Ready-made desert bases

If you’re looking for a way to make your miniatures stand out without spending hours on basing, my ready-made desert bases are the perfect solution.

They’re ideal for wargamers, hobbyists, and diorama creators who want high-quality results without the hassle.

Each base is textured, painted, and sealed to perfection, ready for you to add your miniatures. Whether you’re building a Warhammer army, a D&D diorama, or a one-off display piece, these bases will help your models shine. You can check out my full range on my eBay and Etsy shops.

Bring your miniatures to life

Desert bases are more than just a practical foundation for your miniatures—they’re a storytelling tool. By choosing the right base, you can enhance the narrative of your models, making them feel like part of a larger world. Whether it’s the scorched earth of a battlefield, the ruins of a lost civilisation, or the barren red sands of a Martian world, the possibilities are endless.

If you’re ready to take your miniatures to the next level, why not try one of my handcrafted desert bases? Head over to my eBay or Etsy shops to explore the range and find the perfect base for your project, next game or displaying your collectable figures. With a high-quality base beneath them, your miniatures will truly come to life.


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