After Painting Minis: Sealing, Basing, & Display Guide

So, you've finally finished painting your miniatures – congratulations! All that hard work, the meticulous brushstrokes, the careful color choices… it's all paid off. Your minis look fantastic, ready to grace the tabletop and embark on epic adventures. But, hold on a second, guys! The journey doesn't quite end with the last brushstroke. There are still a few crucial steps to take to ensure your painted miniatures stay looking their best for years to come. Think of it like this: you've baked a delicious cake, but you wouldn't just leave it out in the open, would you? You'd want to frost it, protect it, and maybe even add some fancy decorations. The same goes for your miniatures. We need to protect our miniatures!

Protecting Your Investment: Why Sealing is Essential

The most important step after painting your miniatures is sealing them. Sealing, in miniature painting terms, refers to applying a protective layer over the painted surface. This layer acts as a shield, guarding your precious paint job from the wear and tear of handling, gaming, and the occasional accidental drop (we've all been there!). Without a sealant, your paint is vulnerable to chipping, scratching, and fading. Imagine spending hours carefully layering colors and highlights, only to see your work gradually disappear with each game session. It's a heartbreaking thought, right? So, sealing is not just a suggestion; it's an essential step in preserving your painted miniatures. Think of it as insurance for your paint job. Sealing helps to protect the paint from chipping, scratching, and fading, ensuring your miniatures look great for years to come. This is especially important for miniatures that will see a lot of handling during gameplay.

Choosing the Right Sealant

Now, when it comes to sealants, you have a few options to choose from, each with its own set of pros and cons. The two main types of sealants are varnishes and acrylic sealers. Varnish sealants are typically solvent-based and provide a very durable, hard finish. They are excellent for protecting against scratches and chips, making them a popular choice for wargaming miniatures that will see a lot of action. However, varnish sealants can sometimes have a glossy finish, which may not be desirable for all miniatures. The gloss can reflect light and obscure the details of your paint job. Acrylic sealers, on the other hand, are water-based and come in a variety of finishes, including matte, satin, and gloss. Matte sealers are particularly popular as they provide a non-reflective finish that preserves the colors and details of your miniatures. They also tend to be less prone to yellowing over time compared to some varnishes. Satin sealers offer a slight sheen, providing a balance between protection and aesthetics. Gloss sealers, as the name suggests, provide a shiny finish and are often used for specific effects, such as making water or other liquids look realistic. When choosing a sealant, consider the type of miniature you are painting, the level of protection you need, and the desired finish. Experiment with different sealants to find what works best for you and your painting style. Some popular brands include Testors Dullcote, Army Painter Anti-Shine Matte Varnish, and Vallejo Matte Varnish.

Application Techniques: Ensuring a Smooth Finish

Once you've chosen your sealant, the next step is to apply it correctly. The application technique is crucial to achieving a smooth, even finish that doesn't obscure the details of your miniature. There are two primary methods for applying sealant: spraying and brush-on. Spray sealants are typically applied using an aerosol can or an airbrush. Aerosol cans are convenient for applying a quick, even coat, but it's important to use them in a well-ventilated area and to shake the can thoroughly before spraying. Airbrushes provide more control over the application process, allowing you to apply thin, even layers of sealant. However, airbrushes require more setup and cleaning than aerosol cans. Brush-on sealants are applied directly to the miniature using a brush. This method is ideal for sealing small areas or for applying sealant to specific parts of the miniature. However, it's important to use a high-quality brush and to apply the sealant in thin, even layers to avoid brushstrokes. Regardless of the method you choose, preparation is key. Make sure your miniature is clean and dry before applying sealant. Apply the sealant in a well-ventilated area and avoid applying it in humid conditions, as this can cause the sealant to become cloudy or sticky. Apply thin, even layers of sealant, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next. This will help to prevent drips, runs, and other imperfections. Remember, patience is a virtue when it comes to sealing your miniatures. Taking your time and applying the sealant carefully will result in a much better finish.

Basing Your Minis: Grounding Your Masterpieces

After sealing your miniatures, the next step is basing them. Basing refers to adding a textured base to your miniature, creating a more realistic and visually appealing appearance. A well-based miniature looks like it's actually part of the game world, rather than just a painted figure standing on a plastic base. Basing also provides a tactile element to your miniatures, making them more enjoyable to handle and play with. Plus, let's be honest, a nicely based miniature just looks cool! It adds that extra level of polish and professionalism to your painting work. Basing is more than just gluing some sand to the base; it's an opportunity to tell a story, to create a miniature that is not just painted but also grounded in its environment.

Materials and Techniques: Unleashing Your Creativity

The possibilities for basing are endless, limited only by your imagination. There are a wide variety of materials and techniques you can use to create unique and interesting bases for your miniatures. Some common materials include:

• Sand and Gravel: These are the go-to materials for creating realistic terrain effects. You can use different grades of sand and gravel to create varying textures, from fine sand dunes to rocky landscapes.
• Static Grass: Static grass is a synthetic fiber that mimics the appearance of grass. It comes in a variety of colors and lengths and is applied using a static grass applicator, which creates an electrostatic charge that makes the grass stand upright.
• Tufts: Tufts are small clumps of static grass or other materials that can be glued to the base to create patches of vegetation.
• Rocks and Cork Bark: These materials can be used to create rocky terrain, cliffs, and other geological features. Cork bark is particularly useful as it is lightweight and easy to shape.
• Paints and Washes: Paints and washes can be used to add color and depth to your bases. Drybrushing is a technique that involves lightly brushing a dry brush over the textured surface to highlight the raised areas.
• Technical Paints: There are a variety of technical paints available that can be used to create specific effects, such as mud, snow, or water.

The basic process of basing involves applying a layer of glue to the base of your miniature and then pressing it into your chosen basing material. Once the glue has dried, you can add additional details, such as rocks, tufts, or static grass. You can then paint and wash the base to create the desired effect. Don't be afraid to experiment with different materials and techniques to find what works best for you. There are countless tutorials and guides available online that can provide inspiration and guidance.

Matching the Base to the Miniature: Creating a Cohesive Look

When basing your miniatures, it's important to consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve. The base should complement the miniature and help to tell its story. For example, a miniature painted as a desert warrior would look best on a sandy base with sparse vegetation, while a miniature painted as a woodland creature would look more at home on a base covered in grass and leaves. Think about the environment your miniature would realistically inhabit and try to recreate that on the base. Consider the color palette you used for the miniature and try to incorporate similar colors into the base. This will help to create a cohesive look and make your miniature feel like a complete and unified piece. Don't be afraid to add small details that tell a story. A discarded weapon, a broken shield, or a small animal skull can all add character and interest to your base. Remember, the base is an extension of the miniature, so treat it with the same care and attention to detail.

Storage and Display: Showcasing Your Collection

Finally, once you've painted, sealed, and based your miniatures, you'll want to store and display them properly. Proper storage is essential for protecting your miniatures from dust, damage, and the dreaded shelf of shame (we all have one!). Displaying your miniatures allows you to showcase your hard work and share your passion with others. So, how do we keep these little guys safe and sound, and looking their best?

Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Minis Safe and Sound

There are a variety of storage solutions available for miniatures, ranging from simple cardboard boxes to custom-made foam trays. The best storage solution for you will depend on the size of your collection, your budget, and the level of protection you need. Foam trays are a popular choice for storing miniatures as they provide excellent protection from bumps and scratches. Foam trays come in a variety of sizes and configurations, allowing you to store miniatures of different sizes and shapes. Some foam trays are even custom-cut to fit specific miniatures or armies. Plastic storage boxes are another option for storing miniatures. These boxes are durable and stackable, making them ideal for storing large collections. However, they don't provide as much protection as foam trays, so it's important to wrap your miniatures in bubble wrap or other protective material before storing them in plastic boxes. For smaller collections, cardboard boxes can be a budget-friendly option. However, cardboard boxes are not as durable as foam trays or plastic boxes, so it's important to handle them with care. Regardless of the storage solution you choose, it's important to store your miniatures in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the paint on your miniatures, and humidity can cause the paint to become sticky or peel. Avoid storing your miniatures in attics or basements, as these areas are often prone to temperature fluctuations and humidity.

Display Options: Showcasing Your Masterpieces

Once you've got your storage sorted, it's time to think about displaying your miniatures. Displaying your miniatures is a great way to show off your painting skills and to share your hobby with others. There are a variety of display options available, from simple shelves to custom-built display cases. Shelves are a simple and affordable way to display your miniatures. You can use standard bookshelves or floating shelves to create a display that fits your space. Display cases provide more protection from dust and damage than shelves. They also allow you to arrange your miniatures in a more visually appealing way. Display cases come in a variety of sizes and styles, from small glass cabinets to large, illuminated display units. You can also create your own custom display case using acrylic sheets and other materials. When displaying your miniatures, it's important to consider the lighting. Proper lighting can enhance the colors and details of your miniatures and make them stand out. You can use spotlights, LED strips, or other lighting fixtures to create the desired effect. Arrange your miniatures in a way that is visually appealing and tells a story. Group miniatures from the same army or faction together, or create a diorama-style display that recreates a scene from your favorite game. Remember, displaying your miniatures is a personal expression of your hobby. Have fun with it and create a display that you are proud of.

So, there you have it! The journey after painting your miniatures is just as important as the painting itself. By sealing, basing, storing, and displaying your miniatures properly, you can ensure they look their best for years to come. Now go forth and protect those masterpieces! Remember guys, it's all about the hobby, the fun, and the shared joy of bringing these little plastic (or metal!) figures to life. Happy gaming!