Quick Answer

Base your Orc Horde miniatures by first assembling them with plastic glue, then apply texture paste, prime, paint, and add static grass or flock for a finished look.

Why Basng Matters for Your Orc Horde

A well-based miniature ties your army together visually and protects the model during gameplay. For the Orc Horde, which includes many multipart plastic figures, consistent basing helps the scattered tribes look like a unified force.

You can choose a simple mud-and-grass base to match most fantasy battlefields, or go for a rocky wasteland that fits the orcs' wild lands bordering the Free Kingdoms. The key is to keep the process efficient so you can finish a whole horde without burnout.

Choosing Your Base Style

Orc bases work well with earthy tones—browns, grays, and muted greens. A muddy base with patches of dry grass suits their raiding lifestyle. If you prefer a more desolate look, use sand and small rocks to mimic the bandit kingdoms they now roam.

Avoid overly bright or clean bases; they clash with the orcs' rough, battle-worn aesthetic. Stick to a simple palette that complements the skin tones and armor you plan to paint.

Step-by-Step Basing Guide

  1. Assemble the Miniatures: Clean mold lines with a hobby knife and assemble each orc using plastic cement. Let the glue cure fully before handling. Common mistake: rushing assembly can leave gaps or weak joints. Check each fit before gluing.
  2. Apply Texture Paste: Use a stiff brush or sculpting tool to spread texture paste (e.g., Vallejo Earth Texture or homemade mix of PVA, sand, and paint) onto the base. Avoid covering the slotta tab if present. Work in thin layers to prevent cracking. Let dry overnight.
  3. Prime the Base and Miniature: Spray prime the entire model with a neutral color like gray or brown. This unifies the plastic and texture for painting. Don't use black primer if you want a lighter base; it can make earth tones look muddy.
  4. Paint the Base: Basecoat the texture with a dark brown (e.g., Rhinox Hide). Drybrush with a lighter tan or bone color to bring out the grit. Keep paint thin to avoid filling in the texture detail.
  5. Add Static Grass or Flock: Apply PVA glue in patches and sprinkle static grass or flock. Tap off excess and let dry. Seal with a matte varnish spray. Common mistake: adding too much grass hides the texture. Less is more for a natural look.
  6. Paint the Miniature: Paint the orc skin, armor, and weapons. Use washes to add depth to the base and figure simultaneously. Paint the base before the miniature's feet to avoid messy overspill.

Product Spotlight

  • Orc Horde: The Orc Horde box contains multipart plastic figures representing scattered tribes and bandit kingdoms that once served the Many-Named. You get plenty of spare bits and poses to customize each orc, making basing more fun and allowing you to create unique raiders for your warband.

    Orc Horde

    Orc Horde