Creating custom bases

[Kconv]

What does everyone use for creating custom bases, if I have a base and I want to modify it, I whip out the epoxy putty, but that really isnt effecient for a full new base.

What can I use for a full new base, Im working on an Revell Dracula and want to scratch build a base, any suggestions.

[MtlPaleoartist]

So a less expensive option is buying those spray cans of expanding, insulating foam. I haven't used mine yet, but I know a few well-known kitbuilders, such as Martin Garratt, who use it regularly. It's lightweight and you can cut and shape it however you wish afterwards. The only problem is when you need to pin a heavy figure down on it. In those cases, you have to make a large hole in your foam base and fill it with regular epoxy putty so that you have something rock hard to pin your model to.

[Phibes]

You can use styrofoam sheets available at Michael's (the floral kind has smaller "pores")
http://www.michaels.com/tools-and-acces ... /809188368.
You can use Balsa Foam if you'd like to carve fine detail into the base. The balsa foam and styrofoam can be sealed with 2 part resin or, I've been told, quite a number of coats of gesso.
You can get a wooden base, like for a trophy, at a craft store and add to it with epoxy putty, paper mache or a number of things.
I hope this helps.

Bill Harrison

[skymods]

What do you want to make? Knowing the type of base may offer up some more appropriate materials you could use.

Interior of a castle walls and floor? Exterior in a graveyard maybe? Will it be close to the same size as the stock base?

[Kconv]

Castle floor and wall..

about the same size as the original base

[GUITARWORX]

Castle floor and wall..

about the same size as the original base

I would say use Balsa foam. Easy to carve and cut and can seal with resin,gesso,mod podge.
Charlie (chasd) has great prices on it and if you need specific sizes he will cut for you.

[lorigrey]

Balsa foam. You can carve a lot of detail into it. After you're done you can brush resin over it to give it added strength, or cast the piece in resin for greatest strength.

[Night-Owl]

I use balsa foam and to seal it I use Mod Podge.