Basing: Mars/Red Planet base

"Here's the plan. Get your a$$ to Mars..."
We have had plenty of requests from both our amazing Academy Members and from you wonderful people on all our Social media platforms. So being the nice guys we are, we are more than happy to oblige 😁
Paints used:
Doombull Brown
Martian Ironearth
Reikland Fleshshade
Agrax Earthshade
Tuskgor Fur
Karak Stone
#duncanrhodes
#twothincoats
#mars

[@gunzilla7760]

I feel like Duncan is a Bob Ross for nerds.

[@carlosbarreales8752]

Accurate as fuck.

[@benrichardson5662]

Even better because he's still on the mortal coil.

[@scraglor1]

I have said this to my gaming group too. So relaxing

[@ryankrankowski3294]

@@carlosbarreales8752 No way. That title goes to Goobertown Hobbies. Duncan is awesome, but Goobertown really has those Bob Ross vibes.

[@bigdaveyeo350]

just place a little happy ork here oh doesn't he look happy 😊

[@mityakiselev]

This is very helpful! Please do more basing tutorials, like a forest, snow/ice, volcano landscape, and so on. That would be neat

[@maizetoken377]

I’d love to see a Duncan Rhodes snow base.

[@maizetoken377]

#twothindrifts

[@agent5333]

Check his website

[@mityakiselev]

@@agent5333 can't buy anything :(

[@TN-gr1xh]

I love how Duncan thins out his glue just like he does to his paints. "Now we are about to eat come chips. But first we're going thin down the tartar sauce with some vinegar like this. Now you're ready to eat some chips."

[@MrAtomicwalrus]

Thanks mate, very helpful. Love the extra step with the atmospheric weathering on the miniature.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

No problem 👍

[@benroberts6770]

really good video love the geonosis idea

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad you enjoyed it Ben 😊

[@tabletoptrilobite9816]

Could you do a video on some D&D models? I’d love to see how you’d tackle a red dragon

[@CrimsonTemplar2]

Or an Illithid. Any of the iconic D&D monsters from wizkids would be great to see you tackle.

[@banjoe3830]

look guys its Tiamat the dragon its the only thing Venger is scared of

[@jacksonandrews8714]

Wait there's a DRAGON MODEL?!?!

[@tabletoptrilobite9816]

@@jacksonandrews8714 have you not heard of the wizkids models?

[@mrfister1234]

@@jacksonandrews8714 I work at a medium sized hobby store and I can tell you that there are ALOT of dragon models for dnd. And yes they are by wizkids

[@plaidpvcpipe3792]

I'd love more basing tutorials! I think a rocky highland basing tutorial would be great.

[@slimjimkirky86]

I've not seen that dry stippling technique before. Such high quality, yet approachable content. You are an excellent educator!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thank you Jim. We are glad it helps.

[@brothercaptain]

I'm so happy I haven't based my Adeptus Mechanicus yet. This is perfect!!! Thanks Duncan.

[@shruggingatlasminiatures]

Great tutorial - solid basing advice is always welcome - for far too long i avoided doing any basing for fear of making a mess of a finished model, but really adds tonnes of character!

[@itsthequenchiest3270]

Basing tutorials are amazing! Perfect pace, and very easy to follow!!! Looking for more amazing videos, amazing job Duncan and team!!!

[@tomcummin6801]

Thank you Sir. It is very nice to see a basing video that takes the time to blend together multiple materials, dimensions and textures under the crackle paint instead of just 1: Glue miniature to base. 2: Plaster base with thick layer of crackle paint. 3: Wait for it to dry. 4: Saturate with Agrax Earthshade. 5: Drybrush. 6: Ta daaaaaah.

[@JoeyFangaz]

I used the Citadel one you had for 40K for my 133rd Lambdon Lions. Good to see a difference and I’ll use this next

[@williambibens4508]

You ever think about how some of us take real rock glue them onto a base and then paint them to look like real rocks?

[@RevanR]

Level 100 boss basing techniques

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Wow, thank you Reven R. We hope it helps 😊

[@RevanR]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA your welcome, this is obviously help me on how to basing

[@dmwaters]

This was a great tutorial. My main comments having tried it out would be: (i) the base wasn't as saturated as I expected (looked more like a damp iron rich soil that a dry arid landscape) and (ii) the pva I used to hold down the sand kept reactivating (exposing the base beneath). I solved the first problem by applying a vibrant watered-down red-orange contrast paint liberally over the base until the it really popped (in my case I used Nuclear Sunrise from Army Painters' speed paints). For the latter, I would recommend a second prime to properly adhere the sand to the base

[@chrishatton8197]

What a great video for basing! This is similar to how I do my Admech bases but without the dry brushing! Thanks Duncan, keep up the good work!

[@kylebroflovski5333]

Fantastic, I’d love to see some more of these like grassland or plains, I have so many bolt action models to get to basing

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Hi Kyle. We have plenty of basing tutorials on our website (duncanrhodes.com) similar to this one. In fact we have grasslands, snow, urban rubble, forest floor to name but a few. I'm pretty sure we would have you covered 😊

[@Flight_of_Icarus]

The lore for my Skitarii is that their actual forge world is an ocean planet, with densely packed underwater forge cities reminiscent of Rapture from Bioshock. The planet itself, however, is protected by its fortified moon where most of the Skitarii and even Titan Legions are based, with only specialist amphibious forces planetside. So I've been wondering about doing lunar bases for my first, normal Skitarii and their equipment, and I've been looking for ideas/tutorials. Though I could just follow the Martian tutorial and paint it grey, it seems a little boring that way. Once I've got some experience under my belt and some more material, I plan to come back and kitbash proper underwater Skitarii for planetside forces.

[@leorex8130]

Any progress on that? :)

[@TriptuneRadio]

What did you end up doing?

[@abramnotabraham2253]

Absolutely love this. More basing techniques please!

[@RosieJonesRules]

Duncan I'd love to see some Middle-Earth, the new Eomer especially!!

[@thewaaaghproductions2285]

First! Best mini painting channel!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

yay for being first. And thank you :-)

[@thewaaaghproductions2285]

Thanks Duncan!

[@notyos]

Someone who says 1st and is actually 1st... *Impossible*

[@hacknslash318]

Duncan you are such a good instructor. Excellent results and I really liked how you blended the Martian Ironearth in by using water. Excellent. I will definitely do this for my Adepticus Mechanicus.

[@seanmeadows129]

Even though I can do bases I still learnt extra tips here. Thank you for these insights Duncan. Much appreciated.

[@cristhianmlr]

Farsight Enclaves approved.

[@AnthonyArchermagic]

Thank you for this, it is exactly what I need for Legions Imperialis.

[@johnkelley9877]

The base looks great Duncan! The paints give the base a nice muted red color and the weathering has a nice dusty appearance to it. Thanks for sharing this.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

No problem John, glad it helps 😊

[@blarfnugle5653]

Remember to apply two thin layers of glue for the best coverage 😂😂

[@lancetekk]

Not gonna lie, got me in the first half :)

[@derphurr8814]

It's not as silly as it sounds. Applying a second layer of PVA glue on top of the sand can be a good way to seal it in to prevent it from wearing off over time.

[@mattpk1609]

This is the third time i was searching for something specific and your channel shows up :D you can read minds in the future which is next level psyker stuff

[@mrplastico7867]

Fantastic. Thank you. I agree with previous commentors, tutorials on forest, snow, volcano etc would be awesome.

[@mb8317]

Always love your videos! It takes such basic stuff and you do your magic to make it look much more advanced

[@Shriiiiiiiiiiiimp]

Please do more basing tutorials. I enjoy your techniques and it would be great to see more base styles.

[@29salonica]

When I saw the way you applied the pva glue I thought you were going to say to apply two thin coats!😁😃😂

[@jacksonandrews8714]

He absolutely did. Your mortal eyes simply couldn't comprehend it

[@russiandoptkapro4338]

That's an awesome looking B1 battle droid! Will you ever potentially do a video showing how you've painted it?

[@EmpireofWargames]

Amazing tutorial Duncan, I will use this for my Tau army with some tweeks here and there. Please consider doing more Basing tutorials

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Hi. We have done many on our website (duncanrhodes.com) covering a large manner of basing techniques 😊 Glad you enjoyed this one

[@TheRealJamie23]

Kick ass! I would love a snow / ice tutorial!

[@TheDualscar]

my admec army really apreciates this tutorial, keep being an inspiration Duncan :)

[@hanschow5457]

Thanks a lot for the tutorial! This style of base will look beautiful as a contrast to the deep green of my budding Dark Angels force. Is it possible for you to do a miniature varnishing tutorial? I know that preserving a splendid paint job is an area of concern with many painters and I'm sure an experienced gentleman such as yourself would have some amazing tips and tricks to share with the painting populace. Cheers!

[@beameyzed]

Really loved the video and would love to see more basing tutorials!

[@boltthebirb7233]

Really great video Duncan! Another option is to use pigment powder on the base and feet of the miniature. It creates a really great dusty effect. Cheers!

[@Outrage82]

how do you bind the pigment to the base and legs?

[@boltthebirb7233]

@@Outrage82 I find leaving the model as is after applying the pigment looks the best. It makes it really dusty. If you are going to be gaming a lot and need to bind the pigment there are a few brands that sell pigment binder. I've used Vallejo Pigment Binder. it's okay. I would like to try Pigment Fixer Enamel Fluid by AK interactive or Mig Pigment Fixer. I think they may work better as they are enamel / solvent based and run into cracks, flow well. I would wear a mask or use in well ventilated area if using enamels. Cheers!

[@sampacitti9513]

Thanks very much for this video, I’m hopefully getting some admech skitarii rangers for Xmas and this’ll be perfect, thx

[@sword-brother7366]

Wow that looks great! I would love to see you do an urban rubble base!

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Thanks Warzombie73. We actually did a full tutorial for the Academy (duncanrhodes.com) on an Urban Rubble base...it proved quite popular which is always nice :-)

[@sword-brother7366]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA Thanks I just joined!

[@daedcpl]

This is amazing! Exactly what I needed, thank you!

[@TheGravespawn]

Roger Roger

[@Jordyb234]

The best mars bases around

[@cartouchator]

I'll be copying this but wasteland style, same technique but more brown colours :)

[@hannuruotsalainen9884]

duncan... stop reading my dream journal you... I was thinking at work today " hmm I would like to do Baal themed bases for my BA models.. need to look up guide for that when I get home " Oh.. Duncan has uploaded.. oh nice just what I needed :)

Exactly what I needed! It is nice to be able to comment on your videos now Duncan! :)

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Happy to help!

[@TheRk283]

Art attack flash backs, lol the chills.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Chills in a good way right? 😂

[@TheRk283]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA nostalgia chills. Thanks for the great video.

[@vthunder4238]

I’m planning to use this for my desecrator knight and I can’t wait. Thank you so much

[@salute31]

Excellent tutorial for a great looking barren terrain/Mars surface base. Only 2 questions, apart from the paints you used that are listed in the video description what undercoat you use before starting to add details to the base? Do you have a preferred brand you like to use more? Thanks in advance.

[@michaelcrowe6796]

Fantastic!! I think I will apply this to my Bloodthirster base.

[@johnschweiger1079]

Awesome, I would love to see your take on how to do snow bases

[@jameskeatley1834]

Fantastic! Been looking for a good red earth scheme for my new necron army

[@grecoromanlegionary9230]

Wooo 158th! Awesome tutorial Duncan!

[@JulianDHenao]

Justo lo que buscaba!

[@maizetoken377]

Dang! Looks good!

[@adron1261]

When duncan dials your basing up to 10, using the exact same paints and textures. Well now I have some ideas to improve my technique.

[@Senbei01]

A bit of a late question (so it will likely get buried), but have you tried using inexpensive makeup brushes for drybrushing? They're a good deal softer than most drybrushes, but also often a lot larger.

[@soundwave221]

Awesome base exactly what I was looking for.

[@FlynnMTaggart]

Praise be to the Omnisiah

[@pedroalbicastrense353]

Superbe and simple

[@MajorBorris]

Awesome looking base!

[@raphiree1046]

Hey Duncan, great vid! I'd love to see your take on an ice field basing

[@robertevans3173]

Thank you, for the content. this is super helpful and inspiring.

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@MegaRadisic]

Very nice video! Thanks!

[@timothybyrne9764]

When i get some money someday, i may try to kitbash some army with this method of basing. Really been meaning to play red faction again.

[@MegaRadisic]

Oooooohhhh a droid!!?? Does that mean we are getting some more Legion tutorials? :D

[@mrfister1234]

He has quite a bit of legion tutorials in his website

[@MegaRadisic]

@@mrfister1234 But... you gotta ask yourself... is it ever enough? :D XD

[@Beartree]

You rock!

[@kiesarisunny13]

I may play Black Legion but dammit I love Mars, thanks for this guide

[@CloneShockTrooper]

keep these wonderful videos coming Duncan :-)

[@BeforetheStorm.]

Yay. Finally a proper technique for mars, not like GW's tutorial where it's too flat and plain.Thanks

[@edwindrood2816]

Great topic! Ice worlds and Tron word next

[@cashs2599]

Can you paint games workshops Middle Earth minitures? By the way love the vids! Keep it up!

[@captainberrios]

I'm curious about your painting posture. Does your back hurt? Do you have any tips for a painter who struggles leaning over the models?

[@samryan8703]

Great video Duncan! I am about to start painting my mortarion miniature but I am doing him in a Black and Bronze scheme similar to the black legion. I wondered if anyone (including Duncan) had any ideas of how to highlight black armour, I was thinking grey but I'm not entirely confident on how to approach it

[@DuncanRhodesDRPA]

Grey is a good choice. Start with a darker grey then move up to a mid-tone grey. If you want some spot highlights this go up to a lighter grey. Blue can also work as a highlight colour too :-)

[@samryan8703]

@@DuncanRhodesDRPA thanks a lot Duncan! Much appareciated. Big fan of the channel, please keep up the excellent work

[@pedroalbicastrense353]

AT the end of vidéo when u brush the legs of the droid , i think the effect ils better if done with pigments i prefer this method . It's my opinion , what do u think about ? Thanks for this cool vidéo

[@KilgoreVoid]

I can see some Tharks hanging out on these bases. Well done as always, Duncan.

[@zippyspinifex]

Now to find course English sand in Australia.

[@jmc7034]

Just got to love it even if it makes my effort look pathetic 😁😍

[@TheTabCrawler]

Prais the Omishia - Roger Roger I shall now start a Mechanicum army as i always wanted to.

[@shaunhutton2201]

Stuff ordered, using this for my legio mortis titans!

[@stevenjones6982]

That was really helpful! Thanks!

[@danielmarsic9442]

Hi Duncan, thank you for all your amazing videos. question. I used this method for my base, however, finished it off with a pigment powder to give it that dry dusty feel - looked amazing. however, after i let the pigment fixer dry, it now has that flat look, almost satin look. should I just not use fixer and just see how it goes? I use them to game, but not often. hope you can help. thank you mate.

[@HooDie-Trench-GoTh2022]

Perfect for skitarii

[@makecowsnotwar]

He even thins his glue.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you DRPA .

[@CrimsonTemplar2]

Great technique.

[@marcovicari3958]

Hi! thanks for your amazing video tutorials! I wanted to ask you where can I find, and if you can recommend a particular brand, a sand for the bases like the one in the video? thank you so much!

[@Appo3736]

Love this video, I always refer to it when I'm basing my AdMech forces! Just curious though, where do you get the sand from? Been looking for that nice texture where it a bit rocky/gritty.

[@edpistemic]

Very cool!

[@superkamigoru]

I'd love to see a video on how to paint death company

[@franktheundead]

Great tutorial, one thing to note. I've followed the guide step by step and you're base seems to much more Orange / Red? I can't seem to replicate the saturation.

[@SunBearerofEl]

That looks fun to do. How about a jungle base ?

[@biggrundo6667]

Thanks Duncan, GW really lost a great big gem when you left.

[@qyzxger790]

THAT LOOKS AWESOME! :) Just a little question. :S Would you paint and build your part two of the Base around the finished minature or would you just build the base complete and once both are done you put the mini with some super glue on top of that? :)

[@kaleebdark75]

Merci :)

[@returntofleet]

Hi Duncan, cool to see that you have your own channel. I recognize you from the Warhammer channel :) The magnet storage box is a great idea :) Just wondering where do you get the base grip?

[@rasmuslewenhagen647]

Any good tips on where u can get nice flat rocks?

[@Terrainosaur]

I wish you would paint some terrain!