How To Make Snow Bases In Three Different Ways

In this video I go over how to make three different snow bases with Baking Soda, Citadel Texture Paints, and small stone granules!
I really thought that the stone granules were an adequate substitute... until I saw them next to the other basing styles. I have to say honestly, the baking soda base is my favorite, and it's the best value for your money, so why not go for the best thing that is also the cheapest! I will say however, the Valhallan Blizzard from Games Workshop's texture/technical paint line is great for snow that is supposed to look roughed up, or recently traversed/walked through.
They all have their uses I would say, as the granules can be applied QUICK and easily. The Valhallan Blizzard paint is ready right from the bottle. And finally the baking soda set is the closest looking to a scale snow, but it takes more work, and is best applies on a textured surface.
I could have done WAY more with each of these bases, this is just to try and show some simple basing that I did, you can ABSOLUTELY go crazy with this stuff, and just make some insanely good looking bases. I believe in you! :)
Amazon Affiliate Link to Citadel Texture Paint - Valhallan Blizzard: amzn.to/2Ct5PQe
Amazon Affiliate Link to Citadel Texture Paint - Stirland Battlemire: amzn.to/2pU5rra
If you like twitter, I got one! / rybonator1
I also have an Instagram! / dm_rybonator
If you have any ideas for what you would like to see built/reviewed in the future, let me know in the comments down below! Then subscribe so you don't miss any new videos coming out in the future! Also, if you liked this, gimme that sweet sweet like.
MUSIC:
• "Renaissance Period" "...
"Renaissance Period" "Music For KZbin Videos" "Royalty Free Music"
LAKEY INSPIRED - Better Days
• LAKEY INSPIRED - Bette...

[@moovmint4383]

The intro is 10 seconds of being a true dad

[@Rybonator]

I wonder if my wife has something she wants to tell me...

[@TaggedByTim]

I thought speak with dead required a target that had died recently 😳

[@Verity_Reigns]

Also all those dad jokes and rhymes at the beginning, I’m not sure whether to commend you or roll my eyes

[@stillnotstill]

Verity_Reigns bothhhh 😊

[@Rybonator]

My goal is for both :)

[@Mikelectric]

yeah I agree, like it totally depends on how long it took him to come up with, like in my head it took him a good half hour to an hour to come up with it...

[@TheSraoshna]

Dad here, and I loved all of them.

[@adiuntesserande6893]

I'd suggest rolling dice, not eyes. Less painful.

[@bofurlong8944]

When I looked up snow bases I was expecting a ten step process, and you blew me out of the water with Elmer’s and baking soda 😂. Thank you so much for saving me time and money.

[@Verity_Reigns]

What would happen if you add the stone granules to the baking soda mix? Would that give you the texture that you want without sacrificing the snowy look? Or would the fact that the glue is diluted keep the granules from sticking properly?

[@MasonPeatross]

Came here to suggest this.

[@Rybonator]

Good question! I haven't tried it, but I'll have to give that a shot :)

[@jordanbeard6687]

That is exactly what I do. Then I add a tiny bit of clear glitter on top.

[@dwaynehendrickson8854]

And what if you use a paint color other than white? Could you make the mud in this manner?

[@quethesparkle]

Was gonna say this too

[@pasu2k]

While I really enjoyed your dice making adventures the last months, I'm glad to see some base making again :) I appreciate the variety!

[@Rybonator]

Planning to try and bring a lot of variety to you all :)

[@stillnotstill]

HOTH TO THE -- sasjlkgxlkgxfgs 😂 edit: okay now that I've watched the rest..! I love that you showed such a clear comparison by keeping the other elements consistent, and that you showed them both with and without minis. My favorite part was the dry brushing because I wasn't expecting it and I really thought it made a huge difference. If you don't mind some constructive criticism, I think it might make more sense to introduce the different products in the same order that you use them in the creating portion of the vid. I loved the clear intro of the snow alternatives but when you started to use the last one you introduced, I was a little distracted. A small thing for sure, and maybe just a me problem, but I thought I would mention in case it helps. Congrats on 60k!

[@Rybonator]

I honestly thought I had, until I started editing the footage. Yes in the future I'll try and make it more consistent :) Thanks for the tip! Also thank you!

[@frogleader3825]

This is really cool and helpful, thanks, keep up the good work!

[@Rybonator]

Absolutely! Thank YOU for watching :)

[@jordanbeard6687]

So recently I did some of this kind of testing myself and my favorite was the baking soda mix, but I put some of the stone crystals in it to give it some texture on its own. I also found that I liked it best when I layered it in spots to do some thicker patches of snow around the edges of other terrain features like the rocks. To finish off the look I added some clear glitter to the top while it's wet, then after dry I add some brown wash to the edges or anywhere I want it to look dirty or muddy.

[@Rybonator]

That's good to know! I will have to try your clear glitter trick for sure. As well, the borwn wash on the edges would be great, or under boot marks left in the snow :)

[@kristencoe3328]

That beging was gold great job on the video, I love the bases!

[@Rybonator]

You know I love me some gold, so I'll call this a big win :) Thank you!

[@samprastherabbit]

I tried out the pva-baking soda- paint mix and it's amazing!! Thanks a million, Rybonator! More of these type of videos are very welcome :)

[@Rybonator]

That's awesome! I'm glad it worked out for you :) Send pics sometime on twitter/insta. I'd love to see!

[@joncaruana2493]

Hey guys, I know its an old thread, but I tried this mix and its just fizzing up and turning into a ball. Am I doing something wrong?

[@beng6149]

This is probably the best snow base video I've seen. A lot of them use techniques I just don't want to bother with (resin). And having three very accessible options compared like this is very helpful. I think I'm leaning towards the valhallan or baking soda.

[@Rybonator]

Glad you liked it! :)

[@coldsteelbosh4389]

Those look amazing.

[@Rybonator]

Thank you! Glad you like them :)

[@Nazasu]

That Baking Soda one looks SO GOOD. I'm totally using that from now on.

[@QuizMasterEntertainment]

This is really cool, pun intended. I'm more into transparent bases and having the map tiles be the ones with texture and detailing, but this certainly has it's points too

[@Rybonator]

I like transparent bases a lot for the same reason. I like using bases like these for theming specific enemies or armies :)

[@ItsTheGofa]

They look amazing Rybo, really looks like a muddy snow scattered battlefield. Personally I like the way the Valhallan Blizzard looks and applies. Keep up the awesome videos, and grats on 60k subs man, you deserve it !!!

[@Rybonator]

Thank you for that :) The blizzard really does look great, it's just more expensive than the others. I'll keep it up if you keep watching :)

[@ItsTheGofa]

@@Rybonator Im a permenant fixture Rybo, I aint going nowhere :)

[@frankblaker8294]

Nicely paced, nice result

[@WaldoWally]

Great video! Thanks!

[@qw3rty829]

Super helpful for my Frostgrave game I'm starting soon, thanks!

[@Setoro24]

For a school project, I mixed mod podge with coarse salt, let it dry, and it worked fine.

[@Rybonator]

Oh nice, I'll have to give that a shot sometime :)

[@Shortash12]

Those dad jokes were awesome! I liked the look for the granulated base but the baking soda one looks amazing!

[@Rybonator]

Just different styles I guess :) The icey look of the granules is fun in a different way!

[@JachymorDota]

Appreciation!

[@DemonicaaD14]

They look really... Cool.

[@Rybonator]

That's an ICE pun ;D

[@mystictabletop6040]

Yay more non dice vids hope to see some more table top props like the castle and seige tower

[@Rybonator]

I plan on it :) I'll be doing both, as well as some other NEW stuff soon

[@loganater45]

Great vid!

[@gavindosanjh2286]

this was so helpful

[@ghostparty2062]

Very helpful thanks

[@Drakijy]

Firstly: Nice video and good work! And since you asked... Secondly: I think the Citadel premade snow looks the best BUT WAIT! There's more! Thirdly: (hehe turdly) Considering expense, I am inclined to go with the tried and true baking soda technique. It looks great, is inexpensive and easy to do.

[@Rybonator]

1: Thank you! 2: It's the simplest by far too, so that's nice :) 3: I think it's the best for large armies for sure :)

[@doomshroom1991]

just got to a hotel after flying all day and this is a nice surpise :)

[@Rybonator]

Hopefully you were able to relax and enjoy now that you are off the plane :)

[@doomshroom1991]

i r e q u i r e i n t e r n e t c o n n e c t i o n

[@TwistingTime]

Bro if I was a player at your table you would see me attempt to eat these... They look like cookies and cream cookies :D

[@Rybonator]

"She has been vanquished!... No... No you don't get to eat her now." lol

[@Sora623898]

I like the baking soda style. It looks a lot more powdery, which is how the snow usually looks where I live. Plus you could put the figure's foot in the snow while it is wet to give it the tracks you'd expect leading up to the figure's current placement on the base.

[@Rybonator]

That would be cool! It'd make it powdery like real snow, but realistic with the footprints :)

[@angrybadger4236]

Thanks for the video. I'm going with the glue and baking soda

[@InterKnight2007]

This is so cool! I am gonna be making some ice demons eventually, so I may add some snow to them :)

[@redwillow1853]

I actually use the Woodland Scenics snow powder mix and it is fantastic. I used it for a 40k Space Wolves army and looks great. I plan to use it on my Beasts of Chaos army Age of Sigmar.

[@Rybonator]

Oh I might have to try that :)

[@JessFromMead]

This was really helpful. I'm working on some Battlemechs and I wanted to have them on a snow base, but wasn't sure how to go about and do that.

[@RIVERSRPGChannel]

Cool video I like them all

[@Rybonator]

Thank you! Glad that you like them :) I think they are each nice depending ont he aesthetic you are going for.

[@lainpowers8146]

Great video, I would kinda like to see how you would make walk on snow bases. Like heavy snow so you see someone walking or if a wizard/anyone in a long cloak leaving a drag trail behind. That would be cool to see

[@Rybonator]

Ohh that's a good idea! I might make a snow diorama and do that sometime :) I would probably do the snow in two layers, one base layer, and then one around the spots that I'd leave the footprints or drag marks

[@lainpowers8146]

. hmm that's a sounds cool. I look forward in seeing what you make.

[@i.z2335]

i loved them snow puns

[@Rybonator]

I'm glad you thought that they were Cool ;). That's very Ice of you to say

[@MrVulcanator]

I've had success using white sand from Hobby Lobby and craft glue. I don't know what the sand is made from but it has very fine grains. It's kind of shiny so as you look at it from different angles individual grains catch the light and sparkle. It looks pretty good.

[@sandart8508]

Theoretically could you use salt for really crystalline looking snow or broken ice?

[@stillnotstill]

Sandart 6004 Ooh that might look really pretty!! I wonder if it might dissolve over time from moisture in the air if it wasn't coated.. I guess if the baking soda is ok it probably would be too?

[@pepelozo]

@@stillnotstill ive used it before and it hasnt melted yet

[@stillnotstill]

Pepelozo oh cool, thanks!

[@Rybonator]

What pepelozo said, salt works too :) just dont get it wet haha

[@julenm22]

I think it could be cool to make some kind of snowy diorama mixing these 3 techniques

[@Rybonator]

Oh yeah it could! For like a snow yeti :D

[@julenm22]

@@Rybonator yeah hahaha totally

[@MegaInsaneMC]

This will be great, I needed an idea on how to do this after a failed highlighting experiment with a librarian left the armour with an almost frost like finish in some places.

[@Rybonator]

I am gonna assume you meant barbarian? Although I like the idea with a labrarian character haha :)

[@MegaInsaneMC]

@@Rybonator Oh, no I meant librarian, I got a 40k Primaris Librarian to mess around with some glow in the dark paint but it ended up not working but leaving a nice frosty texture in some places.

[@Goodzikc]

Imo I really like the granual one as it honestly looks like frozen snow. I live in central Canada and in the cold of the winter the snow is generally super crystaline and doesnt stick together and on a bright sunny day sparkles just like the granular snow

[@Kalwei]

the valhallan blizzards look reminds me of rice porridge... Good thing xmas is coming so plenty of that to go around. :D

[@Rybonator]

Lol put some solidified porridge on the bases :P See what happens there

[@njames6305]

Mix your granules into the PVA and baking soda mix to get more volume and irregular, icy snow

[@pepelozo]

i tend to use salt instead of the stone granules (because it's easier to get) but im going to try one with both salt and baking soda, i think it would look really good

[@Rybonator]

Oh nice! Send some pics if you do, I'd love to see!

[@PandaBuddy19]

I think the baking soda mix would be fantastic for a ranger, druid or smaller character that leaves little to no footprints in the snow. For set pieces, however, the baking soda mixture would hands down be my go to.

[@Rybonator]

Yeah halflings and gnomes would work great with that :)

[@TaggedByTim]

I will never use this (Because all my friends are internet friends that live years away ;-;) but again it's still nice to see how it's made

[@Rybonator]

Never know when you will find a local group to play with! :)

[@steamgoth-lassassin4099]

While I don't plan on doing miniatures for my current campaign, I would probably work with the baking soda and see what could be done to add some texture. We did use the granulated snow when we made the Star Wars planet themed terrariums for my wedding. Would highly recommend using that, too.

[@stillnotstill]

Steamgoth-Lassassin the.. the Star Wars planet themed terrariums for your wedding?? * flail * That sounds freaking EPIC.

[@Rybonator]

Star wars terrariums and a wedding. Makes my wedding sound so lame! I love it :D

[@steamgoth-lassassin4099]

Not going to lie, the whole Star Wars wedding was pretty freaking rad.

[@CosmicDuskWolf]

You can also use an old brush that is no longer useful for painting minis anymore. Or a cheap brush you dont mind getting it on. For undead I would probably mix either army painter or AK snow flocking with the backing soda. I just really like the way the AK one comes out also they do have a jell one for snow but it takes a while to dry and you need to build it up over layers, though the first layer does look cool for ice over water.

[@Rybonator]

That's a great tip! I didn't even know that was an option. I'll have to give it a shot :)

[@CosmicDuskWolf]

@@Rybonator Not a lot of people do seem to know that it is. Also if you use the snow diorama jell effects with the moss flocking and some green paint you get some really cool swamp effects for basses.

[@simogamez]

Thanks for the vid could you use the baking soda mix for waves on a water base

[@Rybonator]

Hmm you COULD, but it might be a bit too white. I'd go for a clear gloss with some white paint mixed in :)

[@add2ndedition663]

Nice looking techniques. I think if you put down the granulated white stones then primed and painted them it would look a little more snow like might be a way to fix the unnatural look of it of course that would add some time into finishing the bases and probably not be considered an easy way to do it.

[@Rybonator]

If you put a large amount of the paint on there, it can fill in some of the gaps too, making it look more fluid :)

[@add2ndedition663]

@@Rybonator That is true as well.

[@janetcameron4652]

Thanks.

[@Rybonator]

Of course!

[@absolutmauser]

Vallejo Pumice works pretty well for snow as well and is very easy to work with. Works a lot like the GW snow

[@Rybonator]

Oh nice! I didn't even know that existed :) I'll have to give that a shot!

[@absolutmauser]

If you get some, dip your coffee stirrer in water first because it’s very sticky!

[@absolutmauser]

Vallejo makes a lot of weird basing and texture stuff you don’t hear much about. I happened across the pumice at a hobby shop.

[@absolutmauser]

And no offense to Granny Weatherwax, but it’s muuuuch cheaper than the citadel snow.

[@darkdeaht12]

Love this video, how long is try time backing powder

[@bipolarchemist]

I think a mix of the granules and baking soda could make for something interesting or maybe adding a bit of grout mix/concrete to the baking soda mix could held create some interesting texture. The water in the glue and paint should be enough to allow the grout mix to set enough to no just flake off.

[@Rybonator]

I have heard that grout is an excellent snow/sand substitute :)

[@Sokanas42]

For the mix maybe try a less white paint, add in some of the sand and maybe look at adding some sort of gumming agent so that it holds its shape while drying

[@Rybonator]

That's not a bad idea :) I actually like how white the mix came out, but if you are going for less white, then yeah, less of that haha

[@The_Rad_Dad3]

SNOW many dad jokes.... love it

[@Rybonator]

As a police dad, I am glad you approve

[@UEHighCouncilMember]

We at U.E. found this helpful. We will have someone procure baking soda. Sincerely U.E. Council Member

[@learomeih104]

I really wish I could do some of the things on this channel for example making my own dice but I live in a tiny dorm 😩

[@Rybonator]

Check in your area for a local maker space :) They often have large rooms and equipment for you to use!

[@tomtripp5417]

I play Dwarves for lotr (28mm) and those rocks would be possibly too big to look like snow. I'm trying out the citadel product this evening as Citadel do tend to be the most accessible, but I also hear great things about Army Painter. I think I'd use the baking soda technique on my dioramas and centre pieces, but it may be a bit 'heavy' for every unit in an army. And time consuming 🤣

[@ssvishnov]

Do you need to use the stirland battlemire first, or can you go straight to valhallan blizzard? Also where did you get those little rocks from?

[@alejandrogalera]

@Rybonator I have a question. Valhallan blizard is ok for playing with miniatures? I mean, is it hardly fixed or it can be removed with playing with miniatures?

[@MrFahqup]

Cool. I wonder how using a mini's feett to leave foot prints while it's still wet would turn out.

[@MadMeeper]

You could probably could mix the rock granules with the baking soda for a really cool texture!

[@Rybonator]

That's a good idea, I'll have to give that a shot!

[@The_Rad_Dad3]

I don’t do warhammer, but I’m diggin the baking soda style because the texture looks the best. I’d think you could still add rough texture as it starts do dry but not fully

[@Rybonator]

True, I probably could have dabbed it with a brush about 30 minutes into the drying process. Might have made it better :)

[@The_Rad_Dad3]

Man, you do you.. I don’t do textured bases. I’m more in to the painting

[@foxgaming4984]

Theoretically, Could you be able to use some of that fine-ground astroturf with the bakingsoda/paint to give it more texture, Rigidity, And a more late winter snow-field vibe?

[@Rybonator]

I don't see why not! I'll have to give that a shot :)

[@retjia7747]

Take an inspiration die for that intro man!

[@Rybonator]

Sweet! I'll take all the inspiration I can get :D

[@roberthermosillo5727]

One more option that I found is using a snow wash ( I learned from Soratoro's channel: Star Wars Imperial Assault Painting Guide ( Repulsor Tank)) from Precision ice and snow.

[@thePunisher95125]

Hey I don’t know if you’ve seen these but pentart has some products that you might consider looking at. They have an acrylic paint called ice blue that semi gloss, two pastes called ice effect and snow paste, and some other products you might want to look at.

[@Rybonator]

Oh I should check that out then :) That might make these even better!

[@thePunisher95125]

Rybonator well whatever you choose I’m sure everything will turn out the way you want.

[@looselycollected7505]

Have you ever tried mixing a little of the crushed stone and maybe a bit of sand into the baking soda mix to add some texture?

[@senor135]

what if you combined the baking soda mixture with the Ashland stone granules? granules either underneath or on top of the baking soda mixture, to add some texture?

[@Rybonator]

Hmm that could make for an interesting mixture! :)

[@KingHoborg]

Could you use just standard sand and paint white on them if you want the rough snow look?

[@ClokworkGremlin]

Wait a minute, these aren't dice! As he says in the video, the Citadel looks great for snow that's been churned up and walked in, while the baking soda looks better for pristine snowfall. My one critique with the baking soda would be that it doesn't have that glittery iridescence that real snow does. I wonder if a *very* fine dusting of luster dust or extremely fine glitter might help with that.

[@Rybonator]

Or even mixing a tiny bit of pearl mica powder in there too :)

[@mandaloriandy]

I wonder how it would look if you mixed some of the stone granules into the baking soda mix, if you wanted to give it a little more roughness?

[@Rybonator]

That would probably make for an interesting look!

[@Zejety]

Any particular requirements for the glue in the baking soda mix? PVA?

[@lupuslunarem3235]

how do u make the valhallen blizzard look like that? I tried mine and it looks too flat, I dunno if I maybe shook it too much, not enough or didn't use enough

[@TheMetamutt]

Would using brown paint instead of white with the baking soda make for good mud?

[@sugarghast]

I think the valhalan is my favorite.

[@Rybonator]

It does give it that rough and freshly walked in look :)

[@King_Vai]

Came for the dice, stayed for the painting

[@Karina-Loves-Andreas]

The Citadel Product, the "Valhalla Blizzard"...when thinly applied, seems pretty translucent. I'm thinking to use this on a base where I have an octopus coming out of the surf onto a beach. I think that Valhalla Blizzard might be PERFECT for ocean foam coming up to the edge of a beach (I'm using other "water products" for the water, but it will only cover 1/4 of the base). What do you think of using Valhalla Blizzard to mimic the edge of water foam on a beach?

[@demonicbunny3po]

For a dice video, what about a video on how to make dice with custom sides? Say I want to make a d12 but I want it to only have sides that are 1, 2, or 3 to make a d3 that rolls really well. Or if I want to make a fancy script for the numbers.

[@Rybonator]

I plan on tackling this with one method in the future :)

[@dylanriley359]

Could corn starch be used as a baking soda alt?

[@EthalaRide]

what happens if you put a layer of the baking soda snow on top of the pebble snow

[@Rybonator]

Oh that might be a good look!

[@peterbanderas8184]

The rock granules would work well for a "salt" base idea I have been working on

[@Rybonator]

That would be good :) You can also USE salt in a base like this as well.

[@peterbanderas8184]

@@Rybonator considered it,, even found some nice big salt crystals. The problem with salt is you have to avoid moisture and the crystals can shatter if dropped. I'm afraid with regular handling and the rigors of game play, the real salt crystals might wear down.

[@SailorIda3]

the crystal like snow fits better in extremely cold climates, the other two ones can go almost anywhere :)

[@Rybonator]

Absolutely! I like the crystal look for places where you might find a white dragon :)

[@SailorIda3]

Fair enough but I imagine dragons as proud creatures, this they decorate their lairs with expensive fabrics and materials to compliment their scale colour. A red dragon might have lots of gold and green in its lair as a nice compliment :)

[@Rybonator]

@@SailorIda3 I didn't know you liked that band ;) And yeah that totally makes sense :)

[@SailorIda3]

@@Rybonator ... It took me way longer than I want to admitt to understand that joke. But yeah, I think they have some nice songs :)

[@matrion6098]

I’m sorry but I diagnose you’re minis with bendy sword syndrome!

[@Rybonator]

Runs in the family :(

[@michaelgreenholz7638]

Try using white tile grout with white paint . then sprinkle on the white grout on tho. spry with alcohol and water. for stiffer snow mix the tile grout with either light weight Spackle or regular speckle for 2 different effects.

[@Rybonator]

That sounds like a good idea, maybe I'll have to give that a shot :O

[@Ulfhednir9]

Baking soda mix because I'm a cheapskate lol. But does it yellow overtime? I used direct baking soda on bases and it yellowed or does the paint stop. That?

[@norbertorivera2482]

Hmm, I have an idea of using the snow types (specifically the untouched snow and the stepped on snow) to emphasize ther personalities of two of my characters

[@Rybonator]

That's awesome! Good use of the different styles :)

[@absolutmauser]

I didn’t manage to watch the video because I was completely devastated by the barrage of ice and snow dad puns in the first seconds.

[@Rybonator]

They were a critical hit ;D

[@absolutmauser]

Oh god. Now I have to go lie down again.

[@PBlackburn242]

I came for the modeling technique. I stayed because of the opening rhymes.

[@Rybonator]

My mission is complete

[@Scott-du2cg]

Snow Tec is very good also for snow you can buy it at Micheals.

[@Weaponsandarmor]

Have you tried mixing the small white stone granules in with the baking soda?

[@dero4378]

thats hot

[@Rybonator]

Hey Will Smith!

[@dero4378]

@@Rybonator Will Smith is hot too.

[@alessiodecarolis]

Perhaps the baking soda method is the most affordable & realistic

[@traetchskwerl589]

Is it too early for you to make some winter themed dice?? Liiike... a huge d20 that looks like a snowglobe??? ❄️

[@Rybonator]

I have something coming up that MAY fit what you are looking for :)

[@traetchskwerl589]

@@Rybonator OH HECK I'm excited!!

[@sparkypi]

How to create spell "Bolt of Boiling Water" 1. Make mini bases with baking soda mix 2. Fill pipette with vinegar 3. Fire "Bolt of Boiling Water" vinegar at baking soda bases 4. Relish in the tormented screams of your enemies

[@elvendarkness1]

The baking soda one, won’t it turn yellow after a years time?

[@alexclements2488]

Can you use baking powder instead is baking soda?

[@GothEmoRaver]

have you tried making a dragon themed jumbo d20? I'm currently watching highrollersdnd and the're dealing with some dragons right now. its was just a random idea that went through my head.

[@Rybonator]

I haven't found a good solution for tiny dragon scales yet to put in dice. When I do that, I'll make some for sure!