Terrain

Following are a list of tools and supplies I use on the regular, along with some interesting techniques I have picked up over the years.

Plastic Supplies

Plastic Sheets

Very useful in cutting small shapes to help add textures that look like plates and panels. Along with a hole puncher, you can even create the appearance of rivets. Not recommended for basing, as it’s too thin and lacks support.    https://amzn.to/3y8bsxN

Kydex

When creating bases for terrain, this is my favorite material. It’s lightweight and durable, and easily shaped with a dremel.    https://amzn.to/3yaofiW

Glues and Adhesives

Superglue

Most useful for creating a real strong bond between small surfaces.    https://amzn.to/3sJZE3x

E6000 Glue

Very useful in gluing larger surfaces together. Once cured it creates a very strong bond.     https://amzn.to/3mn7TBB

Wood Glue

Not only is it great for glueing wood bits together, but can also provide a temporary bond for plastic bits that you need to separate later.    https://amzn.to/2UIpl8c

Masking Tape

Not only is it good for making sharp edges where you don’t want paint, but it also works as a temporary adhesive.    https://amzn.to/3B4qEOm

Cutting and Sanding

Cutting Board

A must have tool, it protects your work surface and ensures that you don’t cut or gouge your table. Your spouse or roommate will thank you for not destroying their table.    https://amzn.to/2WhoADN

Utility Knife Razor

I recommend the following 3 pack, because I constantly am misplacing my knives because they are useful in so many different ways:    https://amzn.to/2WiRZ0d

Dremel Rotary Tool

Probably one of the greatest tools for cutting and shaping, it’s probably one of the more expensive tools in my arsenal.    https://amzn.to/3mnVzRm

Dremel Sanding Drums

I bought a pack of these once, many years ago, and I still haven’t gone through all of them.    https://amzn.to/3Dah12b

120 grit Sand Paper

For sanding large areas. I find that sanding sheets are best used by taping to your work surface, and sanding the object against it.    https://amzn.to/3sEiUze

Nail Files

For sanding smaller areas, and shaping various materials. I find that holding them lightly reduces strain on your hand, thus preventing cramping and possible carpal tunnel.    https://amzn.to/383iFV9

Hole Punches

Useful in creating tiny holes in almost anything, and very useful in creating small circular bits out of plastic that look like rivets.    https://amzn.to/3mBClYT

Paint

Vinyl Dye

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… I prefer using black vinyl dye instead of primer. Not only does it come out in a finer and more even spray, it also seems to soak into plastic and dry quicker than primer. Plus, it’s also cheaper.    https://amzn.to/2UBVhuK

Sandable Primer

While being a terrible idea for minis, is a great idea for terrain, as it provides a gritty texture that makes it look like concrete or cement. Here’s the primer of my choice:     https://amzn.to/2XLy4rj

Matte Clear Sealant

Useful for protecting your hard work from minor scuffs.     https://amzn.to/3mpi0FK

Texturing 

While several companies have come out with texture paints, I find one of the easiest methods of texturing something to look gritty is to mix spackling compound with sand. Once it’s nice and mixed, you can spread it on the desired surface. Once dry, mix in some acrylic paint with some mod podge to desired color, and paint it on to give both color and a nice sealed finish.

Spackle Compound    https://amzn.to/3z7SIzr

Sand    https://amzn.to/2W6flq1

Mod Podge    https://amzn.to/3kvhJyP

Making Rocks

One method I’ve found for making “rocks” with a definite flat size is to take Sculpey, smooth it out to being around 3-5mm tall on a sheet of parchment paper. Then take a ball of crumpled paper or aluminum foil and press it into the surface to create texture. Then bake it as per the directions.

Once it’s dry, you now have a sheet of “rock” which you can break off with a pair of pliers, and further shape as needed. A little goes a long way, and I’ve put rocks on many of my terrain pieces and mini bases, and still haven’t run out. I recommend going with the black Sculpey, because all you have to do at that point is dry brush a shade or two of paint to get the desired coloration, saving you the step of priming.

Sculpey (Black)    https://amzn.to/2XNISFm

Parchment Paper    https://amzn.to/3sCbIDW