ModelCalcs.uk
Basing Material Calculator
Calculate texture paste, flock and tufts needed for miniature bases.
How We Calculate This
The calculator sums the surface area of every base, then estimates material quantities from your coverage rates. Areas are worked out in mm² and converted to cm² (÷100) before the material maths.
Formulas
- Round base area = π × r² (r = diameter ÷ 2)
- Oval base area = π × a × b (a, b = half the long and short axes)
- Texture paste = Total area ÷ Coverage rate (default 4 cm²/ml)
- Flock / static grass = Total area ÷ Coverage rate (default 200 cm²/g)
- Tufts = Model count × Tufts per base
PVA (~0.5 ml/base) and base paint (~0.3 ml/base) are rule-of-thumb estimates for one infantry base — scale up for thick texture layers or multiple paint coats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vallejo texture pastes (Dark Earth, Grey Sand) are excellent and widely available in the UK. AK Interactive terrain products and Citadel Astrogranite/Stirland Mud are popular alternatives. For budget basing, PVA glue mixed with fine sand works brilliantly.
For a natural look, 1-3 tufts per 25-32mm base works well. Larger bases (40mm+) can take 3-5 tufts. Army Painter tufts come in packs of 77, Gamers Grass in packs of ~140 small tufts. One pack easily covers 30-50 infantry bases.
A dedicated static grass applicator (like the Army Painter or Noch Gras-Master) gives the most realistic upright grass. Budget alternatives include rubbing a balloon to create static charge. The grass should stand upright, not lie flat.
Most hobbyists texture and paint the base before adding flock and tufts, but after painting the model. This protects the model from PVA and texture paste. Tufts and flock are always the very last step.
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Last updated: March 2026
All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.