How to apply static grass to war game miniature bases when you don’t have an electric applicator.
Static grass, the short fibres that stand up straight to give a more natural look for grass, is typically applied to miniature bases and dioramas using a static grass applicator. You can make your own or buy it from World War Scenics amongst others, their 2mm length grass is ideal for miniatures.
To apply the grass to a base, you usually need an applicator. A device that creates a static charge as the grass is sprinkled over the area. I tested and picked the best static applicator a while back but what if you don’t have one of these.
Well there is an alternative.
What you’ll need
- Static grass, 2mm
- Glue, PVA (white glue) This is my recommendation for the best variety.
- An inflatable balloon.
How to apply static grass without an applicator
First, inflate your balloon and tie it shut. Rub this on a cloth to build up a static charge.
Next paint on some PVA, or your preferred equivalent, to the base as described here.
With that done, hold the base upside down and throw some of the static grass against it. The fibres will stick in the glue and hang down.
Now turn to the base over and hod the balloon just above the grass. The static charge on the balloon will attract the fibres and lift them up. Some will come off but others will remain stuck in the glue but not stand vertically.
You may need to repeat the process several times to cover all areas of the base.
Finally, pop the balloon 🙂
This technique isn’t one that I’d like to use for a large area of static grass but for such as 25, 32 and 40mm Warhammer bases it’s okay and can be just as effective as an expensive applicator. My recommendation to get the best bases, however, is still use an applicator, read my review of the best applicators including lower-priced versions.
> A final, personal, note: I spend a huge amount of time testing, photographing, writing and researching techniques for these articles and pay for all the running costs of MRE out of my own pocket. If you found this article useful you can support me by making a donation on my fund-raising page. Thanks and happy modelling, Andy.
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