Dystopian Wars – Basing PT.2 Water Explosions

Hi everyone,

The next article in this series is about water explosions.  I will show you how to create simple techniques to create this effect, enhancing your bases and models. This little effect is probably my favourite in this series.

So let's get to work.  The first thing to do is plan out where your explosions will be.  I opted to do them for my bomber squadron, which back in Ver1.5 totalled  4 models.  So I decided to make two of the bases with explosions.  I planned one in the middle and the other on the side for variation.

The explosions are made out of common epoxy-putty.  Any brand will do, but I like to use Milliput or Magic-Scupt for such work as it allows for better sculpting of surfaces. Roll out small pieces and place them together.  Leave them set for about 5 minutes and smooth the surfaces together with a clay-pusher tool or even a toothpick.


Let the putty cure naturally for 6 hours or help it cure in ten minutes by applying gentle heating with an air-gun.  When it has completely cured, give the explosions a generous coating of Vallejo's Atlantic Water Effects.  You might find that more than one coating is better.
Now it is time to start painting.  The painting follows the same techniques as the previous article, so I won't bore you again with the details.  Just remember that exploding water turns white, and the area around it bright and intense blue the further out you go, so just keep that in mind. Remember to paint the explosion itself with pure white!
The next step is to add the waves. Once again use Vallejo's Atlantic Water effects, but this time lay them out in concentric circles. This is very important, as you can imagine. 

I like to add several layers of heavy gloss gel medium in the inner circle touching the explosion.  I add a bit of white to this to create the agitated white-water in that particular area. Do not feel shy to paint the crests with touches of pure white, increasing the amount of pure white paint as you come closer to the epicentre of the explosion.


If this step frightens you, then practice a bit first.  I can assure you that the amounts used are minute so you will not be wasting hardly anything.  Do this until you reach an effect you like or are comfortable with and then re-apply it to the base.
The last picture below is a shot of the finished product.  I can't speak for everyone, but I think they look real cool!

Well, we have come to the end of this post.  Next week I will publish another article in the series dealing with simple arctic water effects.

Farewell and good health,





   NR