Miniature base materials

Does anyone have experience with bases made of either mdf or acrylic? My intent is just to spray paint the bases black with some Krylon and call it a day, nothing fancy. I have a specific question for each material.

MDF: How well does it hold up, i.e. is it prone to splitting?

Acrylic: Does it have any problems holding paint?

If you've got any other thoughts as to the pros/cons of these materials, I'd appreciate them.

I've used clear acrylic for years for some games, simply because I didn't want to hassle with "basing" as its a perfect terrain match no matter what surface you put them on.

I've painted acrylic in the past. Best to lightly rough it up so that the paint and or glue basing will stick.

Mdf is a lot more absorbent and have used it in bases for GWs war of the ring game. No problems with glue or paint sticking, but you have increased risk of warpage from moisture. The bigger the surface, the more it will warp. So movement bases will warp more noticably than a single 20mm base for example.


For what you're describing, I would go with whatevers cheaper unless you have a preference

I've used MDF bases up to 40x60mm. There is warpage, but very, very little. And I stick like 2mm thick white glue when basing. I think if you spray both sides, warpage will be extremely minimal. They don't split, but they do absorb paint like sponge. As bases, I prefer how MDF feels (as opposed to smooth acrylic).