Choosing 32mm Textured Bases: Bevel Sizes and Uses
By Wargames Atlantic | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Buying Guides
A practical buying guide to 32mm textured bases with 3mm bevel edges. Learn when they save time, how to match them to your models, and what to consider before you buy.
Quick answer
Choose 32mm textured bases with a 3mm bevel edge when you want to skip sculpting putty and go straight to painting. They suit desert, gravel, mud, snow, or alien world themes and fit most 32mm round-base models. If you need a different height or a flat edge for tight unit coherency, look for alternatives.
Why bevel size matters for 32mm bases
The bevel is the sloped rim that transitions from the tabletop to the top surface of the base. A 3mm bevel raises the playing surface slightly and creates a visual step that can help models stand out. It also affects how the base sits in movement trays and how easily you can pick up the model by the base edge. For 32mm bases, a 3mm bevel is a common choice for skirmish games and display pieces because it adds presence without making the model top-heavy.
When textured bases save you time
Textured bases are pre-embossed with a surface pattern, so you do not need to apply sand, gravel, or texture paste before priming. That saves a full modelling step and reduces drying time. If you paint in batches or want a consistent look across an army, textured bases help you standardise the ground without repeating the same sculpting work. They are especially useful for desert, gravel, mud, snow, or alien world themes where a uniform texture is hard to replicate by hand.
How to match bases to your models
Check the base size your models are supplied with or the size required by your game system. 32mm round bases are common for power-armoured infantry and similar scale miniatures. If your models have integral bases or slotta tabs, you may need to remove them or fill the slot. The 3mm bevel adds height, so measure your movement tray depth if you use one. Also consider the visual style: a strong texture can dominate a simple paint scheme, while a subtle texture may disappear under heavy weathering.
Material and durability considerations
Hard plastic bases are durable and take plastic glue well, which makes them a solid choice for gaming pieces that see regular handling. They are also easy to drill for pinning if you need extra support for metal or heavy resin models. Resin textured bases can offer sharper detail but may require washing and superglue. The bases in this guide are hard plastic and made in the USA and the U.K., which may matter if you prefer locally produced components.
Decision rules for buying 32mm textured bases
- If you want to skip putty and go straight to painting: Choose pre-textured bases with a bevel edge. They save a full modelling step and give a consistent finish across your army. Check that the texture matches your theme: desert, gravel, mud, snow, or alien world.
- If you use movement trays or tight unit coherency: Measure the tray depth and the space between models. A 3mm bevel adds height and may cause crowding in dense formations. Consider flat-edge bases if your tray is shallow or your unit is packed tightly.
- If you need a specific base size for a game system: Confirm the required diameter before buying. 32mm is common for power-armoured infantry, but not universal. When in doubt, measure a base from your existing models.
- If you prefer locally made components: Look for bases made in the USA and the U.K. to reduce shipping distance and support domestic production. Check the product description for manufacturing origin.
Product facts
- 32mm Textured Bases (3mm Bevel): This box includes 24 textured hard plastic 32mm bases with a 3mm height and bevel edge. You get a full unit's worth of bases in one box, ready for desert, gravel, mud, snow, or alien world themes without extra sculpting.
- Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy 141: Wargames, Soldiers and Strategy 141 covers Roman Italy invaded, including the Senone Gauls and Pyrrhic victory. Useful background reading if you are basing historical armies for the Roman Republic period.
Who should buy these bases
Best for
- Wargamers who want to skip sculpting and go straight to painting
- Players building desert, gravel, mud, snow, or alien world themed armies
- Hobbyists who need a consistent texture across many models
Not for
- Hobbyists who need a different base height or a flat edge for tight movement trays
- Modellers who prefer to sculpt their own unique ground texture
- Anyone whose game system requires a base size other than 32mm
