The best snow effect uses Valhallan Blizzard (Citadel Technical paint) over a painted base, or mix PVA glue with baking soda for a cheaper alternative. Apply in patches over a dark brown or grey base for a natural winter look. Snow bases transform your army with a striking seasonal theme that suits factions like Space Wolves, Valhallans, Kislev, and any force fighting in arctic conditions.
Winter basing is one of the most visually dramatic themes you can choose for your army. The contrast between white snow and painted miniatures creates immediate visual impact on the tabletop. Snow bases also have a practical advantage — they are relatively quick to produce compared to more complex basing techniques, making them ideal for entire armies.
This tutorial covers every major method for creating snow effects: the dedicated Citadel product (Valhallan Blizzard), the classic DIY approach (PVA and baking soda), snow flock, frozen water effects, icicles, and how to combine multiple techniques for the most realistic results.
How Do You Use Valhallan Blizzard for Snow Bases?
Step-by-Step Valhallan Blizzard Method
Step 1: Prepare the base. Paint your base with a ground colour — Dryad Bark (dark brown) or Mechanicus Standard Grey work well. This represents the ground beneath the snow. Drybrush with a lighter shade (Gorthor Brown or Dawnstone) to add texture. The ground colour will show through gaps in the snow, so it needs to look convincing.
Step 2: Add texture and features. Before applying snow, add any rocks (small pieces of cork or slate), tufts, or debris. Dead grass tufts (brown or beige) look particularly effective poking through snow. Superglue these in place and paint them to match the base.
Step 3: Apply Valhallan Blizzard. Use an old brush or sculpting tool to apply Valhallan Blizzard in patches across the base. Do not cover the entire surface — leave areas of bare ground visible, especially near rocks and at the edges. Real snow accumulates unevenly, gathering in drifts and thin patches. Apply it thicker in sheltered areas (behind rocks, in corners) and thinner in exposed areas.
Step 4: Shape the snow. While the Valhallan Blizzard is still wet, you can shape it with a damp brush or sculpting tool. Push it into small drifts against rocks, smooth out any unrealistic peaks, and create a natural-looking snow coverage pattern.
Step 5: Let it dry completely. Valhallan Blizzard needs several hours to dry fully — overnight is ideal. It will shrink slightly as it dries, so apply it slightly thicker than your desired final result.
Step 6 (Optional): Highlight. Once dry, you can very lightly drybrush the snow with pure white (White Scar) to brighten the high points.
How Do You Make DIY Snow with PVA and Baking Soda?
The PVA and baking soda method is the classic hobbyist approach. It is dramatically cheaper than Valhallan Blizzard and produces excellent results when done correctly.
The Basic Recipe
Mix PVA glue (white glue) with baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) in approximately a 1:2 ratio. Stir thoroughly until you get a thick, paste-like consistency. Add a small amount of white paint to ensure the snow remains white rather than drying translucent. A few drops of water can thin the mixture if it becomes too thick.
Application
Apply the mixture exactly as described for Valhallan Blizzard — in irregular patches, thicker in sheltered areas, thinner in exposed spots. One advantage of the DIY method is that you can easily adjust the texture. More baking soda creates a finer, powder-snow effect. Less baking soda creates a wetter, compacted-snow look. You can even mix in micro-fine glitter to simulate the sparkle of fresh snow in sunlight.
Cost Comparison
A pot of Valhallan Blizzard costs approximately the same as an entire box of baking soda that will produce 20 times the volume. For a single squad, Valhallan Blizzard is more convenient. For an entire army of 50+ models, the DIY method saves a significant amount of money.
How Do You Use Snow Flock?
Snow flock is a loose, powdery material sold by various hobby companies (Woodland Scenics, Army Painter, and others). It creates a finer, more powdery effect like freshly fallen snow.
Application method: Paint PVA glue onto the areas where you want snow. Dip the base into a container of snow flock (or sprinkle it over the glued areas). Shake off the excess after a few minutes. Once dry, seal with a light spray of matte varnish to prevent the flock from falling off during handling.
Snow flock works best when combined with other snow methods. Use Valhallan Blizzard or PVA/baking soda for the main snow patches, then add a dusting of snow flock over the top and onto exposed ground areas to simulate light, fresh snowfall. This layered approach creates the most realistic result.
Warning: Snow flock used alone tends to look unrealistic — too uniform, too thin, and too fragile. Always use it as a supplement to other methods, not as the primary snow effect.
For the flock layer and the dead grass poking through the snow, these are the kinds of materials we mean.
Price details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.As an Amazon Associate, Warhammer Guild earns from qualifying purchases.
Price details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.As an Amazon Associate, Warhammer Guild earns from qualifying purchases.
Price details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.As an Amazon Associate, Warhammer Guild earns from qualifying purchases.
How Do You Create Frozen Water and Ice Effects?
Mordant Earth (Crackle Paint) Over White
This is the simplest ice effect. Paint the area with a light blue-white (Celestra Grey or Ulthuan Grey mixed with white). Once dry, apply a thick layer of Mordant Earth over the top. As it dries and cracks, the light colour shows through the cracks, creating an effect that looks remarkably like cracked ice. Apply Ardcoat over the cracked surface for the reflective quality of ice.
Realistic Water or UV Resin
For frozen puddles or streams, pour a thin layer of Realistic Water (by Vallejo or AK Interactive) or UV resin into a depression on the base. Tint it with a tiny amount of blue ink for a cold, icy appearance. Once set, it creates a smooth, glassy surface that looks like frozen water. Apply snow effects around the edges to blend the ice into the surrounding base.
Frost Effects on Rocks
To create frost on rocks, drybrush them with Fenrisian Grey followed by a light drybrush of white. This creates the appearance of frost crystals forming on cold surfaces. Concentrate the frost on the upper surfaces and edges where it would naturally form.
How Do You Make Icicles for Miniature Bases?
Hot Glue Icicles
Heat a hot glue gun and apply a small dot of glue to the underside of a rock, ledge, or overhang on the base. Pull the glue gun away slowly — the glue will stretch into a thin strand that solidifies as it cools. Trim the icicle to the desired length with scissors. Paint it with a light blue-white, then apply Ardcoat for a glossy ice finish.
Clear Sprue Icicles
If you have clear plastic sprue (from transparent model parts), heat a section over a candle and pull it to create a thin, tapered strand. Trim and glue it to overhangs for durable, realistic icicles. These are more robust than hot glue icicles and can survive normal gaming use.
Which Armies Look Best on Snow Bases?
Space Wolves: The quintessential snow army. Fenris is an ice world, and Space Wolves look spectacular on snow bases. The blue-grey armour contrasts beautifully with white snow.
Valhallan Ice Warriors (Astra Militarum): Inspired by Soviet winter troops, Valhallans are literally designed for snow bases. Their greatcoats and winter gear make them the perfect cold-weather army.
Kislev / Cities of Sigmar: In Age of Sigmar and the Old World, Kislev is the quintessential winter nation. Any Cities of Sigmar army themed around northern cultures benefits from snow basing.
Death Guard: While not traditionally winter-themed, the pale green and corroded metal creates a striking contrast with white snow. The combination of decay and winter creates a uniquely bleak atmosphere.
Nighthaunt: Ethereal, ghostly miniatures on snow bases create an eerie winter ghost story aesthetic. The translucent models seem to float above the white ground.
Necrons: Silver metal over white snow creates a cold, alien appearance that suits their soulless nature.
How Do You Paint the Rim of Snow Bases?
White: Matches the snow and creates a clean, unified appearance. The most popular choice for snow bases.
Dark brown (Steel Legion Drab or Rhinox Hide): Creates a picture-frame effect that separates the base from the tabletop. The traditional choice.
Light grey (Administratum Grey): A compromise that ties into the cold colour palette without being as stark as white.
Black (Abaddon Black): Creates maximum contrast with the white snow. Works well with dark colour schemes.
How Do You Add Footprints and Tracks to Snow Bases?
For extra realism, you can add footprints and tracks to your snow bases while the snow medium is still wet.
Use the end of a sculpting tool or a cocktail stick to press small footprint shapes into the wet snow around the model’s feet. Press down and slightly forward to simulate natural footprint compression. The footprint depressions should be slightly darker than the surrounding snow as the ground colour shows through.
For vehicle tracks, press the edge of a ruler or flat sculpting tool into the wet snow in parallel lines. You can also drag a textured surface through the snow for realistic tread impressions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Valhallan Blizzard turn yellow over time?
Valhallan Blizzard can develop a slight yellowish tinge over several years, particularly if exposed to sunlight. Seal your completed bases with a matte varnish spray to prevent this. If yellowing occurs, a light drybrush of White Scar will restore the brightness.
How do I match snow bases across an entire army?
Choose one method and use it for every model. Mix a large batch of PVA/baking soda at the start and store it in a sealed container. Apply the same coverage percentage across all bases.
Should I paint snow on the model itself or just the base?
Adding snow to the model — on shoulder pads, boots, weapon housings, and cloaks — creates a cohesive look. Apply small amounts to horizontal surfaces where snow would naturally accumulate. This is most effective on larger models where the scale is convincing.
What colour should I paint the ground under snow?
Dark brown (Dryad Bark) or medium grey (Mechanicus Standard Grey) are the standard choices. Avoid very light ground colours — the contrast between dark ground and white snow is what makes the effect readable.
Can I use real snow flock on outdoor gaming tables?
Valhallan Blizzard and PVA/baking soda snow are both water-resistant once dry and sealed, so they survive brief moisture exposure. Snow flock can absorb water and become damaged. Always seal flock-based models with varnish.
How long does PVA and baking soda snow take to dry?
Allow several hours, and ideally leave it overnight before handling the model. Thick drifts take the longest, because the PVA has to cure all the way through. Like Valhallan Blizzard, it can shrink slightly as it dries, so build it up a touch thicker than you want the final result to be.
How do I make slushy or muddy snow?
Mix a little brown wash or a dark brown paint into your snow medium, or brush a thin brown wash into the snow near the model’s feet and along tracks once it’s dry. Slush looks best where models have been walking, so keep the edges and untouched areas bright white. A coat of gloss varnish on the slushy patches makes them look wet.
Are there alternatives to Valhallan Blizzard?
Yes. Vallejo and AK Interactive both make ready-mixed snow pastes for dioramas and bases, and they work in the same way: apply in patches and let dry. The DIY PVA and baking soda mix is the cheapest option, and snow flock works well as a final dusting over any of them.
Related Content
- Warhammer Painting for Beginners — Everything You Need — essential painting guide for new hobbyists
- Best Paints for Warhammer — Complete Comparison Guide — recommended paints for Warhammer miniatures
- Object Source Lighting (OSL) — Complete Miniature Painting Guide — related painting technique and tutorial
- Drybrushing Tutorial — Fast Painting for Warhammer — popular drybrushing technique tutorial