WotC/WizKids D&D Miniatures: Difficulties Reading the Bases

[thalmin]

OK. I know I can't be the only one having trouble reading the miniature info molded into the bottoms of the bases for the Icons of the Realms. Even under excellent lighting and using a magnifying glass, some names and numbers are really hard to make out. Particularly the smalls with long names.
I have taken to brushing a little talcum powder into the letters, to help with the contrast. Sometimes even this isn't enough.
What have you tried, and how successful is your method?

 

[Lanefan]

OK. I know I can't be the only one having trouble reading the miniature info molded into the bottoms of the bases for the Icons of the Realms. Even under excellent lighting and using a magnifying glass, some names and numbers are really hard to make out. Particularly the smalls with long names.

Yeah, much of the time I can't read 'em either.

I have taken to brushing a little talcum powder into the letters, to help with the contrast. Sometimes even this isn't enough.

Hmmm...good idea. Chalk dust might do too.

What have you tried, and how successful is your method?

I just guess at what the creature is if it's not obvious, and go from there.

Lanefan

 

[thalmin]

Wow, this works much better.
I tried using a watery white-wash, thinning down white paint. lightly brushed over the print. Makes the letters pop right out.

edit: Doesn't help much when dried.

 

[Jhaelen]

I just memorized all the minis... (it's not that much/hard if you've been a DDM player)

 

[Scorpio616]

Optometrist may be of help.

If not, take a digital photograph and blow that up in MS paint.

 

[was]

I use a silver paint pen to mark the underside of the base on my minis. I do it mainly to keep track of them. The writing shows up well after that.

 

[Sally4th]

I've been remounting my D&D and Mageknight Miniatures on Sally 4th clear perspex bases. This way they look right where ever you use them as the terrain shows through.

 

[Kor]

Try dry-brushing some white paint over the letters.

 

[RadioKen]

So far, I've been squinting. And turning the figure slightly so the light rakes the lettering better.

It works about as well as you'd expect. I think I'll try the silver pen thingy.

 

[was]

So far, I've been squinting. And turning the figure slightly so the light rakes the lettering better.

It works about as well as you'd expect. I think I'll try the silver pen thingy.

..I use some spray clear coat (matte/dull) on the underside of the bases only after using the pen. It keeps the silver from rubbing off on things.