Review: Vallejo Earth Texture and Thick Mud

In the past, I used to find basing pretty difficult. In my younger days I would get so excited about the miniature itself, get through the painting, making it look as good as I could. And then? Stall. Stop. Run out of steam. Fade away. Other synonyms of the same thing…

I never really found anything I was quite happy with. I started with flock, but I always found it a bit clumpy. Sand always seemed really flat. Static grass was ok, but using the for the whole base was generally the wrong approach, with the possible exception of my Blood Bowl miniatures and, more recently, my Flesh-Eater Courts. I’m going for a retro look with those, though:

More recently, I tried a couple of Games Workshop’s texture paints. Specifically, I tried Agrellan Earth, Astrogranite, and Stirland Mud. They actually worked pretty well, though I generally liked to mix and match them on the same base as I always felt that they looked a bit odd on their own. I tried whole bases just covered in Agrellan Earth, but they were just a bit dull and flat. Adding some more texture, with perhaps a couple rocks and tufts of grass. 

The thing is, I did like to cake the stuff on and it just felt like I was going through it so quickly. And it’s not like the GW paints are cheap, either! 

Surely, there’s something else that does the same thing without breaking the bank? 

Of course there is, fam!

For several years now, I’ve been using Vallejo’s Earth Texture and Thick Mud. Specifically, the versions I have used have been the Desert Sand Earth Texture and the European Thick Mud. My thoughts are based on using a lot of this stuff. For clarity, as we head into this review, I should state that I’ve not been given any review samples or other consideration from Vallejo. 

The Earth Texture provides a superb foundation for crafting lifelike earthy terrains. Its consistency is just right – not too runny, not too thick – allowing for easy application and manipulation, preferably using sculpting tools (here’s something similar to what I use) rather than a brush. This stuff will ruin your brushes. The texture dries with an authentic, natural look, capturing the essence of real earth and soil or, with a wee bit of work, sandy dunes. The versatility of this product is commendable; it adheres flawlessly to various surfaces, providing a convincing base for everything from barren deserts to lush forest floors. 

Admittedly, I tend to use it for deserts…

The texture dries with a convincing granularity, offering a suitably realistic portrayal of an earthy surface. It’s a game-changer for modelers who strive for authenticity in their creations.

Moving on to the Thick Mud, this is another really fantastic product. The consistency is genuinely thick, mimicking the look and feel of mud in a way that is unparalleled. There are also wee bits of texture in there that can look like twigs and bracken mixed in with the mud. With only a little work, you’re able to create mud puddles, tracks, and even simulate dried mud cracks with relative ease. Vallejo has again managed to strike that all-important perfect balance, making it easy to apply while maintaining a true-to-life appearance once dry. 

Both the Earth Texture and Thick Mud boast excellent durability, ensuring that the painstakingly crafted landscapes remain intact over time. The colors are rich and vibrant, adding depth and dimension to every project. What’s more, these products can be easily mixed with other Vallejo textures and paints, providing endless possibilities for customization. Personally, I tend to use the Earth Texture before priming and painting the texture along with the rest of the miniature and base. The Thick Mud, meanwhile, tends to get added after priming and sometimes after the miniature is painted. This is because I tend to use the colour of the mud more than that of the Earth Texture. There’s a flexibility there. 

Vallejo’s Earth Texture and Thick Mud have earned a permanent spot in my hobby toolkit. They have significantly enhanced the quality of my basing. If you’re looking to try out some basing textures, Vallejo’s Earth Texture and Thick Mud are absolute must-haves.

They’re also cost-effective. A pot of Games Workshop’s Stirland Mud will cost you £4.75 for 24ml, or slightly less from third-party sellers. The Vallejo textures come in 200ml pots. That’s what, slightly over 8 GW pots? The retail price for 8 pots of Stirland Mud is £38, whilst the Vallejo textures can generally be found for around £13.50 for the Thick Mud and £11 for the Earth Texture. You can’t argue with that sort of price difference. 

So yeah, on quality, usability, price, and overall satisfaction, I’d heartily recommend Vallejo’s Earth Texture and Thick Muds. I tend to go for the European Mud and Desert Sand versions, but there are a range of colours available. Really, I should probably be using a darker version of the mud, because I currently tend to darken it with some Wyldwood Contrast paint. I could probably cut out a step, there…

Affiliate Links

If you’re considering picking up any of the items from this review, please consider doing so via our affiliate links. This helps to support the site by giving us a small cut of your purchase. There are a few different options: 

Earth Texture:

• Element Games
• Amazon
• Wayland Games

Thick Mud:

• Element Games
• Amazon
• Wayland Games