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How to Magnetise Your Warhammer Miniatures

Orc unit on an ImpriWars magnetic movement tray, on the gaming mat

Magnetising an army is a little daunting the first time: dozens of bases, dozens of magnets and a drop of glue on each one. But with the right magnet, very little glue and a bit of patience, it is an afternoon's job. And you feel the reward in every game: units that move as one block and miniatures that do not fall off the tray.

1. Choose the right magnet

Each base has its magnet. In our guide Which magnet do I need for my Warhammer miniatures? we recommend the size for each base, always in N35 magnets.

That guide is designed for plastic miniatures. If they are resin, and above all metal, you will need more magnet, because they weigh more than plastic.

ExampleA plastic miniature on a 20 × 20 mm base only needs a 4 × 2 mm magnet. If that same miniature is metal, it will usually need two 5 × 2 mm magnets.

2. The key is patience

You can use liquid cyanoacrylate, but cyanoacrylate gel is much easier: it does not slide or run. This is the process:

  1. Step 1: a small drop of cyanoacrylate gel on the underside of the basePut a very small drop of cyanoacrylate on the base.
  2. Step 2: place the magnet and press it with your finger for a few secondsPlace the magnet and press it with your finger for a few seconds.
  3. Step 3: leave the miniature lying down with the magnet exposed to the air for 15 to 30 minutesLeave the miniature lying on the table, with the magnet exposed to the air, so the glue sets properly with the moisture in the air.

Common mistakeBlowing on it, waiting a moment and putting it straight into the tray.

TipWork in a production line: magnetise one miniature and lay it down; magnetise another and lay it down, until the unit is finished. Then start on another unit or have a coffee.

The glue needs at least 15-20 minutes to set properly, and half an hour is better. The bond keeps gaining strength for hours, so, if you can, do not use it in a game until the next day.

With cyanoacrylate accelerator the wait is greatly reduced, but even so leave the miniature lying down for at least 5 minutes. Also respect the curing time stated by the manufacturer before putting the bond under stress.

3. Less glue, better grip

It seems that more glue holds better, but it is the other way round. If you make a little puddle on the base, only the outer layer dries and the inside stays soft, so the magnet does not grip as well.

Comparison: a puddle of glue leaves the magnet loose; a thin drop fixes it firmly

A small drop, pressure and time: that is the recipe.

Don't worryIf, after magnetising a unit of twenty miniatures, you find one or two loose magnets the next day, that is normal. Remove the old glue residue and glue them back with another drop.

What now?

With your army magnetised, you can get the most out of a magnetic movement tray: lift the unit, turn it or store it in your case with the miniatures in place. If you are not sure which tray you need, we explain it in the Warhammer movement tray guide.