How to Use Line of Sight Painting Templates for Miniatures
By The Broken Token | Board Game Organizers & Accessories | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: How-to Guides
Learn a repeatable process for using line of sight painting templates on 25mm, 40mm, and 55mm bases, from assembly to sealing, with checkpoints to avoid common mistakes.
Quick answer
Assemble the template, align it flat on the base, and use the engraved edge as your paint guide for a crisp 180° line. Work in thin layers and seal the mark so it survives handling.
Why a physical template beats freehand marking
Freehand line of sight marks drift from base to base, which can cause mid-game confusion when players compare arcs. A measured template removes that guesswork and keeps every 25mm, 40mm, or 55mm base consistent. The tradeoff is setup time: you need to assemble the kit and align it carefully before the first stroke.
These templates also include an engraved flourish, so the same tool can mark objectives or add table decoration. That dual use is handy, but it means you should decide early whether the flourish is part of your paint scheme or just a guide.
When the template is the wrong tool
If your bases are not 25mm, 40mm, or 55mm, this template will not give you a reliable 180° line. The product is measured for those three sizes only. For odd base sizes, mark the arc with a protractor or a scribed guide instead of forcing the template to fit.
Also skip the template if you need a permanent mark on a surface that cannot be sealed or if you plan to paint over the line with thick texture paste. The engraved guide works best on a flat, prepared base.
Step-by-step: using the template on your bases
- Assemble the template with wood glue: Dry-fit the parts first, then glue and let the joint cure fully before use. A common mistake is painting too soon; a loose template will slide and blur the line. Check that the template sits flush on a flat surface before you touch a brush.
- Match the template to the base size: Set the template on the 25mm, 40mm, or 55mm base it was measured for. Do not force it onto a different size, because the 180° arc will be off. If the base is not one of those three sizes, stop and use another marking method.
- Align the guide and secure the base: Center the template and hold the base steady with tape or a clamp. The most common error is a slight rotation during painting, which throws off the line at the edges. Mark your starting point on the base rim so you can spot any shift.
- Apply thin paint along the engraved edge: Use a fine brush and thin layers rather than one heavy coat. Thick paint bleeds under the template and creates a ragged edge. Let each layer dry before adding the next; two thin passes beat one thick one.
- Lift the template straight up: Remove the template vertically so wet paint does not smear sideways. Wipe the template edge clean before the next base to avoid transferring dried flakes. Keep a damp cloth nearby and clean the guide between every few bases.
- Seal the line after it dries: Apply a thin varnish or sealant over the painted mark once fully cured. Handling during games will wear an unsealed line quickly, especially on the base rim. Test the sealant on a spare base first if you are unsure how it reacts with your paint.
Product facts
- Line of Sight Painting Templates - Line: Precisely measured to paint a 180° line on 25mm, 40mm, and 55mm bases. You get a consistent arc across three common base sizes without freehand measuring.
Line of Sight Painting Templates - Line - Line of Sight Painting Templates - Line: The kit requires assembly and wood glue is recommended (sold separately). Plan for a short assembly session before you paint so the template sits flat and does not shift mid-stroke.
- Line of Sight Painting Templates - Line: The templates have an added engraved flourish for use as game objectives or decoration. You can repurpose the same piece on the table, but decide whether to paint the flourish or keep it as a guide.
