Basing is easy, just spread some Elmer's white glue a little thinned with water on the base, submerge base into sand basing material. Wipe off the edge of the base with your finger so the only basing substance is on the top of the base as intended. Do it with all your dudes, then paint the basing material (once it's dry) with a thinned paint, calthan brown works well for this.
Make sure the base is neat and you are done.