I have 3 areas on my layout that I need to add water. I used WS realistic water and I have to admit I like the results but not the cost. I'm finding it can cost from 16 to 21 USD per bottle and I still need about 5 to 6 more bottles. Does anyone have an alternate recommendation that won't cost as much but with satisfying results?
what a great idea. wished i would have seen this before i spent so much on realistic water. does anybody know if Hobby Lobby carries this stuff? if so, i think i will buy some and just keep it in stock, you never know when you might want to cut in a shallow creek or something.
Pilotdude - Thank you, you just saved me a bundle! Do you know why it is a quart 61.72 for a quart and 11.94 a gallon, is this a misprint?
Glad the link was helpful. Credit goes to mileswestern for posting the "How To" for us. I'd suggest buying the Gallon! I'm sure its a misprint. I'd give them a call if you really want the quart.
There are many other water techniques in the How To forum. Just search for "water" in that forum. mikelhh water techniques here. Using Envirotex (and other) two part epoxy. Modeling running water on your layout. Etc.
Don't know about your situation, but I was in HD last week to get a quart of paint for ground cover over gauze & plaster. The paint guy said a quart was $8.95, but a gallon was on sale for only $7.50. Oh Kay....but I hope the gallon doesn't grow mold before I can use it....:tb-tongue:
Is this product:Rosco Clear Acrylic Glazesâ„¢ from Rose Brand the same as the one recommended in the "how to" Artistic Clear Acrylic Glaze - BLICK art materials and is this product in white: Golden Acrylic Glaze - BLICK art materials the same a WS water effects?
Great link on water coloration! I use those same little bottles of craft paint, then coat with Liquitex acrylic gloss medium repeatedly until it's nice and shiny. It is nearly odorless. With some practice you can get great effects of depth, clarity, pollution etc. Just color darker blue or green in the deep parts, blending to paler the water's edge.
After pouring two part acrylic and trying some other methods, I am beginning to agree with alecr that this is generally the best way overall.
Modge Podge Use "matte" for glueing down scenic materials, shrubs, ballast, etc. Use "gloss" for water. Unlike white glue, the matte stuff dries kind of "rubbery". The gloss dries hard. Very inexpensive, get it at KMart or Walmart or probably all craft stores (won't be so cheap there). Using proper colors and seamlessly blending them for the water is about the whole deal here. The darker, the deeper the water will look. I don't think I'd ever go to completeluy black— maybe a dark blue or brown. Paint on the bottom what you want it to look like on top. Then spread a couple of coats of gloss over the intended water area. To simulate fast moving water (rapids, white caps, ripples,etc.) I use a product called acrylic gloss gel, then, when dry, dry brush with white the caps if you so desire. (Acrylic gloss gel will probably have to be purchased from an art supply store) Rejuvenate with more gloss or wipe with armour all or Future floor polish.
Thanks, Bob. Seems that when I post something, it dries up right there. I'm certain I don't know everything, so I guess everyone decides "there's soupac again, you can ignore anything he has to say! Political Overtures??????
Or you could look at it as you are the final authority and everyone realizes nothing else needs to be said... Thanks for sharing your water idea. Your river looks great. I am getting close to doing my river and will certainly be experimenting with your method.
It was a misprint! I placed my order by phone and the customer service person said, "This can't be right." I showed her where it was on their website and she informed me that it was indeed a misprint but because it was listed at that price she had give it to me. She has since correct the mistake and it is now about 22.00 a gallon. Can I say THANK YOU Pilotdude again, what a savings! (This equals 8 bottles of WS realistic water)
Thanks Stan! This was on an NTrak module built in the mid 1980's. It's source was a waterfall located partially visible to the lower right in my original post. Here it is straight on... I had intended to say in the first post that if you use Envirotex, it dries perfectly flat. A situation fairly rare in nature unless you're talking small ponds. So you'd still need the gel to create the look of moving water. The Mod Podge actually can do this if you're willing to keep building it up, because it likes to spread out and dry flat too, so it will take some time.
I bought the Clear Glaze and have spread a thin coat in a pond on the layout as a test. I know it spreads on milky white and will turn clear. It's been over 2 days and it's still milky white. Any suggestions?
Famowood, purchased at Home Depot about four years ago worked well for me. It is the same stuff used to make table tops coated in bars and restaurants.
Bought some of the Mod Podge from Walmart last week. It really worked well for my lakes and rivers. I may need to go back and make some waves on the water...but I like it so far. JMO. .
