I have just finished building my first laser cut kit, JL Innovations N scale “Saw Pit Store” and am looking for a good roofing material to replicate tar paper or similar roof covering. I am not sure about the paper they supplied as it seems just like regular thin paper…I tried test painting it (craft acrylics) and it curled up like an orange peel. Instead of the supplied cardstock, I used thin plastic stock for the roof structure, framed it in with the wood trim supplied and all I need to do now is add the final covering. I am waiting on a good solution and I figured you all would be my best resource. Thanks!
Rob, I have always used the JL supplied paper and been happy with the results. I glue it down and let it dry before painting. It is what is on the little covered porch on the back of this structure. I even use the cardboard with decent results.
Tissue wrapping paper is the best. Cut strips to size, paint the roof area, and lay the tissue in the wet paint. Then give it a second coat of paint or wash. Works for me! jc5729
I’ve used masking tape, duct tape and sandpaper sheets as roofing material. They each have their own textures. I mix my own paint from black and white, which gives me a not-completely-even look. I intentionally use different materials and colors for nearby buildings to break up the sameness.
Of course, you could use a Campbell shingle roof instead of tar paper. I’ve done a couple of these, and I’m really happy with the results.
I’ve used 400 grit wet/dry sand paper - either in strips or whole pieces - with good results. Once the paper is on, you can even score it with a hobby knife to make it look like individual shingles.
Tom
I use regular lunch bag material to make my tar paper roof from. I cut the bag into 1/2 inch wide strips x 2/12 -3.0 inches in length. I then paint the paper with a mix of Floquil’s Grimmy Black and Grey. I like to use random strokes when I mix and feather these colors. The last step is to is to add “nail marks” by using a Vintage reproduction or Micro-Mark pounce wheel. This is done using a metal straight edge, 1/32 inches in from the edge of each strip. Finally, I install the tar paper onto a cardstock roof using full strength Elmer’s glue.
Here are pics showing the end result:
