On my layout I’ve used sheet cork in some areas and I need to ‘blend’ the edges of the cork into the surrounding terrain. I tried lightweight hydrocal and it does a good job…
but the stuff sets up very fast, much faster than I can work what I’ve mixed up. In the photo you can see where I’ve used some, to the right of the arrow, and the edge of the 3/8th inch sheet cork I’m trying to blend. Would regular plaster do the job and not set up so fast? Is there another method to blend the edges besides this route?
I thank you for any suggestions and ideas, maybe things you did on your layout to ‘hide’ similar places.
I like Gypsolite for that sort of thing. It’s got a much longer setup time, and it dries with a lumpy, gritty texture that looks much more natural than any of the smooth plasters. I usually squirt in some cheap brown acrylic paint to give it a “natural tan” look, so if I chip it I don’t get pure white, and I don’t even have to be too careful about painting it.
Plaster of Paris would be fine, although adding a bit of vermiculite or some other filler (even sifted soil) might help to give it some texture. Masonary dyes or tempura powder could be added for colour. I don’t know what it costs, but sculptamold, WS’s product, is ideal for what you intend to do.
I use my formula of ground goop (premixed light weight drywall seam compund, latex house paint for color, sawdust for texture and a little lysol for the mold) By regulating water, you can control consistancy from paint-on to rock carving. It takes a day to set up so there is lots of time to work. It cleans up with water and will redisolve so it can be cleaned in the sink. The only draw back is that is redisolves if you paint it so the first coat needs to be done with care.
There are other ground goop formulas and some work better than mine I am told.
While out a few minutes ago I dropped by WallyWorld and picked up a tub of DAP Patching Plaster, the premixed stuff, and I’m trying it. Kinda reminds me of WS lightweight hydrocal. I didn’t think of putting a little paint in it, but I do plan to paint over it with a dirt color, then start adding the ground cover such as sifted dirt, WS grass etc. I hope it works without cracking too bad, at least it’s hiding the ‘seams’ between the cork sheet and the extruded foam base. I’ll let it dry for a few days before painting over it.
