Bob Grech--How Do You Make Backdrop Clouds?

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’m about to mount .080 sheet styrene for my backdrop on the wooden frame and then paint the sky and clouds. I noticed in the Nov 2006 MR that you make your clouds out of white shoe polish, and I think they look great. Do you mind telling us how you do it? Thanks. Rick Krall

2

I don’t know about the white shoe polish method but I use a method that is very simple and produces good results for someone with little artistic talent. I use can of flat white spray paint and just make small swirls on the backdrop. A cloud is nothing more than a white mist which is what a spray can produces so the results are almost automatic. If you want to add a little more realism, you could tint the bottoms of the larger clouds gray but I haven’t found this is necessary.

3

Rick:

To make my clouds, I use "Kiwi " white shoe polish. I apply the polish in circular motions using a small sponge. However, before adding clouds, you’ll need to prep and paint your backdrop. My backdrops were painted using a mix of sky-blue and white acrylic paints. I brush paint my backdrops using horizontal strokes. I feather the white paint toward the bottom of the backdrop, leaving the darker blue color towards the top. This causes a hazy look and adds to the illusion of distance to your skyline. The best part of using shoe polish is that it can be wiped off easily if you make mistakes. However, once dry, the clouds are pretty much permanent. Shoe polish also give the clouds a whispy effect that I like.

I hope that answered your question.

4

Thanks. I’ve seen a number of tutorials using the spray-can method, and that’s what I was planning, but I was intrigued by the shoe polish option. I’m no artist, but perhaps I’ll just spray away. Bob–if you’re listening–I’d still love to know! Rick krall

5

Hi, is it possible that the shoe polish may attack the styrene and melt it? I’m not an expert but I thought shoe polish is made from oil?

Shaun

6

Now that’s a good question, Shaun. I’d hate to come this far and have a Great Unpleasantness. If anyone can respond to Shaun’s concern, that would be helpful! Bob–thanks for your tutorial! Rick Krall