I got in a hurry, and laid down about a foot of “gravel”, which, of course, is much too large. Is it necessary to pull it up, or can I put down a layer of finer material? I used Elmer’s glue straight from the bottle, then the (Scenearama) gravel, alcohol, and 50/50 glue/water. HELP!
Depending on how thick the existing material is, you may be able to cover it with something finer. I have a few areas where I’ve added finer sand and dirt atop a somewhat coarser initial layer.
The glue mixture you used should dissolve if you soak it with more water, so if needed you can scrape it back up. The scenery base under it may need some repair, but it beats living with an effect you don’t like.
Here’s a road made from fine sand. I didn’t have matching material fine enough for the wear patterns, and instead of trying to scrape them into place I used acrylic paint.
When you say “large”, do you mean wide or thick? If it spilled out wider than you want, a sharp spatula will pick it up easily. If you put it on too thick (I think this is what you have), and added glue, etc, then you might just want to scrape it up and do over.
I’m also working on gravel roads, drives, etc. and find that coating the surface with glue/water mix and shaking on fine ballast (HO), it covers nicely. Only the base is stuck on, which means I can manicure anything above that very easily.
Woodland Scenics fine ballast worked for me. They also have earth colors that you can add if you like. As has been said fine sand works also.
I’d try adding the fine stuff on top before ripping it all out. You could spread it on and if you don’t like it vaccum it before gluing
Here’s a picture of a gravel lot using fine ballast.
Good luck
Bob
Wow, Rob, you have an awesome result with the acrylic paint! I would never have guessed it…I really appreciate your suggestions and encouragement. Your reminder that I might not want to live with a look I don’t like, is so true. In that case, I know I will end up doing it over. Thanks so much, Marion
By “too large”, I meant that the “gravel” is anything but fine, as marked. I set a concrete truck on it, and cracked up. By the time that poor truck gets to its destination, if it does, it will be nothing but a bucket of bolts! The fine ballast sounds great, and tucked away in the corner of a box of scenery materials, I found a little package of that very thing. Taking it to the layout, it looks great; I just need to get the right color. Another lesson learned. Thanks!
Yes! As I told mobilman, I found a package of fine ballast in a box, and when I held it against the layout, it seems just right. I only need to order some in the right color, and that will be that. I will take your suggestion to put down a layer of fine ballast over the big stuff first to see if that will work. If I find my first layer isn’t too thick, I’ll finish that road the same way, by using the larger “gravel”, then a layer of fine ballast. I certainly appreciate your assistance and your encouragement. Thanks to ALL y’all! Oh, yes, your gravel parking lot is great, and I love the “don’t ever give up” picture!
90% rubbing alchohol will also dissolve the glue if you are of a mind to rip it all up.
That finer material is tile grout or thinset. Sprinkle a little fine ballast on top of that and brush the ballast to the sides for the tire ruts and it will look great. IMO[C):-)].
Thanks for the alcoholic reminder (What??? You know what I mean, right?) That’s good to know, and something I just might need before this is resolved.
Marion
I believe I saw something like “sand” tile grout, and that sounds good to me. We live in a small town, but have a Lowe’s, and I’m certain that’s where I saw it. I forgot all about that, as I wasn’t even thinking of modeling then. Thank you so much! Each and every suggestion is appreciated by this new-to-modeling gal.
Marion
Marion,
While You are out, looking for finer ballast, pick yourself up a couple of sheets of 180grit sandpaper and cut it in a strip about two inch’s wide and wrap it around a two inch square block of scrap wood like pine and sand the top of the balast that is glued down already, paying attention to where vehicles will be travling a lot. Don’t clean up the dust, leave it there. You may like that better than adding any more ballast. If you do like it, glue it down permanantly, with your Alcohol glue mixture. While your glue is drying, use a vehicle with free rolling wheels and make some tire tracks with it and don’t touch the ballast again, for hours. Wash your vehicle with warm dish soap and rinse. Have Fun!
Stripe
Frank
Great idea, Frank! Thanks so much. I love the simplicity and common sense you offer. I did sprinkle a little of my fine ballast on the existing gravel, and it appears that it would fill in well without adding any additional height. However, I am eager to try your sanding idea first.
Gratefully,
Marion