I have some areas of my layout that drizzling diluted white glue on my layout is not feasible, it will have to be sprayed on… I have tried to spray on diluted white glue in the past with poor results, I have heard other talk about using hair spray. What I like to know is do you use the spray bottle or spray can and what type or brands have you used. Also has anyone ever used those old plastic ketchup or mustard bottles to apply ground cover. I have a few areas that are going to be difficult to apply the ground cover to because of poor planing, but I think if I can squeeze the ground cover from one of these bottles it will get the job done.
Cheap, strongest hold hair spray works the best. I got it in a spray can, but next time will get a pump bottle. The spray can spray is too strong for many things if you are close to the surface. I understand the pump bottles make a nice fine spray that is not to powerful. Also, the bottles can be reused to spray scenic cement or wet water and since it is a fine spray, it does not clump the ground foam.
Good luck,
Richard
I have used both the spray can and the pump - do not waste your time with the pump - very uneven results and you will feel like you are getting carpel-tunnel as you rapidly pump it! About all you are doing is saving a some pennies(fluorocarbon propellant has been removed from aerosol cans years ago). You can buy unscented spray cans at Walmart for about a $1 each. The pumps are about 70 cents each. I use the aerosol hair spray for ‘flocking’ by trees.
I have not tried it for putting down ground foam - I ‘paint’ the area with diluted white glue(2:1) and sift the material on the glue surface. I follow up by spraying the area with 71% alcohol(use that ‘mister’) and then dribbling the white glue or matte medium(4:1) on the flocking. The alcohol will allow the diluted glue to move all around via capillary action. The ground foam will not ‘clump’ if it is wetted down with the alcohol.
Jim
You can’t go wrong with aqua-net. I used that stuff when I worked at a architectural model shop and made more trees then I care to remember. If you can get the unscented stuff that would be best. Use it in a well ventilated area or you and your workbench will soon smell like a hair salon.
Jeff B
Trying to spray diluted white glue is problematic at best.
I mix water and matte medium in a deep bowl and then spoon it onto the ground cover/ballast after first spraying the ground cover/ballast wih rubbing alcohol.
Rich
Why is it “not feasible?” Is it a reach thing, or is something else in the way?
I am not a big fan of spraying anything on the layout. Outside or with a paint booth, or even the corner of a big cardboard box, fine, but sprays always end up where you don’t want them.
If dribbling glue is not working, you might need a better wetting agent. I use isopropyl alcohol, straight from the bottle, applied with an eye dropper. It’s the best wetting agent I’ve found, and the alcohol helps the whole mess dry much faster, too.
I also paint the area to be landscaped then use a fine strainer to apply the foam. To apply ground foam in hard to reach spots (like along backdrops) I place some ground foam on a piece of paper or cardboard and use a straw to SOFTLY blow the foam to the area needed. I usually paint the area first and then apply 70% alcohol and then diluted (4:1) white glue. Sometimes I then add a bit of foam on top of the added glue.
I use different methods for different areas
Rocky terrain, lots of cracks and ridges, I drop pinches of turf and let it set natural, then from a distance use quick sprits of hair spray, to avoud blowinf the fine stuff, then get closer to really set it.
Aleenes tacky glue dulited and applied with a brush, for broader areas.
Aleenes or sonja’s texture past to set clump folage.
Also if a large area, apply paint and cover with finer materals, I also when laying track, paint cork with a light grey and apply fine ballest, set track when dry. finish the other scenry and finnish ballest later.
However it is really your decision…go with what works for you.
Take Care…John