How to Make Waves

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I have used a two-part epoxy called Nu-Lustre 55, made by Swing Paints, to make a credible slough under a 160’ combination through/deck girder. Now I need to decide if I want it to be a crystal clear slough or river, or to make it a bit opaque and algae-laden. Or, if I leave it clear, should the surface be absolutely window-pane like, or should it have a few ripples caused by zephyrs and eddies?

If I go with a slightly distrurbed surface, I should point out that I did try Mod Podge on the surface, but I didn’t like the result. I thought I was stuck with what I had afterwards, but as I removed the tape dam at the side of the slough, it lifted the film of mod podge nearest to it, and I was thankful to be able to pull up the rest cleanly in one sheet. Now, I have a second chance to get it right.

Any suggestions?

-Crandell

2

I’d mosey over to Joe’s site and ask the question on Joe’s Scenery Tutorial.

3

I’ve had good luck using a clear sealant called Lexel. Two things, it sticks to EVERYTHING and has a rather peculiar odor until it’s cured.

You could also reapply the acrylic gloss medium after removing the tape dam.

Nick

4

Thanks to you both. I had taken some cues from Joe’s descriptions, although he did not indicate what type of colourant he added to Mod Podge or whatever he uses…he mentions Mod Podge as a worthy gloss medium. So, I used acrylic paints, just a small drop. However, when it dried it was the wrong colour and opague in places where I had left tufts of the medium to get a ripple there. Not good. I’m guessing that maybe food colouring might be a better idea?

As is usual, I may have rushed things with the underlying epoxy. It says to let it cure covered for four days, but I had given it only 24 hours. It was not tacky and solid, so I thought adding a gloss medium would be fine. I suppose I’ll let it cure a couple more days, clean the surface, and when it is dry, try a light film of Mod Podge tinted with some green and yellow. I fear that blue may make it look weird, although Joe mentions doing an under layer with blue…I think…I’ll go back and check.

Thanks, again, fella.

-Crandell