How to Moisten Lichen?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi Guys

I have some Lichen that has dried up slightly and was wondering if there was a way to moisten it again? I have searched around here but the threads are years old and I get a page error when using the search tool.

Thanks for any help guys

Jeremy

2

Spray it with a mixture of water and glycerin. That was the way it was done in the “good old days”. If it is really dry you could soak it. Hard to do if it is already on the layout.

3

Oh yeah I remember hearing that a long time ago, where would I find glycerin again?

4

Hi!!

Glycerin was available at “real” drug stores awhile back - not sure if it still is, however.

I went through a lot of effort to revive dried lichen many years ago, including the glycerine bath and using household (Rit) dyes. In hindsight, it was a waste of time and money and made a heck of a mess. Maybe you will have better luck, but you may consider living with it or replacing it instead.

Don’t mean to be a downer here, but “been there, done that”

Mobilman44

5

Scenic Express have Glycerine.

6

Any major brand pharmacy should have glycerin. Perhaps even Wal-mart or K-mart in their pharmaceuticals section.

7

You can remoisten it in a glycirin bath but you’d be better off replacing it with new lichen. The remoistemed stuff will simply go stiff and dry again within a few weeks and just crumble away to dust.