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Model Railroader basic training video: How to install plaster cloth
hey cody
very cool video how used plaster cloth i will try that on my layout soon
A wonderful product to use. I have also used Sculptamold and wadded up newspaper to try to make a hill on a scrap piece of foam. It worked okay but was hard to manage while putting the sculptamold on the newspaper. Plaster Cloth (or Rigid Wrap is another brand) would have been better because it holds its shape perfectly.
I noticed that Cody was laying the first sheets of each layer side by side to the next. I think a stronger shell results if the second sheets overlap the seam between the first sheets, rather than being “stacked” exactly on top of the first sheets. Otherwise, thanks for more helpful information from Model Railroader! I never would have thought of using bubble wrap instead of wadded newsprint for the foundation of the plaster cloth. BTW - I thought this material from Woodland Scenics was Hydrocal?
Not bad. When I use plaster cloth I usually wet my fingers and spread the plaster around so the holes in the guaze are all filled in and the transitions between sheets are all nice and smooth. I found that this helps produce a better final appearance.
Great. That’s pretty much how I have been using the plaster cloth.
Great video, great product. One suggestion - bumpy side up. The plaster cloth (at least the stuff I’ve used) is rougher on one side because it has more plaster. Put that side up and it makes it easier to smooth out the surface.
Good video. I usually make a slurry of joint compound and water and paint it on after the plaster cloth has dried. This fills in all the holes in the cloth.
woodland scenics produce great products
Hi Cody, I agree with MIKE RACCA. after cutting the cloth to the desired lengths I put on a pair of latex gloves so that I can smooth out the plaster and protect my hands and fingers especially if I am doing a large area.
After watching this video, I tried my hand at plaster cloth for the first time. It is very easy to use and looks absolutely great when finished and painted (as seen in another tutorial).
that will help me a great deal! Thanks!
hi cody
i used all sculptamold on my layout. but after watching the video i will try the plaster cloth . great tip
Thanks Cody on the tip on using the bubble wrap. Much better than the wet news paper. And on the plus side you can reuse it again. I use the card board strips covered with brown paper grocery sacks over which the sculptamold is applied now. But I will try using the bubble wrap support the next scenery area I build. Thanks again for your tips and videos.
Try using a fan brush with a little water to mush the plaster cloth around to fill the holes and give the area a little texture.
Excellent Tip
Excellent instruction for the beginner. Can’t wait to try it.
Interesting use of bubble wrap. I have used cheese cloth or screen with staples in the past. I prefer three layers of plaster cloth covered with several coats of hydocal plaster applied with a brush.
Where can this type of plaster gauze be found?
Hi Cody,
Would like to know threw the year of modeling why wood is used as a track cookie cut bed and not maybe 1/2" card board? I used for the first time on my new layout. It works great and it was free. Would this be concidered a Eco way of modeling?
Thank you
Justin of Carson City