I am lost on this whole wetting solution thing. I have heard people tell me to spray my ballast, and scenery with this magical wetting solution and then let it dry before I apply my adhesive. I’ve been told to use diluted rubbing alcohol, water w/ detergent, window cleaner, but no one has ever really given me a reason why. I tried it out on a tiny diorama last week, and didn’t notice a difference. I’m up for any suggestions, but an explanation of why to do this, and maybe a picture would be fantastic.
Eric
A wetting agent like detergent basically helps the solution spread. That’s all it does. [:D]
First up, don’t let it dry after applying the wetting solution and the liquid adhesive.
The purpose of the wetting solution is to break the surface tension so that the adhesive can flow into the scenery material rather than bead on the surface.
Since you are experimenting try this.
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Make 2 small piles of ballast. On one of the piles spray some water with a few drops of detergent (Wet water!). Leave the other pile dry.
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Take your dilute white glue and dribble it onto each pile of ballast.
What you will see is that the wetted pile will draw the glue into itself, the dry will bead on the surface and will gradually be drawn into the pile. When the glue has dried, you will find that the first will be solid all the way thru. The second will likely have a solid crust and dry unglued material underneath.
I hope this helps