Commercial Realistic Water Products? (1 Viewer)

mikemiller1955

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FOR THE MORE ADVANCED HOBBYIST!

I have used the Woodland's Scenic Realistic Water product, and while it looked really good the first month, I have noticed bubbling in the once smooth river I made, that was not there before.

Somewhere I read about a commercial sealing product, maybe it was a varnish or a clear laquer that was used for standing water, I can't remember.

It was poured and let to set for 24-48 hours.

The guy in the article that used this "mysterious" product claimed he was tired of his Woodland's Scenic rivers cracking and yellowing.

He also claimed the commercial product was very cheap and he had never had any problems with it.

Woodland's Scenic Realistic Water @ $16.00 for 16 ounces is kind of pricey for me. Especially for a large body of water.

Does anybody know what commercial product I'm talking about and if so can they send information or a link?

I'm sure a gallon of it would be enough and it's got to be cheaper than the Woodland's Scenic.

Thanks,:confused:

Michael
__________________
 
Mike,
I have Vallejo water products that I haven't tried yet but heard some very good comments about by miniature painters and dioramaists.I heard some other people complain about cracking and bubbles.Andrea makes another fine water product.Someone here had a thread about a diorama and used Magic Water and had good results.I got the Vallejo because it sounded easy to use and Vallejo has quality products.There are some resin based products but I don't really want to mess with that.
Mark
 
Mike,
I have Vallejo water products that I haven't tried yet but heard some very good comments about by miniature painters and dioramaists.I heard some other people complain about cracking and bubbles.Andrea makes another fine water product.Someone here had a thread about a diorama and used Magic Water and had good results.I got the Vallejo because it sounded easy to use and Vallejo has quality products.There are some resin based products but I don't really want to mess with that.
Mark

Yea,

What I'm looking for is a commercial product, not so much a modeling product.

I can't find the article I'm referring to, but the guy bought it at the hardware store, a gallon for like $20.00, enough to do a really big river.

Anybody know????

Michael
 
Mike,
I didn't look at the price before but that stuff is HIGH.Sorry.
Mark
 
Mark,

no problem,

yea,

they are not giving it away,

I'm going to need a lot,

appreciate the input,

thanks,

Michael
 
Michael,

Not tried it, and I doubt it's what you saw elsewhere, but what about clear silicone sealant, as used for bathrooms etc?

You could colour the bed first and then ooze the stuff on.

Simon
 
Michael,

Not tried it, and I doubt it's what you saw elsewhere, but what about clear silicone sealant, as used for bathrooms etc?

You could colour the bed first and then ooze the stuff on.

Simon

Simon,

Is it in a tube or a bucket?

Is it a gel you are talking about?

Your idea might work if it's a gel, maybe smooth it level with a trowel.

The product I saw, but can't remember what is, is something used by painters in construction for finishing wood in a gloss coat.

It's a liquid, very cheap and bought by the gallon.

If poured into a bowl, it would harden overnight, clear and glossy, like the Woodland's Scenic, but at a fraction of the cost.

Instead of painting it on, you pour it in the cavity of your riverbed.

It's either a varnish, polyurethene, lacquer, or some kind of commercial sealer.

Anybody????

Michael
 
Mike,
I know what you're talking about. My brother used it on his outdoor Tiki bar and my Dad used to finish hatch cover tables with it from RonJon's . It's definitely an epoxy (2-part) product that I think he got at the HD. I'll try to find out the name...Real thick and glossy.
Mike
 
Mike,

That rings a bell for sure.

It is definitely a two-part epoxy.

I'm sure of that, just didn't think of it until you said it.

Mix, pour and let sit, very inexpensive and superior in yellowing, bubbling and cracking to what's available from hobbying retailers.

Please, if you figure it out, let me know.

Thank you so much,

Michael
 
Ahhhhhhhhhh Ken

Thank you,

A diorama article of water with this product.

All you have to do is ask on this forum, lol, a wealth of information stored in these heads, thank you,

Michael
 
Here are the directions, that's the stuff, thank ya'll, Michael.

Creating a Lake
DIY Model Railroads host Ted Brown and model railroader Dave Caplan explain how to create realistic-looking lakes.

Materials:


Plaster cloth
Shoe-box-size container that will hold water
Water
Acrylic paints in dark greens and blues
Sand-colored spray paint
8 ounces clear liquid polyurethane epoxy
White glue
Modelers' grass
Modelers' earth
Foliage in various shapes and textures
Duct tape
Scrap piece of plastic foam board
Hobby knife
1" paintbrush



The space for the lake was cut out when the bridge was installed. If you haven't yet removed it, use a hobby knife to cut into the insulation board along the lines drawn to mark the lake, and remove the foam down to the plywood. If the bridge is already in place, remove it and set it aside. Contour the edge of the lake with the hobby knife to create a shoreline. This will add realistic-looking detail (figure I).

Use leftover pieces of foam and a glue gun to create an island in the middle of the lake (figure J). Be as creative as you like (figure K).

Spread moistened plaster cloth, prepared as you did for the mountain, over the edge of the lake (figure L) to create a rugged shoreline. Place plaster cloth over the island, using a paintbrush dipped in water to smooth out the edges and eliminate air bubbles. Cover the bottom and sides of the lake, including the slopes up to the base of the track (figure M). Allow the lake to dry overnight.

Apply a light coat of sand-colored spray paint to the island and the shoreline of the lake (figure N).

Use a variety of blue and green acrylic paints to create realistic-looking water (figure O). Apply green tones to the shallow shoreline area of the lake and deeper blue tones in the deeper center of the lake (figure P). Use a paintbrush to blend the paints. Allow the colors to dry thoroughly.

Once the lake dries, add some landscaping. Use white glue to create a path along the lakeshore. Sprinkle modelers' earth on the path to cover the glue completely. Repeat the process with strips of grass created with white glue and modelers' grass sprinkled in place (figure Q). Decorate the island in the same manner. Using white glue, add clumps of shrubbery and trees.

Seal the opening at the edge of the lake -- the edge of the layout -- with duct tape and a scrap piece of plastic foam (figure R) to prevent polyurethane (used in step 8) from running off the side of the layout.

Pour clear liquid polyurethane epoxy into the lakebed (figure S), and spread it around with a plastic spoon or knife to completely cover the area. The epoxy will dry clear so the colors previously painted will show through, creating a very realistic-looking lake (figure T).
 
I bought a box of Magic Water that I viewed at a modeling show. They claim it will never bubble or do other type of cracking. I have not used it yet. The cost was $25.00 two years ago with two parts mix and instructions. John

http://www.unrealdetails.com/
 
I bought a box of Magic Water that I viewed at a modeling show. They claim it will never bubble or do other type of cracking. I have not used it yet. The cost was $25.00 two years ago with two parts mix and instructions. John

http://www.unrealdetails.com/

That's what our good friend 1879fanatic (mike) uses for his AMAZING water dios. You know the ones.......they make us all drool :D
 
I bought a box of Magic Water that I viewed at a modeling show. They claim it will never bubble or do other type of cracking. I have not used it yet. The cost was $25.00 two years ago with two parts mix and instructions. John

http://www.unrealdetails.com/

John,
I've used it several times...No bubbles, no yellowin, and no cracking...it almost is like a hard silicon caulk consistency when dry . I highly recommend it since you can tint it with brown or blue(Oil based paint) and it drys in 2 days. If you want big waves or such, wait till the 18-20 hr range when it gets tacky and stays put.
Mike
 
John, Scott, Mike,

If you three guys collectively endorse it, than that's good enough for me.

To quote Last of the Mohicans,



"Chingachgook's of the same opinion. Taken together, that's gospel."



I don't think a product could come so respectfully recomended.

Thanks for taking time out to address my post.

I'm getting ready to start a water scene for some canoes and whaleboats.

Do any of you know how much coverage a bottle of this stuff gets, maybe an approximate in square inches?

Michael
 
Michael: Their website might give you an idea how much coverage a box gives to a certain area. I see they even have larger amounts you can order. I have not used mine yet but I guess Mike had no trouble and I saw their work which looks great. John
 
Mike,

I haven't personally used it but have seen Mike's work on here and it looks amazing. If I was in need of a water product I certainly would try it myself based on Mike's pics.

Scott
 
John, Scott,

I just ordered the 96 oz. @ $99.95.

It's enough for 11 sq. foot at 1/8" depth.

So, that's a whole lot.

He also has a 18 oz. for $29.95, enough for 2 sq. foot.

Spoke to David Williams at Unreal Details and he is the nicest guy in the world.

Gave me step by step and tips on doing the job.

Really cool guy.

David said he just contacted Treefrog about carrying his product in their store.

Thanks you guys,

Michael
 

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