Creating Snow (1 Viewer)

[Sahara]

I'm sure this has been brought up before but would flour harm a figure. I was gonna use the flour as snow but if I run the risk of ruining some of my figures I'll probably pass on the idea.

 

[Wraith]

I can't think of any reason flour would harm the figures or paint, other than if it gets in the nooks and crannys of the figure, it might be a pain getting it all off again.

Simon

 

[thebritfarmer]

You could also try cornstarch. I don't think either would harm the figures, the only concern would be if out in the open they may attract pests.

 

[Wraith]

You could also try cornstarch. I don't think either would harm the figures, the only concern would be if out in the open they may attract pests.

What, like the wife with a duster?

 

[eborris]

You guys want some snow? I still have a big pile in front of my house.

 

[mestell]

Have you considered using the snow product available from Hudson & Allen?

Mike

 

[theBaron]

Flour and cornstarch may attract worms, eventually.

If you don't want to spring for a commercial product, you could try baking soda. I've used it for dioramas, fixed with white glue on Celluclay groundwork.

Some have said that it will yellow a little over time, but I haven't seen that happen yet.

Prost!
Brad

 

[thebritfarmer]

Flour and cornstarch may attract worms, eventually.

If you don't want to spring for a commercial product, you could try baking soda. I've used it for dioramas, fixed with white glue on Celluclay groundwork.

Some have said that it will yellow a little over time, but I haven't seen that happen yet.

Prost!
Brad

Thats a good idea Brad and it will help to keep everything smelling fresh too

 

[Sahara]

Have you considered using the snow product available from Hudson & Allen?

Mike

If the Hudson & Allen stuff was as cheap as flour, corn starch or baking soda (good idea) then I would probably go that route. Unfortunately I'm working on a diorama that is just a tad bit smaller then size of a pool table so I need a massive amount for the cheapest I can get it.

Thanks for all the great suggestions guys I think I'm gonna try the baking soda.

 

[theBaron]

Thats a good idea Brad and it will help to keep everything smelling fresh too

Well, I used the old box out of the fridge, so my Battle of the Bulge dio smells like tuna.....

 

[theBaron]

I brushed white glue (Elmers) thinned just a little bit with about a quarter teaspoon water, onto the surfaces that were supposed to have snow, then I used a plastic spoon to scoop up the powder, and I tapped against the bowl to strew it on the surface. I also used a straw and a little lung power, to move it around on the glue surface, until all bare spots were covered.

Later, a dentist friend gave me a bunch of old tools, including tools he used to mix plaster, and in that bunch was a small spoon, like the old coffee stirrer spoons McDonald's used to use (till someone claimed that people used them for coke, and McDonald's replaced them with the flat stirrers). The small bowl is good for pinpointing little bare patches. But an old measuring spoon would be good, too.

I've also used a plastic bottle, like a ketchup or mustard bottle, with the pointed tip, to dispense the powder on little spots.

Prost!
Brad

 

[beating retreat]

Have you tried micro ballons more comonly used in super glue to fill gap, Its very affective as snow
regards John

 

[Nick Nasta]

I like to use Plaster of Paris for snow.
It's white and light and easy to work with.
Just keep it away from water and you'll be okay.
Using a flour sifter helps when spreading the Plaster of Paris.
I like to use it in my permanent dioramas because you can spray a water mist on it and it will harden in place.
Regards,
NICK

 

[marco55]

Have you tried micro ballons more comonly used in super glue to fill gap, Its very affective as snow
regards John

John,
What is micro balloons exactly?I've seen figure painters use it for snow and seem to really like it.
Be careful what you put snow products on unless it's going to be permament.I put snow on my Jenkins log cabin and blockhouse and I made a mistake of putting a base coat first and now I can't get it all off so they will have to be repainted if I want to use them for non-winter scenes.
Mark

 

[marco55]

If anybody would be interested in the blockhouse and cabin you can have them for $80. Plus S&H outside US.
Mark

 

[Rob]

I'm sure this has been brought up before but would flour harm a figure. I was gonna use the flour as snow but if I run the risk of ruining some of my figures I'll probably pass on the idea.

Myself and James saw a couple of Tanks at the London show where flour had been applied as snow,it did not look like snow,it looked like...well just flour!.I think something like H&A or JG Miniatures purpose made snow effect would be much better.

Rob

 

[theBaron]

John,
What is micro balloons exactly?I've seen figure painters use it for snow and seem to really like it....

If I may-microballoons are tiny glass spheres, micrometers in diameter, so small they look like powder to the naked eye. They can reproduce the sparkly effect of new-fallen snow.

Hope that helps, prosit!
Brad