Update, I have been in a holding pattern. Homosote came in and Big Box store cut it to size. Upon getting it home and putting it in Family room a problem arose. First our resident Cat-- Miss Ring sniffed at it, hissed and walked away.The homosote has a mold/mice smell, checked with maker neutral smell but improper storage i.e. exposed to water will cause problems. So have been trying to dry/clean, some good results but will paint it with a sealant befor painting. SHE Who Must Be Obeyed said remove it at once. It has been placed in a Cold Frame and I turn it over every two weeks. Better and now that weather has broke I expect to seal it and then paint it in the next month. Any one had this problem before and how did you fix it. Thanks
Beehunter,
Never had the problem with Homasote...but a suggestion: look for a product called, ''Kilz'' white pigmented, sealer,primer, stain blocker, including some mold and smell, Made by Masterchem Industries Inc. Used in conjuction with drywall for interior work, prior to finishing. Have always had great results with it.
http://www.kilz.com/primer/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=62de90033f9ff110VgnVCM1000008a05d103RCRD
Take Care!
Frank
Frank, Thank you I have seen the product on the Big Box shelf. I was thinking about Shellac or a Varinsh like product. I will go and get the Kiltz and use it. Outdoor weather is not stable enough so I will wait a little longer before painting. I have purchased my first kit Walthers Cornerstone PIGGYBACK RAMPS. Trying not to get too far ahead of myself.
Thank you will post results at next report.
beehunterAny one had this problem before and how did you fix it.
I used Homosote on my last layout and had the same problem. I was never able to fix it. As you already discovered, it's a storage issue. Most lumber yards have storage areas that are not climate controlled and this is the result.
On the bright side, I ordered milled Homasote roadbed from Cascade Rail Supply and the product I received does not exhibit this problem.
I have the right to remain silent. By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.
Hello All,
My first introduction to Homosote was back in my touring days.
In concert venues that were also ice arenas, the venue would put down sheets of Homosote to cover and protect the playing surface from the concert going crowd.
It stunk, flaked and got so waterlogged that pushing the heavy touring packing cases over it was almost impossible, to the extend that we would construct plywood highways over the stuff just to get equipment into position. It was a mess.
For that reason every time I hear Homosote I cringe! I understand that many of you use it for modeling but after my 15+ years of dealing with that stuff I'll never use it as a base for my layouts.
I prefer 1-inch blue foam over medium density fiber board for the base and white Styrofoam sheets to model contours.
Sorry for the rant!
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
jjdamnit Hello All, My first introduction to Homosote was back in my touring days. In concert venues that were also ice arenas, the venue would put down sheets of Homosote to cover and protect the playing surface from the concert going crowd. It stunk, flaked and got so waterlogged that pushing the heavy touring packing cases over it was almost impossible, to the extend that we would construct plywood highways over the stuff just to get equipment into position. It was a mess. For that reason every time I hear Homosote I cringe! I understand that many of you use it for modeling but after my 15+ years of dealing with that stuff I'll never use it as a base for my layouts. I prefer 1-inch blue foam over medium density fiber board for the base and white Styrofoam sheets to model contours. Sorry for the rant! Hope this helps.
LOL.....Your blaming Homasote for someone's dumb idea of using it in the first place. Common sense...was not used in that arrangement.
BTW: Most people don't use it as a base, but over the base...I do, 1/2'' Homasote over 1/2'' Ply. base. 35yrs. running, no problem's what so ever.
I (Cascade Rail Supply) have not had any problems with smell from the Homasote I have received. Weathered yes, but no smell at least not yet. Covering the ice with Homasote might not have been a bad idea from an insulation perspective but trying to roll cases across it was just wrong. Homasote is nowhere near dense enough for that.
When I think of a coldframe, I think of a mini greenhouse, outside. It will probably drive off most moisture and air it out, but before I sealed it, I'd bring it indoors so it can acclimate to the indoor humidity. Maybe lay it flat and sprinkle some baking soda or febreeze the room, or get an air freshener for every outlet in the room (and use the boss' favorite scent) to keep the odor down while it stabilizes, then seal it. Kilz is good, but I've sealed particleboard shelves with water based polyurethane...use a roller and put it on kinda heavy so it absorbs deep, so spikes or whatever won't easily break the shell of polyurethane and allow a place to let moisture in. Scenery can use water and if there is a pinhole, water will find it's way in and it will swell. Homasote is a great product for some things, but personally I don't currently use it (I use plywood and foam and have come to accept it's quirks and pitfalls).
http://delray1967.shutterfly.com/pictures/5
SEMI Free-Mo@groups.io