I am building a scene the contains a jeep going through a water pit. I am trying to use Envirotex and am trying to create ripples to show the motion of the jeep. I have made samples. On the sample I took a hair dryer and put it on the water. It will cause ripples but as soon an I shut off the heat it will again level itself.
Any suggestions.
Harold
Two ways to do this:
First, you wait for three or more hours until the epoxy is well into setting up such that it is fairly stiff when you poke it with a CLEAN durable object. You carefully, but forcefully create the effect you intend, knowing spacing and length already (jeep's wheel spacing and such) by using a blunt object to displace and shape the surface of the epoxy. At some point the peaks and trough will not want to slowly slip back into a mostly smooth and level surface. This will test you! You'll need many attempts at testing and shaping until you know the epoxy won't return to a flatter state and ruin all your work.
The second method is much faster and easier, but will take the same amount of trial & error, maybe on a practice set-up first that you can learn on and then throw away. You purchase gel gloss medium and paint a layer of it over the smooth, clean, and flat surface of the envirotex. Use an artist's spatula to displace and shape the trough. The gel is stable and won't flatten again...that's the whole point of the gloss medium in GEL form, and not the pourable kind like Mod Podge (available at craft sections everywhere).
There are three pretty large water features on my layout, and I plan to use Woodland Scenics Water Effects. It is a thick gel that (theoretically) holds its shape and volume until it sets up. I haven't actually used it yet, but I have seen several videos (including one by David Popp), so I don't expect any surprises.
If you want to wait a week or two, I'll be able to give you a more informed opinion about this particular product and post photos of the results.
Good luck.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
Check this out at the 29-minute mark.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
I used the same LEXEL clear caulk I used on my waterfall. It's crystal clear from the tube, spread it the way you want, let it set.
Mike.
My You Tube
Great ideas. As my wife is an artist I have been using these methods for years. Have you tried the Hair Dryer. I treid it yesterday but I think I missed the setting window. One thing you might like. I use Goldens Mouding Paste. Same Goldens that makes the Gel to create White Water and caps. It is thick and dried white.
I like the idea below of using an air brush to move the gel. I am going to try that.
You might want to consider exploring what the Model Railroad Hobbyist site has for water. Didn't I read somewhere about blowing into a straw to make ripples?
Pls keep me informed since I hope to do likewise.
kasskaboose You might want to consider exploring what the Model Railroad Hobbyist site has for water. Didn't I read somewhere about blowing into a straw to make ripples? Pls keep me informed since I hope to do likewise.
Blowing on it through a straw will remove bubbles as well.
Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale