To all inquiring including CSX2675;
Hey all, what I'm refering to in the posts about water is an Acrylic based product, made by "Minwax" they also make stains and such. It comes in a blue Qt can and has no odor, and has Polycrylic Wood Finish on the label.
I used it to seal my wood counter tops and discovered the other uses. Try it out on scap wood, styrofoam, etc. It makes a great source for water, i.e., rivers, lakes, streams and drainage ditches, whatever you want and is one-step, no mixing , no odor and best of all cleans up with water.
One last thing, you don't have to pay 10x the cost of hobby-related WS products, art finishing or other off the shelf stuff. For clear bodies of water, carve out the basis for the water, cover in clear styrene, plexgilass, etc. and cover with this product to add depth. If you paint using acrylic paints under the coats of product they will appear to be glossy as this dries glossy.
By a small can and try it, the only thing it doesn't do is stink. Experimenting with home improvement products has saved me $$$ when it comes to water, ground work (acrylic caulk in a tube, carpenter's glue and such) and I use all of these products in my military dioramas as well.
johncpo
Hi: Do you have a photo of it's use on your layout?
I have to have an account with Photobucket, which at this time I don't. I'll have to look into emailing a photo.
The acrylic water proofing is really quite simple though.