Any issues using deck stain on 2" foam sub-roadbed as a base paint under the scenery? I know that washing brushes after used for deck stain is different than latex. Any other nuances?
As many know, in the warm weather, the paint stores have a ton of unwatnted deck stain for about $5 in their "oops table." Also, unlike latex paint, I find more rejected shades of brown in deck stains. I didn't use it on my 1st layout since it was small enough for a quart of latex paint.
I'd check it out first, do a sample piece, to make sure it doesn't eat up the foam. Probably an order issue as well.
I used latex paint from those same "oops" shelfs at my local HD. They also had a good selection of those small jars of samples they mix for people. Not sure if they still have those.
Mike.
My You Tube
Stain is supposed to something do different than paint, be adsorbed. It's not going to stain the foam, but it's going to sit on top the foam until it dries. Is it foam safe? Will it stick? What will it look like on top of pink or blue foam?
I'd keep checking at Home Depot for brown or green latex paint. They have people returning paint all the time.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Just thinking out loud. If the stain is an oil based product that cleans up with mineral spirits as oppossed to a wter based product that cleans up with soap and water, I'd be concerned that it might melt the foam a bit. Also, if its oil based and oil and water don't mix, I'm wondering if the stained foam will make it even harder for water based scenery products to stick well to it.
People don't seem to have problems using latex paint over foam, so maybe the difference in base chemical doesn't matter much.
- Douglas
Stain is formulated to be absorbed. Foam won't absorb it. And many stains (not all) repel water, which could be a problem for scenery down the road.
Latex point is likely by far the better choice.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
Thanks everyone! Yes, I had in mind to follow what I did on the 1st layout by using latex paint. That paint works since it doesn't need to get absorbed or change the wood fibers.
Perhaps this thread can help others when looking for ways to paint the layout.
You can still use the Oops table, just look for a light brown or tan latex paint that wasn't quite what someone wanted. I've always used a brown based paint, as the dirt under it all is brown. Possibly for a lush summer grass field green would work, but I put on various colors of ground foam to look like the varied colors and textures in the natural world.
Good luck,
Richard
As noted, stains are meant to be absorbed into wood grain.
I'd check Home Depot or Lowes paint reject section where you can probably find a cheap can of paint that would work well enough for scenery base.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I would be concerned about smell from the deck stain. When used as intended for an exterior application the smell, fumes etc. would dissipate into the air. Since your layout is going to be indoors, you might notice the smell for quite a long time.
Makes sense about all that was mentioned. Quite sad we can't use the unwanted deck stains. They are very cheap and come in various shades of brown or red.
kasskaboose Quite sad we can't use the unwanted deck stains.
Sad? I had no idea it meant that much to you.
Maybe you can use it on your benchwork! Still have the oder to put up with. Do you have any outside wood steps? or maybe a trellis? close line post? picknick table? benches? other wood patio furniture?
Deck stain has it's place, on outside wood.
kasskabooseThey are very cheap and come in various shades
Same as the advice and opinions here, can't use them all