Woodland Scenics makes a product called "Flex Paste," which is a rubberized material intended to be used as a waterproof seal base for model water features (lakes, rivers, etc) to prevent leakage of the model water material, and also to prevent possible bubbles from the "de-gassing" of foam, if the modeler uses that as a foundation material under the water feature. It also has other modeling
uses, such as simulating snowcover on buildings, terrain, etc.
Now, there's a company called Flex Seal that also makes a product called "Flex Paste," which is available at any hardware/home improvement store. Is it the same thing?
I tend to assume it is, but a WS product video shows that their Flex Paste can be sanded after it dries, while the Flex Seal's Flex Paste says on its product webpage that it cannot be sanded.I'm planning to model a reservoir on my layout and would like to use Flex Paste as a base over extruded styrofoam. I'd like it to be flat in texture so the ability to sand it would be ideal for me.
Is cost your criteria for selecting the one that can't be sanded over the one that can be sanded?
I may be wrong, but I don't think I've ever seen anyone use a rubber sealer on extruded foam for resin-based water features. They cover the foam with plaster or hydrocal then with the color paint they want and seal the edges with masking tape and white glue.
Chip
Building the Rock Ridge Railroad with the slowest construction crew west of the Pecos.
Metro Red Line I'm planning to model a reservoir on my layout and would like to use Flex Paste as a base over extruded styrofoam. I'd like it to be flat in texture so the ability to sand it would be ideal for me.
I'm planning to model a reservoir on my layout and would like to use Flex Paste as a base over extruded styrofoam. I'd like it to be flat in texture so the ability to sand it would be ideal for me.
A reservoir! Now that is something we do not see modelled in the UK. Looking forward to seeing the progress.
Will you show it as a sunny day, or with rain falling? If rain is falling have a 'stippled effect' on the water.
David
To the world you are someone. To someone you are the world
I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought
I guess I don’t understand why you need the sealer. I use either Paper Mache or Sculptamold for my ground cover over foam and do my thing with Woodland Scenics flocking then use Parks Super Glaze Glossy Epoxy for my water.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
NorthBritWill you show it as a sunny day, or with rain falling? If rain is falling have a 'stippled effect' on the water.
still water, and make up thin flexible overlays with the various 'weather effects' (directional wind ripples, whitecaps, rain, ice etc.) on them. Substitute these depending on 'season' or operating session desire. This goes along with snow or other effects that can be made up as 'appliqué'...
I'm going to try the technique this cheerful gentleman is demonstrating here:
I have a riverbed that has been bone-dry for the past fifteen years. I think its about time I get 'er wet!
Cheers, Ed
I use flex paste to fill in the crack between the facia and my foam layout so that cracks don't form. Works well for that and lets me scenic right up to the edge.
I can testify that products such as Unreal Details' "Magic Water" find holes you never dreamed existed when poured. One possible use for a sealing paste is also where a river or stream ends at the fascia and you want to temporarily dam it up so that when the dam is removed you basically are looking at the edge of the water. That has to be absolutely water tight to work. I used flexible adhesive caulk that comes out white and dries clear and fortunately it worked
Dave Nelson
While the Flex-Seal product may not be the same thing as what WS sells, odds are there IS an existing building or craft product that IS the same thing that WS sells, available in larger quantities for the same price.
There have been a few layout construction stories where the builder relates missing even one small pinhole before pouring resin water. If there is even the slightest opening - the resin will find it, and you will end up with a pond on the floor instead of a pond on the layout.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
If you want to see a master modeler's example of water on a layout, check out this week's Weekend Photo Fun thread: Peter's (HO-Velo) photos are difficult to tell the difference between actual and model.
His post is at 10:19 a.m.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/284682/3283056.aspx#3283056
York1 John
Watch around1:15. Joe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrQKFmje6so