This is probably something other modelers already knew but I had to learn by trial and error. I tried Pelle Sorberg's method of making great looking foreground trees by gluing pieces of Super Trees to WS armatures. It did produce some great looking trees but I was having trouble keeping the foliage on the trees. I remember reading a long time ago that some modelers have used hairspray as an adhesive when applying the foam to the trees but that never worked out for me as a primary adhesive. I have used spray adhesives from 3M and Elmer's to do the job. Even those would dribble the foliage on the layout and would need regular cleanup. Then I wondered if I could use the hairspray to seal the foliage after applying it with the spray glues. I still had that old can of hair spray so I took one of my trees and sprayed it on thick. After it dried, the tree still looked good. I gave it a shake to see what would come off. Nothing. A few more good shakes and the foliage held. Not one bit of foam fell off. I am going to use this for all my trees in the future regardless of type including puff ball trees.
I do really like the trees produced by Pelle Sorberg's method although it is labor intestive. I estimate I spent about a half hour per tree. Maybe if I did it more often I could cut that down but I think it would only be worth it for foreground trees. Certainly not for a forest.
It will only work if you use cheap hairspray as it is basicaly spray lacquer.
rrebell It will only work if you use cheap hairspray as it is basicaly spray lacquer.
That's what I used because I remember reading that a long time ago when I first tried it to attach the foliage to the tree. It just didn't hold the foliage in place but using it as a top coat seems to do the trick.
40 years ago I used to work in a model shop that did architectural models (I did scenery and landscaping), and we used Aquanet unscented hairspray. We bought the stuff by the case. While working there I made more trees than I care to remember (I once made over 2500 trees for just one model, a proposed resort in Colorado!!!), but that hairspray worked great. A few years ago I was making trees for my current layout and I bought a can or two at a dollar type store, so you may want to check for it there-hopefully it is still available.
Use it in a well ventilated area.
I use unscented Finesse hairspray in a pump-type applicator. The pump is cheaper than a spray can, and its output is gentle enough that it won't blast already-applied material off your trees. Another advantage is that when the hairspray level drops below the siphon tube, it's easy to transfer the remainder into the next pump applicator, so no waste. I've never needed to clean a sprayer, but if one
ever became clogged, I have plenty of replacements available on the dozen-or-so ones not yet used....
Wayne
I've got plenty of cheap hairspray left over from the first time I tried to us it as an adhesive for the foliage. I never did get it to work well but I never throw anything out. I think I have three large cans. I've made both puff ball trees and WS armatures with lichen spread across the branches to hold the foliage. Maybe I just didn't spray the hairspray on thick enough. I switch to spray glues instead. The issue with those is clogged nozzles. Usually if I forget to clear them even one time, they are ruined and I have 3/4 of a can of unusuable spray glue. Using the hairspray as an overspray after first attaching the foliage with spray glues seems to be working quite well. I did a second tree and am not getting any loose foliage dropping off.
Hi John-NYBW,
Thanks for the hairspray tips. Good to know.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
groundeffects40 years ago I used to work in a model shop that did architectural models (I did scenery and landscaping), and we used Aquanet unscented hairspray.
Interesting job. I love architectural models.
I've used everything from the cheap hair spray to the heavy duty 3M spray adhesive.
Be careful with the 3M stuff, it builds up fast, which can lead to an undesireable finish.
I finish off with the hair spray, giving each finished tree a wisping, to keep it all in place.
Mike.
My You Tube