Need Lacquer paint for glueshell scenery

[Benjamin Maggi]

Constructed my hills using the "Glueshell" method described in the Sept. 1995 Model Railroader. Essesntially, it involves making a web of interlocking cardboard strips and then covering them with glue soaked cloth, much like paper mache + plaster cloth, but with glue instead of plaster. Less messy.

To seal the shell created, and make it waterproof (essential to those you use water-soluble techniques for attaching grass and stuff), the article recommends Lacquer paint. Problem is, I cannot find it.

Tried True Value, Home Depot, even a local paint manufacturer. So, does anyone still manufacturer lacquer paint? I don't need a lot, probably less than a pint. Would oil-based paints be a good substitute, or would they not form a water-proof barrier?

Anyone, please! I cannot stare at these barren hills forever! [:)]

[dgwinup]

I believe lacquer is still used in the automotive industry. I don't think you really want to use it on your layout.

If you want to seal the subsurface, use a decent quality acrylic enamel paint or Kilz2 water-based sealer. Both will seal your subsurface sufficiently to prevent water damage from additional scenicking. Tthe original Kilz will seal a little better, but it smells worse than the other two suggestions and the smell lasts longer.

Now, let's get those hills covered!

Darrell, quiet...for now

[Benjamin Maggi]

Hum... water sealer. I never thought of that (though I probably shoud have!) I don't want something like "Thompsons water sealer" do I? I will see what my local Home Depot has. Thanks!

[Benjamin Maggi]

While I was on my way back from the hardware store with a can of green enamel, I remembered that a 18 months ago I had purchased a larger can of green enamel from the same hardware store and only used a little bit.

Doh! So, I will return the new one tomorrow. Meanwhile, I painted my hills.

Thus, at least for now, my hills are John Deere Green... hey, if the paint is good enough and strong enough for a tractor, it should be okay for my layout!

[spectratone]

unless your going to hose off the layout once a week for dust regular flat house paint will work just fine. your glue/water mix will be more glue than water so it should dry fast and when you put on the grass that will sop up moisture too. open a window or use a fan to circulate air which will help in evaporation.
glenn

[Medina1128]

Why not use clear matte medium, ala Modpodge? It's available at Wal-Mart. I used the gloss to make the fishing hole for the lumberjacks at the lumber mill. It's water soluble until dry.

[bogp40]

Just use Bullseye white shellac thinned w/ denatured alcohol. Why wouldn't an acrylic/latex paint do for sealing the glue? Less stink, cheaper and can even get the cheap gallons of the mistakes.
Bob K.

[Agamemnon]

The technique sounds similar to a miniature gamers' trick of sealing cardboard scenery with watered-down PVA glue (often also used to safen up styrofoam for spraypainting). Once the glue is dry, the piece should endure small amounts of water or equivalent without undue warping.