I have a rather large water area on my HO layout: a harbor that is about 36"x 60" and a river that is about 15 feet long and 8-10" wide plus another area 30"x 45". I have been trying different water materials and haven't found exactly what I was hopiing for. The WS Realistic Water leaves a rubbery surface, Crystal Clear Silicone by DAP is also rubbery when dry and I read that Majic Water is the same. Does anyone know of one that dries hard? I did try a clear gloss gel from Hobby Lobby and it dries hard but is not easy to 'model' when wet. Any suggestions or are the rubbery materials OK. It feels like I can leave finger prints on the surface if I run my fingers over it, which is what I would expect some grandkids to do.
I have a lot of water to 'model' and I want to do it right the first time!
Thanks,
Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
Both Water Magic and Envirotex / Envirotex Lite, 2 part epoxy resins, dry hard and smooth.
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
I have no experience with the WS products of any type, but I understand that the plain old Envirotex is simply a fine finishes grade of two-part epoxy. In my case, I used Swing Paints' "Nu-Luster 55", and it is also an epoxy consisting of equal measures of hardener and resin. They have to be measured very carefully, emptied thoroughly into a disposable mixing vessel, and then stirred very completely for several minutes. Don't worry about the tiny bubbles...lots of them.
After maybe four minutes of stirring, you simply pour and use the stir stick to spread it as thinly as you can.
It is wisest to have a well prepared and sealed cavity/river course in which to pour this. If you have uneven surfaces, this generally costly material will just want to fill up the depressions first. So do create a level and planar bottom, including sanding and wiping it clean before painting it.
You should be prepared to mix at least two, and probably several batches, depending on the volume you need to provide your layout with a depth near 1/4 - 1/2".
These products can be found in the paints section at decent hardware stores, independent and franchised. Again, they are meant for fine finishes, such as that tree trunk slice with legs for a coffee table in the cabin at the lake.
I experimented with the Nu-Luster 55 and mixed in a half drop of acrylic craft paints from Wal Mart, a shade called "Hauder medium green". I also added a pinch of plaster of Paris to make it slightly opaque or turbid. I was initially dismayed to find it wanting to foam as I mixed it, but not too much...nothing could compel me to go on and to pour it over what I had in place. Still, I decided to do just that, spread it thinly and evenly, and then went away for maybe 10 minutes. When I came back, it had stopped all the bubbling and 'foaming', and was very surprisingly clear of bubbles. I will do the same another time.
I would suggest, if you decide to try this yourself, to go stingy on the paint and plaster powder. If you like what you see, but want more of it, you can always top it with another batch.
For the top layer, spread some gel gloss medium thinly, and then turn the brush on its side and stipple the entire surface. A day or more later, it will look very natural.
-Crandell
Mod-Podge, available at Wal-Mart dries clear and hard.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
I'm not exactly sure what this Water Magic is but your best bet is going to be to go with some kind of resin such as 2 part epoxy or Envirotex--which, as I understand it, is an epoxy resin.
From the far, far reaches of the wild, wild west I am: rtpoteet
I too perfer the Envirotex lite. However, if that very long waterway isn't exactly level, you may want to use a Gloss medium applied over a painted and partially detailed base. Enviotex will seek it's own level to perfectly flat. Even when I try to build these areas to level you can be surprised how much you can be off.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
One of the cheapest and readily available materials to be used in water features is diluted white PVA, better known as white glue. I use it in a 50:50 mix and apply it in thin layers. It dries clear and rock hard.
R. T. POTEETI'm not exactly sure what this Water Magic is
Magic Water (sorry, got the name reversed*) is similar to Envirotex, it's a newer product, out for a couple of yearshttp://www.unrealdetails.com/
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/754-100
I have used it for a few small water features on our club layout, and like the results.
*dislexia strikes again
thanks for all your replys and suggestions, just what I was hoping for. This is a great forum and a great bunch of modelers. My only reservation with Envirotex is the chemical odors (that is what I read about it?). I understand the Water Majic doesn't have the strong odor! I will try some Water Majic next. thanks again. Any additional suggestions are welcome too!
farrellaa I understand the Water Majic doesn't have the strong odor! I will try some Water Majic next.
F Y I here is some additional info on Water Majic.
: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDRENDo not ingest. Store in a cool dry place away from heat or open flame. For adult use or under close supervision by an adult. Fatal or harmful if swallowed, If hardener ingredient {bottle A} or if combined mixture is swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Dilute by giving water or milk to drink if victim is conscious. Get medical attention immediately. Contains Amine curing agent. If resin ingredient, {bottle B}, alone is swallowed, induce vomiting and call a physician immediately. Severe eye irritant. In case of eye contact, flush repeatedly with water for 10 minutes and seek prompt medical attention. Avoid skin contact, may cause allergic reaction. Protective clothing and gloves should be worn when using this product, If skin contact is made, wash affected area with soap and water immediately. Avoid inhalation. Use in well ventilated area.
I too am looking for a product that is low to no odor. I think some of the alternatives already mentioned fill the bill.
Happy Railroading,
Don't Ever Give Up
I got some stuff at Home Depot that was about $20 for a quart, it was two part epoxy for doing bar tops.. It had no odor and dried within a couple hours. I tried to find it on the Home Depot website to link to but did not see it right but it is in the paint/stain department.