Staining wood in HO!

[Anonymous]

OK, I have an atlas turntable, Which is the simplist and turntable to install in the history of turntables. Prototype? A bit, but not the greatest. But, here is my question. I built a wooden deck around the turntable to support my little people and hide the "concrete slats that accept the track. It looks fine as anything I have ever done and it looks VERY realistitic. BUT, I am stumped on what stain or paint to use on the wood to help it look more realistic. I have been thinking about a gray stain to give it that old look. I have also thought about staining it a color like oak or cherry. I have also thought about painting it flat wood brown then weathering. Its sanded and ready to take on anything we all choose here, so, have fun coming up with ideas. Oh yes, one more thing, there is also a handrail running around it . I used athearn stanchions, and very small wire to do this with, this also looks outstanding, Wish I could upload a pic.

[dwRavenstar]

Look at Conrad Specialty Mfg. (modeltrain.com)

Their Pine Canyon Woodsy Stain trio has been giving me very satisfactory results on both styrene and wood.

Dave Wyland (dwRavenstar)

[Anonymous]

You could always add a few drops of India Ink to a container of rubbing alcohol. Seems to work OK, dries real quick.

Bob Boudreau

[dinwitty]

woodland scenicks has a good variety of stains

[selector]

I would just use acrylic model paints if you already have them. I used both stain and paints on the wood around my layout, and I can't really tell the difference. The would will absorb the slightly thinned paint as well as any stain.

What colour is your railing? I stained (painted) my deck a greyish brown, and the railing is acrylic yellow. Motorman's shack is blue, white window and door trim, with a dark green roof. Looks like a colour photo of the era.

[randybc2003]

If I understand you correctly, you are talking REAL WOOD on the boardwalk around the turntable. I model older stuff, and like a "wood" appearance to my wood structures. I frequently stain them with what I call the "1-2-3 mix". I can get Olympic Stain on the cheap at the hardware (and craft stores too) - 1 half pint for just a couple of dollars. I mix according to:
1 part "Red Oak"
2 parts "Driftwood"
3 parts "mineral spirits"
Stir well, and apply as per typical stain procedures. One coat gives what looks like sun-faded Redwood. A second coat gives a more "fresh - cut" redwood look. Redwood goes well with what I model, and usually doesn't have perserative treaments. This solvent mix doesn't seem to cause warping like water base stuff does.

If you do want to add a "dark" appearance, you can also mix black or brown shoe dye w/ alcahol. Ink works too, but it can warp, being water-based.

Good Luck & Have Fun!! [^]

[Anonymous]

Minwax brand stains are also very usefull and can be purchased at all the major home center stores in pints. There is a grey / driftwoody color that is great for bare weathered wood, and a 'Jacobean' dark -almost black thats great for creasote colors. A few dollars gets you a lifetime supply
Jennifer

[Adelie]

I've been using Minwax myself. I like both the acobean and ebony both look pretty good. Jennifer "economic assessment" of the stuff is on target.

[Anonymous]

There was an article in RMC several years ago describing a simple to make stain for wood. You add some steel wool to a bottle of white vinegar. The vinegar will breakdown the steel wool and create a rust colored solution. Then you just paint it on the wood. I've used it and it looks like well weatherewd wood.

I'll look up the details in the mag article later this evening and respost if this sounds like something you might want to try.

Floquil also makes some wood stains, as I recall.

Doug

[hminky]

I have had success with painting the wood or styrene with white acrylic paint and then staining the paint:



Three of the boards are styrene and three are wood. My method integrates the two materials. I have a web article at:

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/weathered_wood/

Thank you if you visit
Harold

[Anonymous]

Wow, thats exactly what i was looking for folks, I particularly like Hminky's pic and that is kinda the look I am going for. Creating water stains at the gaps is kinda what I am looking for as well. Thanks for all the help folks!