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Was skimming through the Stony Creek project article and noticed the fellow there said he paints the foam brown, then uses sifted peat moss on it to create his "dirt" base. I've always had an aversion to organic materals on the layout. Every attempt I made ended up attracting critters of some sort, and that includes my own foray into peat moss. I suspect "plain dirt" alone wouldn't cause problems, but I've never used it as the only organic on the layout, so can't be sure. I found an alternative I like better anyway: I go to the local HD type store and buy suede-texture paint. This isn't some "sponging" or other artistic effect. It's just paint that dries to a suede-like texture. When colored the relevant shade of brown, it's darn-near perfect for 'earth' - just enough texture to it. You can enhance the texture by rolling a deep-nap roller across it after it gets tacky. I do that for more 'churned up" areas, and just paint it on 'as is' for more developed areas (e.g. pastures in the first case, a yard or industrial area in the second). Just my 2c worth, but I sure find it far easier than sifting whatever sort of stuff on to wet paint, and equally effective.
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