PermaScene

[hbgatsf]

I was going through a box of stuff that was given to me 20 years ago and found an  unopened box of PermaScene.  I searched around and found out what it is but I didn't find any pictures of scenery where it had been used.

It has some sentimental value to me so I would like to work it in someplace if I can.  If anyone has experience with it can you tell me what a good application would be?

[BigDaddy]

PermaScene has plaster in it so it may or may not be good.  I'd whip up a batch and make sure it hardens.  Mine took days to fully dry out.   David Popp trowels it on carved foam landscaping.  I used it in home made molds to cast rock. 

You can mix it with cheap craft paint to give it color.  Everything you see here is PermaScene except the water.  At normal viewing distance, those pinholes aren't noticeable.

Wider view, early experimentation with water color.

Experiment with paint washes

[gmpullman]

I've had a few "vintage" bags of PermaScene and as Big Daddy states, it didn't really set up too well and made a mess.

For a substitute there's a product plasterers use called Gypsolite that is a lightweight "brown-coat" that, I believe, would make a good scenery base. I've also heard of crumbling up, then soaking old, fibrous ceiling tiles into the mix for more texture.

https://www.goldbondbuilding.com/products/conventional-plaster/gypsolite-plaster

Was it Lou Sassi that came up with the Ground Goop recipe?

https://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/114748.aspx

Good Luck, Ed

[hbgatsf]

Thanks for the heads up.  I'll make a test batch before committing to using it. 

[HO-Velo]

My recollection of PermaScene in the early 80s was buying it in a box similar in size and shape to pancake or waffle mix.  The stuff dried to a tannish color with a somewhat coarse texture.  I was pretty jazzed about my first crack at rolling scenery with the PermaScene terrain, so my enthusiasm was only slightly dampened when a visitor remarked about the "oatmeal hills".

Regards, Peter   

[hbgatsf]

I had already decided that I wasn't going to use the glitter "grass" that was in the box also, so unless I figure out how to work in a pile of oatmeal I won't be using this either.  

Thanks for the info. 

[drgwcs]

Permascene was one of the main components in the original formula of ground goop. I have used it a fair amount. Mix equal amounts of permascene and sculptamold add in white glue and a bottle of craft glue along with a cupful of bleach. I have done it without the permascene but it does not work as well. It lacks some of the texture and takes longer to dry. 

[hbgatsf]

drgwcs

Permascene was one of the main components in the original formula of ground goop. I have used it a fair amount. Mix equal amounts of permascene and sculptamold add in white glue and a bottle of craft glue along with a cupful of bleach. I have done it without the permascene but it does not work as well. It lacks some of the texture and takes longer to dry. 

 

Perfect.  Thanks.

[richhotrain]

HO-Velo

I was pretty jazzed about my first crack at rolling scenery with the PermaScene terrain, so my enthusiasm was only slightly dampened when a visitor remarked about the "oatmeal hills".

Oh boy, that had to hurt. 

Rich

[BigDaddy]

drgwcs

a cupful of bleach

  why the bleach?

 

[AEP528]

BigDaddy

 

 

drgwcs

a cupful of bleach

 

 

  why the bleach?

 

 

 

 

Mixes like Ground Goop tended to use paper mache or other organic cellulose products (like Sculptamold). Organic materials that stay damp for long periods of time tend to grow at least mildew on them, if not mold, so need something mixed in to prevent the growth. The recipes I have seen call for a capful (not cupful) of liquid Lysol disinfectant.

Did a little online searching but couldn't find the Permascene contents beyond vermiculite and plaster, so I can't say if it did contain any cellulose.