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Is it ok to use real sand?

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  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Omaha, NE
  • 10,621 posts
Posted by dehusman on Monday, February 25, 2008 3:58 PM

As long as it isn't water soluble, it isn't magnetic and you clean up the excess it ought be OK.

Dave H.

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

  • Member since
    January 2007
  • 180 posts
Is it ok to use real sand?
Posted by Otis on Monday, February 25, 2008 3:56 PM

I am testing out various surface materials to model a semi-arid to arid bit of HO scenery.  I have painted the area with a gritty primer in a sandstone color.  I will be adding sparce vegetation.

Therefore I need realistic looking sand/dirt in between to apply on top of the painted gritty primer.

I tested some sandstone-finish paint product that can be applied with a spatual or small trowel.  It can go on either very thinly (one grain depth) or can be built up very nicely as ridges etc. However, the grains are human sized....that is, they should be 1/87th as big as they are.

I next got some nice fine 70 grit silica (used for sandblasting among other things...I mean it is the really fine grit, not coarse grit sandblasting material). It is a good color and size, and not dusty.  However, I am afraid that I may not get it to adhere properly and it might continue to work loose and cause havoc with the locos. 

Any ideas?  How about if I apply it over a smear of full strength white glue, vacuum up the excess and then seal it with a matte sealer?  Or should I stay away from very fine grit real sand/silica?  When I look at it in my hand and look at my locos, it seems counterintuitive.

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