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Stream bed color question

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  • Member since
    November 2005
  • 18 posts
Stream bed color question
Posted by Train Fan on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 12:49 PM

Hi Guys, Just about ready to color my stream bed. When done with the water want to have a muddy look.Was wondering what color would be the best to use. Will be using acrylic craft paint.Also in the middle of the stream will be a small waterfall . Let me know the best ways to make a waterfall . It will only be around 4 inches tall.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 1:02 PM

Your best bet would be to use a fill medium that you can muddy and make somewhat opaque.  But, if you intend to cover a painted bed with clear gloss medium or epoxy, then use a plain brown, and add some black or white as you wish to darken or lighten it. 

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,481 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 1:18 PM

I'd agree.  The "muddy" look is best achieved by adding color to the "water" material.

This is the bottom of a pond I did recently, before I added "water."

I wanted a mostly-clear pond, but I added a bit of color to each pour.  I used Envirotex for the water.  I mixed about 2 ounces at a time, and put just a drop or so of acrylic paint in each batch.  The actual depth of the whole stream is about a half-inch at most.  I did this area in 3 pours.

Before you do this on your layout, I'd suggest mixing a few test batches of your "water" material with paint, to get an idea of how it's going to look.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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