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Have you used Envirotex lite for water

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  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Portland, OR
  • 3,119 posts
Posted by jfugate on Saturday, December 22, 2007 7:08 PM

Yep, done envirotex water. Here's a photo:


(Click image to enlarge)

I explain in detail how I did this water here.

Basically, I did three pours of envirotex, putting dye in each layer. Envirotex sets up perfectly flat, which isn't realistic for most water, so I added a layer of acrylic gloss gel on top that I put on with a paintbrush and stipled in place in a ripple pattern. You can see the result in the photo above, and read all about how I did at the link above. 

 

Joe Fugate Modeling the 1980s SP Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Saturday, December 22, 2007 7:08 PM
 DigitalGriffin wrote:

I recommend some serious ventilation.

While the environtex cures, it will form bubbles.  There are two ways to get rid of them.  Skewer or blowing on them.  (I heard people recommend a hair dryer so you don't turn green inhaling the fumes.)

 

It actually doesn't smell so bad, it is that breathing the fumes which can be very not good for you is not a good idea.  Yes use good ventilation and leave the room for a while.  I have never had any problems with bubbles staying in the resin after it is dry.  Some bubbles will form early on but will disappear before it dries.  The directions say to use a hairdryer or propane torch (try not to burn your house down, please!) or to blow across the resin as it sets until the bubbles pop.  It is the carbon dioxide that breaks the bubbles not the movement of the air.  I have some setting right now down cellar on a cross that will be a Christmas Present for my sister.  That's one reason that I am upstairs playing with the computer......... 

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Pa.
  • 3,361 posts
Posted by DigitalGriffin on Saturday, December 22, 2007 6:55 PM

Be forwarned it stinks to high heaven as it cures.  I recommend some serious ventilation.

Scenic Express sells a series of dyes which mix well with environtex.  www.scenicexpress.com

You really can't shape waves into it that easily.  So you'll want to use Woodland scenics water effects or Gloss Medium as a topper for waves.

While the environtex cures, it will form bubbles.  There are two ways to get rid of them.  Skewer or blowing on them.  (I heard people recommend a hair dryer so you don't turn green inhaling the fumes.)

It runs quite easily.  So make sure all cracks are sealed up properly.  Or you may have a waterfall in your lake!

Disclaimer: This message is purely from what I've read from Kalmbach publishing as well as several of their videos, and individual web postings from people who have.  But I have seen the results first hand, and am impressed.

 

 

Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions

Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Finger Lakes
  • 10,198 posts
Posted by howmus on Saturday, December 22, 2007 6:40 PM
I agree completely with bogp40.  It also has the advantage of drying to a very hard finish and so doesn't become a magnet for dust that will stick to the surface.  I have used the WS stuff that is made to do waterfalls to create ripples and other water effects.  I just brush it on after the Envirotex is completely cured.

Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO

We'll get there sooner or later! 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Weymouth, Ma.
  • 5,199 posts
Posted by bogp40 on Saturday, December 22, 2007 5:46 PM
It is actually the best product I found for doing water. It will find perfect level and must be dammed well as not to leak. Use of a hair drier on real low temp or breathing on the pour will help the trapped air bubbles to disapate. Because of the glass like finish, any wave, ripple, foaming and other water effects are better done on the cured surface with gloss medium. Many have had success in coloring the product with acrylics or dyes. I will generally pour on an already plastered, painted and sceniced base/ bed.

Modeling B&O- Chessie  Bob K.  www.ssmrc.org

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: Ontario
  • 737 posts
Have you used Envirotex lite for water
Posted by da_kraut on Saturday, December 22, 2007 5:32 PM

Hello everybody,

just wondering if anybody has any experience using Envirotex lite for creating water?

Here is a website http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayProductPage?productNum=gc0511

Merry Christmas everybody

Frank 

"If you need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm."

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