Source for Fake Fur used to make weeds and grass

[potlatcher]

I have seen articles in old Model Railroaders showing how to use fake fur to make large patches of weeds or prairie grass. The last time I saw the technique in print was an August 1996 article by Ken Patterson.

I want to use this technique to make some wheat fields, but I am having trouble finding the right kind of fake fur. I pretty sure my mom and sister used this fake fur for craft projects when I was a kid. It had lots of long polyester fibers that were fairly stiff (not silky), it came in several wild colors, and I remember it being really "static-y".

When I accompany my wife to the local fabric stores (I live in the Pacific Northwest), all I can find is fur that is short and wooly. When I try to describe what I'm looking for, the ladies at the craft and fabric stores don't seem to know what I'm talking about.

Is there a particular name for this stuff, and if so where do I find it? Since I can't find anything locally, maybe there's a source online?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Tom

[Anonymous]

I tried doing the fake fur thing but the paint wash didn't cover well, the fur matted and pulled out when brushing out and exposed the backing. I tried it a few other times with no luck. The problem was I wanted a green color. However that doesn't mean you would have the same results. Just buy a small piece and try it out.

I just did a quick Google search and found this link http://www.mendels.com/fur_solids.html
They'll send you up to 5 color swatch samples for free. The short naps are 7/16" and come in wheat colors.

Update 3/16
I received the sample swatches of fake fur. The nap is very tight and you can not see the backing. The colors are too strong except for the Camel colored sample.That, with a little bit of light green wash of stain might work.

[jfugate]

Maybe this link will help a bit:

http://siskiyou.railfan.net/model/constructionNotes/silflor.html

I mix fake polyester fur with silflor. You want a neutral buff color fake polyester fur. Fake fur that is made to look like animal fur doesn't look right and won't take paint well either.

I just look around the fabric shop until I find something that looks like this photo. Depnding on what they have in stock, you can get various nap lengths to simulate various lengths of grass.

If you can't find the buff color, try getting white. But then you should get some fabric dye and dye it a buff color as a base. Trying to paint fake fur is hard to do without having it matte up badly, so dying is better.

Here's a sample photo of some finished scenery where I used the silflor and fake fur for grass:



Finally, here's an internet link to some buff fake fur that has about the right nap length:
http://www.denverfabrics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=16726&Category_Code=FR-solid&Product_Count=11

[Jetrock]

It is commonly known as "fun fur" in the industry. You're looking for white fur, you can dye it various colors. Too long is actually what you want, you can trim it with a pair of clippers to whatever height you prefer.

[hminky]

I have an article in the March 2005 Railroad Model Craftsman on faux fur and plush felt uses. It also makes realistic bushes.



Mendl's is a good source. Joann Fabrics has "grizzly fur". Most craft stores have some form of faux fur. I use Dye-na-flow a fabric dye to color the white fur.



This is plush felt dyed with Dye-na-flow with a Preiser HO figure. I model O scale and use this for California low grass. The plush felt is available in most fabric stores and Walmart. I cover the edges by cutting tufts off extra fur pieces and gluing the tufts out from the edges

Just a thought
Harold