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Scenery Sealer

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  • Member since
    April 2023
Scenery Sealer
Posted by KeithRob on Monday, July 3, 2023 11:43 AM

I'm about to start on my first diorama, a desert scene with sand.  I was wondering what is best for solidifying the sand to the base???  Is there a spray available?

"Charlie don't surf!"

Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" Kilgore

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Formerly Bryan, now Arlington, Texas
Posted by CapnMac82 on Monday, July 3, 2023 12:18 PM

Any number of them.

The generally accepted, modeling frugal, one, is to use a spray bottle of isopropyl alcohol (this breaks the surface tension), then to apply diluted (1:1 to 3:1) water and white PVA glue, typically through a dropper (although 3:1can be sprayed, it's just some clean up of the spray bottle).  The spray bottles used are empty ones available at craft and hardware stores.

The technique can be seen in any number of diorama videos on YouTube (Kathy Mallett, Luke Towan, Laser Creation World, etc.)

Usually, any elevation change is done through a substructure built up using spackle, wall compound, culluclay/sculptamold, even plaster cloth.  This is often built up over a base of carved foam, or similar materials, to "bulk out" the void space under a large feature.

The availability of closed cell expanded foam from various sources (product packaging, building site discards, home improvement stores, etc.) has made it a preferred go-to.

The old (now near-ancient) ways of building up papier-mache over wadded-up paper or the like will also work, if wanting longer drying times and patience. 

I would recommend avoiding things like the ceramic clays as they can be extremely expensive in the bulk quantities wanted for decent-sized dioramas.

  • Member since
    April 2023
Posted by KeithRob on Monday, July 3, 2023 1:26 PM

Thanks!   

"Charlie don't surf!"

Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" Kilgore

  • Member since
    January 2010
Posted by rob44 on Monday, July 3, 2023 3:12 PM

One comment, there are plenty of Utube videos about doing this. If you use , culluclay/sculptamold (I use it) be sure to use thin layers and let each layer dry. If you apply it on too thick it take forever to dry.

 

I also attach "sand" or debris using alcohol/water/white glue it works well

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