Water for a beginner

[The Q]

I've used and still do use many layers of yacht varnish.



And so have plenty spare to use in the burns on Tiree.
In this case I was using some left over water based floor varnish, which dries clear.



For deeper water I've recently tried resin used for fibreglass with some success, I was looking for the deep see through peaty brown loch water of the Highlands and Islands.
You do have to use the particular dyes for the resin though..
[]

[ntpntpntp]

I've played with the clear craft PVA from The Works.   It's definitely not as sticky as a proper woodworking PVA, more like a paper glue than a woodworking glue but that's fair enough.

Don't go too thick with the poured layers or it will create a meniscus at the edges.

[Uplander]

Don't go too thick with the poured layers or it will create a meniscus at the edges.

Had to Google this

[port perran]

As for yacht varnish, I use a thick brush and let the varnish find its own level.

[Uplander]

As for yacht varnish, I use a thick brush and let the varnish find its own level.

Thanks for that - as a matter of interest, do you sand between layers?

[Bigmac]

i just use cheap white pva glue from poundland--it costs a £!--and dries clear.  I built up several layers just pouring it on where i wanted it--and let each layer set clear first.  You can create quite a clear depth to the water--as well as adding weeds junk and crap as you go.

water tower---

[port perran]

As for yacht varnish, I use a thick brush and let the varnish find its own level.

Thanks for that - as a matter of interest, do you sand between layers?

No, I think that's just going to make a mess

[Jon898]

Another product to try is artist's gloss medium.  Water based, so easy clean up.

Jon

[PGN]

My river on Neraland 2 is brown HUmbrol enamel with about a dozen coats of varnish.

I'll try to get a picture posted tomorrow for you ...

[Bealman]

Just wondering if you have checked the water section of the Scenery board, Uplander? 

I have used varnish on my own layout, as it pre-dates the excellent Woodland Scenics products.

One trick I did learn from America though, is to not paint the water blue. It is not blue. In fact if you look at photos, water often appears black, especially if it's deep.

I therefore use black, which, with a gloss finish, acts as a low grade mirror that reflects it's surroundings, as real water does.

This is a flooded quarry on my layout:

[Uplander]

Another product to try is artist's gloss medium.  Water based, so easy clean up.

Jon

Thanks - strangely, this is exactly what my wife who dabbles with paints suggested at the outset.  She also tells me I don't listen. 

Just wondering if you have checked the water section of the Scenery board, Uplander? 

I just searched forum-wide for the word "water" - will have a look there too though.  Your quarry looks pretty amazing. Although I started off thinking about products like Woodland Scenics I am now minded to try one of the solutions suggested herein.

Look forward to the picture PGN.

As ever ... thanks for all the help.

Simon

[Bealman]

I copied techniques in the American Model Railroader magazine, which frequently mentioned gloss medium. I had no idea what this was, so I used gloss varnish instead.

Tip: apply a layer, let dry, then another and so on ad infintum - don't pour it. The top surface forms a skin, but the stuff underneath doesn't dry! 

[Uplander]

Tip: apply a layer, let dry, then another and so on ad infintum - don't pour it. The top surface forms a skin, but the stuff underneath doesn't dry! 

Thanks Bealman - when you say "don't pour" I guess you brush thin layers on? Probably an obvious question but I would like to get it right if I go down this route. Also, are you in the "don't sand" between layers camp?

Thanks

Simon

[Bealman]

Absolutely, when it comes to sanding.

Yes, a layer at an time, just a brushful. Let it dry, make sure there's no debris or dust on it, and away you go again.

However, if I was starting out now, I'd definitely try the WS products and follow their video tutorials.

Incidentally, on all of the water features on my layout, I followed tips from US mags.... I don't model the stream or river bed at all. A flat piece of wood painted black. Apply layers of gloss, and let the reflections do the work.

Black sounds drastic, but to my eyes it works!

[devonjames]

Has anyone tried using Modge Podge (Gloss)? I've read a few good reports of using it and was going to give it a try for my next bit of seawater that I need to create.