Grass and ground over
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(In Topic #13235)
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PVA not much good???
Hi All. Now that I am catching up with the ground cover, I have come unstuck ? It would seem that I require a better adhesive than the PVA, that I have used for other stuff. I puddled PVA on a test piece and using a tack, I clipped an alligator clip on, but then I noticed that the glue had spread, but, that is what the bloke on the YouTube video had recommended. Would some kind Modeller put me on the correct track to success?Best wishes Kevin
Staying on the thread Kevin.
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If so, you must be talking about using static grass and yes, PVA is absolutely the universally recognised way to go and you may have diluted it far too much or have some iffy thin stuff from a less than reputable source.
Try again with just a small patch, using a thin layer of brush applied (2" decorator's paint brush) undiluted PVA (it should NOT run away from you!) and see how it looks when fully dry.
You can then add some water if necessary, but the PVA will dry clear and leave lovely upright grass, clumps, stalks, etc, depending what stock you're using.
BTW, I just looked at just one youtube video of a bloke completely ballsing up trying to apply static grass. He clearly had not read the instructions and was shaking his applicator over a patch of PVA with the electrode attached to a random section of running rail nowhere near the glue! I've said it before, beware of advice from youtube!
Bon courage,
Bill
Last edit: by Longchap
At 6'4'', Bill is a tall chap, then again, when horizontal he is rather long and people often used to trip over him! . . . and so a nickname was born :)
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Just remember anyone can make a youtube video there is no qualification in anyway to prove you actually know what you are talking about.
Brian
OO gauge DCC ECOS Itrain 4 computer control system
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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I use it from the bottle, spread it reasonably thin in small ish areas and go from there. I tend now to sprinkle the grass through my fingers rather than the applicator as I can control the flow and position of the grass better. I then go over with the applicator to make it stand on end!
I just get cheap stuff from the bound shop too as it doesn’t actually need to be that strong for most things!
Last edit: by TeaselBay
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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I think I'll sit back for a while and give my brain a rest!
Cheers m'dears,
Bill
At 6'4'', Bill is a tall chap, then again, when horizontal he is rather long and people often used to trip over him! . . . and so a nickname was born :)
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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I use a 50:50 mixture of Craft PVA and water. I apply it with a brush, about 1-2 cm. To be honest I use whatever brush is close at hand.
I paint the glue on to an area no more than about 30cm square. The glue is not applied very thickly and is almost transparent. For the applicator clip I use a nail in the glue. I do a small section of grass at a time. Maybe 15cm square.
I used to mix the various lengths of static grass in the hopper. But now use layering with the cheapest hairspray from the local supermarket as the 'glue'.
Hope that helps
Cheers
Evan
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Martin
Manifestly it is better to use simple tools expertly than to possess a bewildering assortment of complicated gadgets and either neglect or use them incompetently. ( L.T.C.Rolt)
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Staying on the thread Kevin.
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For the first layer i will usually use 2mm static grass and make sure the area is fully covered.Give the glue plenty of time to dry before starting the next layer. I know this because…
With the second and sometimes a third layer the nail goes into the baseboard or plaster hills in amongst the first layer of grass.
I found that using diluted PVA for subsequent layers flattens the first layer. Maybe the PVA/water is too heavy. Hairspray (look for something cheap, extra firm hold)acts as a glue. A couple of passes with the spray is enough. I have not tried the layering sprays that are now on the market so can't comment on them.
The second layer can also be 2 mm or 6mm if it is meant to be unkempt. With this layer i make the coverage of static grass a bit more random and don't try for full coverage. In this way you get grass of differing lengths. I may also mix the colours. EG i may add a patch of autumn or winter grass.
Sometimes I will go back and do a third layer if the area looks too even in colour or length.
Good luck.
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I've also experimented with a nicely mown lawn effect. I make strips of light and dark grass, then attach them in alternating rows to a thin piece of card and voila! I haven't actually used them on the layout because I am not that far advanced, but it definitely works!
Regards
Michael
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Basically the first, static, layer acts as a support structure for the subsequent applications of effectively scattered fibres.
Martin
Manifestly it is better to use simple tools expertly than to possess a bewildering assortment of complicated gadgets and either neglect or use them incompetently. ( L.T.C.Rolt)
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WarWorld scenics - wwscenics.com - have some excellent static grass products and videos, which I have adapted to my own style, but follow the same principles. I have their applicator, which I can recommend, which I bought in their kit, including their glues. But basically it is PVA and a spray. I have found hairspray to be as good as their spray and much cheaper. They claim their glues are chosen for their ability to conduct electricity. My physics teachers at my school suggest this might be a marketing tool - anything which has a water base will conduct electricity equally!
But I have definitely found their static grass to be of a high standard and good colour mixes and once applied very realistic. I've built up a collection of different colours and lengths over time (while I was in planning mode….. so quite a time!) and they haven't let me down, unlike some other grasses I've tried. But definitely check out their videos, they are very helpful.
Hope that helps
Michael
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I'm impressed with Michael's mown lawn effect. What a great idea.
Cheers
Evan
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Here's some lint on my 8" square set-piece of Paglesham sea wall
Cheers,
Martin
Manifestly it is better to use simple tools expertly than to possess a bewildering assortment of complicated gadgets and either neglect or use them incompetently. ( L.T.C.Rolt)
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Regards
Michael
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