Continuing effors to replicate cement

Modeling Subjects Dioramas
1

I wanted to share with you what is going on with the effort to make a base for my diorama[^] Wanting to have an area of cement slabs I have tried using both wallboard (sheet rock) and foam board[:)] Both exhibit the possibility of being able to be used. The wallboard starts out with a color that is very close to what I want but it is heavy[:(] The foamborad does come in a gray but it is too dark, but, it is very light[:)]

Now the thing that works for both is making the dividing line between slabs. I took my hobby knife with a number 11 blade and using the back side of it I scribed lines in both materials. A fair degree of pressure is required as you will want to have a semi-rough line which will look like weathered cement at the joints. Then you take a very fine tip felt marker and go over your etchings. You will find that there will be rough spots which when blackened will become the tar expansion joint material and will look like the real thing you might see[:D]

I did this without painting the material so that would have to be done prior to using the felt tip marker.

Now I have to find a paint and a weathering method to give me the final result I am looking for[^]

After readiing this if anyone has an input regarding the painting and weathering please jump right in[:D]

Richard

2

woodland Scenics makes a water soluble paint called Road System Top Coat Concrete #ST1454. I used it on a concrete floor I made in a 1/35th building. Worked pretty well

3

Thanks JGAGS, I located a source for it and will give it a try[:D]

Richard

4

Paint your base coat of medium grey. Then get your airbrush to stipple or use a tooth brush and hold it about a foot above the surface and stipple on a darker grey. Then a light grey, then a white. Do a wash of the medium grey a tone lighter than the base coat to “blend” the 3 values a bit and takeaway the contrast. Drybrush with a light grey. (The stippling will actually pick up some of the dry brushing) Obviously test this first so you get a feel for what will look good to your eye. Too heavy either way and it will look off. We did a couple of architectural and industrial models bases this way. (Also do it on a larger scale for painting theatre sets)

Mike

5

I use Tamiya ‘Deck Tan’ , with a darker colour airbrushed down the edges, I cut my slabs out separtately, as this makes spraying easier.

I then gently darken areas with RLM66 to simulate dirt and depressions in the concrete.

I also use picture framers mounting board, as this has a slight surface texture.

Karl