Making A Diorama Base

Modeling Subjects Dioramas
1

I have a question about diorama bases. I need to know what is the best thing to use to make the terrain on a base? I have heard of using putty, before. Is there any other one I should know about that is better?

2

I have always used Celluclay, which is made just for that purpose—it is basically paper mache’…

3

[#ditto] Celluclay is the way to go!

4

Thanks to the doog’s great tutorial, I am using Celluclay now as well.

cheers

Mike

5

Another vote for Celluclay, mixed withliberal amounts of brown craft acrylic, white glue and textured turf material and just enough water to get to a thick oatmeal coonsistency. If the ground work is to be built up more than a half inch, use layers of styrofoam first.

6

This is very true especially when you are trying to make a hilly or highly irregular terrain. I on other hand (due to the fact that celluclay is rather rare here) use wall putty to top off the styrofoam.

You can use wheels or extra tracks to make impressions on the wall putty before it dries.

7

Thanks guys, I have heard of celluclay before and it sounds like the greatest way to go. Thanks for the help.

8

If Celluclay is not available in the area, what other material/mixture do you recommend?

9

Check your local arts supply shop or where students buy their arts needs…

I found most of stuff I use from local arts supply shop apart from usual model specific ones like Tamiya, Gunze, plastic kits and etc.

10

On my single attempt (so far) I used a styrofoam block and carved it in a wedge then wrapped with paster bandage stuff, painted base color and textured with woodsland products, ballast, rough rock and then some stones. I like the idea of tha oatmeal mixture, sounds like something to try on future projects.

11

If you can get the woodsland products check for modelling plaster.

You can use the empty glass jar to mix this stuff into the batter and use for the base…

12

You could always mix sand with paint, glue and water, If you want to add natural soil for texture, there ain’t no law against it [:D]

13

Thanks for the tip. What kind of glue, I suppose it’s not the same as used for styrene. Would acrylic paints work?

Thanks for your time!

14

Just to be clear, the Celluclay mixture has the consistency of thick oatmeal. This is a reference point for you. There is no oatmeal or other fod product in it, just Celluclay, White glue, acrylic paint and ballast.

Someone else mentioned sand, glue and paint. That would work on for a perfectly flat result, but hanure doesnlt provide many perfectly flat surfaces.You’re better off and more realistic having some mild organic curves to the base.

15

Understand, Also understand that sometimes the obvious has to be stated…[:)]

16

Just use Elmers /water mixtue. Not too thin or, like Aj said, it’ll really flatten. Create some topography by gluing styrofoam to the base first. Small hills, or build up a road.

Use cheap acrylic paint like Anita’s or the like. Cheap at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s. I’d get Burnt Umber, Coffee Brown, earthy colors. You don’t need much in the mixture, you could always paint it when dry.

Just to clarify, the dried result sholudn’t be left alone… you’ll apply dirt, dust, grasses. You’re just providing substrate.

Steve

17

Thanks again. What is the the Elmer glue (composition)?

18

I believe the composition of Elmers glue is mainly liquified horse remains. If that is what you mean…

SST

19

Elmer’s white glue is actually poly(vinyl acetate)also known as PVA. It is delivered as an aqueous emulsion (which is why you can dilute it with water when it is still liquid) and dries to an almost insoluble film after the water evaporates and the polymer micelles join.

There are many other glues that are collagen based made from: parchment clippings, rabbit skin, hide, boiled down horse remains, bones etc. One common household form of this is gelatine.