marble powder for snow or not?

[faust18]

Hi folks me again.im wanting to use snow on a figure base ive micro balloons and woodlands scenics snow ive heard marble powder is used as well ive tried to find some ive found it for mixing with resin for casting statues is this the same kit, does it come in differnt grades, is it any good and if so where can I get some.. I want to use a fine dusting like morning frost how can I fix it after dusting it on any advice would be handy thanks Mick

 

[Gellso]

Hi Mick,
For fixing dust and snow I use pva glue diluted with water and spray this through an airbrush or a small plant sprayer. The airbrush will obviously give more control. I've never used marble dust so you might want to try it on a test subject first. It will dry in a matt finish.

Gells

 

[faust18]

Ive got woodlands scenics glue it comes in a mist srayer I use this term loosley it vomits the glue everywhere I didnt think of running it thru the airbrush its obvious now you point it out though thanks for another piece of sterling advice much appreciated mick

 

[Einion]

I don't like marble dust for snow as when you add enough to PVA to make it stiff enough not to slump the paste is too opaque - looks like plaster. Marble dusts do vary in particle size though and the finer ones will be most prone to this but unfortunately the fine stuff is the most versatile. Still it would work fine to make a base for your snow, if you wanted to save on microballoons or the Woodland Scenics stuff by using them for the surface only.

If you can buy it cheaply (it shouldn't cost more than about €3 for a kilo) I'd say it's worth getting some to experiment with as it has other potential uses, but not worth it just for snow.

Einion

 

[faust18]

Thanks thats great I needed to know from someone who had used the stuff ive got several options to go with I do like what the micro ballons do so ill stick to that method , the marble powder came from something id read you see as always I thought I might be missing out on something thanks for the advice much appreciated , mick

 

[Gra30]

Some great tips, I wouldn't advise spraying through the airbrush though unless it is a cheap one, it will spray ok as above but if using PVA make sure it is not the waterproof version, it will set in you airbrush otherwise. I think the pressure will also remove all the pre laid snow as a certain amount of pressure is needed to draw from the cup, unless gravity fed but they are usually a more expensive airbrush. I would suggest drifting above and letting it fall on the base and snow.

 

[faust18]

Thanks thats a sound piece of advice ive got a cheapo airbrush as well as an iwata I got from ebay £12 I use the cheap one for bases etc im wanting a subtle effect and defo dont want to blow it around so ill drift it down from a bit of a height, thanks for the advice it all helps as once ive laid down the snow im kind of committed I dont want to cock it up at the final stage .thanks for the info much appreciated, mick

 

[kansas kid]

Hello: I suggest you check out Woodland Scenics
Sub-terranian Foam Putty for snow. . . it doesn't
yellow over the years. And I will admit that no one
else here will suggest it. It is a product that most
model builders/painter have completely forgotten
about . . . But I still like it the best.

The Miami Jayhawk

 

[Gra30]

No worries Mick
All the best and I also like the idea of the foam as above, would love to see pics of the effect as sounds pretty good
Best wishes

 

[CAT of BORDO]

Hey Mick

Try to find some " Sugar of glass" (in 'Français' !) ; Blend and (or) mix with Acrylic médium or Pva glue .

 

[Mark S]

I'd use Cream of Tartar, with equal amounts of PVA glue, with a little extra dry Cream of Tartar sprinkled sparingly on top.
But I'd wait for a waning gibbous moon....seriously just do it anytime, just make sure you're naked at the time.

 

[pte1643]

For fixing weathering pigments I use AK Interactive Pigment Fixer.

Dries Matt, Invisible and Rock Hard.

Paint it on with a brush (or even just dab a little with a fine brush for more controlled applications) and "Dust" the pigment (or even snow) over the top.

http://www.ak-interactive.com/ecomm/?acc=Catalog&sacc=view&IDCat=657&p=1&idp=6143&idc=3

 

[faust18]

Thanks for the info folks id been wondering about pigment fixer and the sugar glass and cream of tartar ill look into thanks for the input , mick