Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Building a Diorama - Part #1c - Lightweight Spackling

DAP Fast'N Final Lightweight Spackling:

This is the brand of spackling I got at my local big and small box stores and I am happy with the results.  It does have a number of cautions to be noted.  Right out of the tub I have used a spatula to apply it directly to plaster cloth and foam-core to add texture and then when dry, color with paints, washes and stains.  It did slightly warp the foam-core and I think I will try sealing both sides with KILZ primer next time.

To eliminate white spots when chipped I colored a small batch of spackling by placing about a quarter cup into a small dish, stirred in a few shots of acrylic paint color and added a little water to achieve a thick mud for texture or more water to achieve a soupy mud for painting larger ground areas.  For ground areas I use a tan, for grass - green, for water - blue, for Arizona mountains - purple, for red rocks - red, whatever suits your fancy.  If your fancy changes you can just paint over with another coat to change the season or area.

Creating rock textures and other scenery details is a bit more art than science, it just takes practice.  Try different tools to apply the material, knives, forks, spoons, foam brush, sponges, - they all make slightly different shapes - jab and slice at the material for other effects.

You may also add texture to the spackling by adding ingredients like sawdust, ground up cork or foam, sand something you might find around the house.  As they say, "Try it, you'll like it."   That is why we are building this little diorama, to try new and different materials, ideas, tools, etc.

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