I recently purchased some Woodland Scenics Make-A-Scene (I think that's right) plaster. If I mix it according to the instructions does anyone know if it's runny, thick, etc? Anyone ever use this stuff before? thanks

For a base I would use syrofoam sheeting as a base and then mold the plaster over the styrofoam.

I've used just plaster before and it tends to warp or Crack after awile.

Hey Brian, a few things you should know about using regular plaster. You should always put in some type of white glue to your mix, helps hold it together. Always put in a bit of liquid dish soap, helps it spread easier to your base. And, always add your base paint color (water based of course) to your mix, if chips happen they wont show up as white spots. With all plaster mix's, make it a consistancey you can work with. Too much water takes a long time to cure and can results in cracks like a mus flat dryed up. Not enough water and you run the chance of it setting up before you have your base covered. And Kevin is correct about using styrofaom to build up the contour for your landscaping. I use sheets of the stuff and then use a soldering iron to melt them down to final contoure. Don't touch the iron to the foam, just pass it close by and don't breath in the fumes. They are very hazzardous to good health. Also when I use a few sheets of foam I white glue they together and stick tooth pick to help hold them together and leave them about a 1/4 inch above which helps hold the plaster to it. Hope all this helps. bob d.

thanks for the tips and advice; I really appreciate it; I was thinking of using a wooden base but the Styrofoam might be better(?) cheers

A wooden base, (or anything solid) most deffinatly. The styrofoam for the ground contours only. A styrofoam base would not be strong enough to support the entire build.

If using a wood base, seal it with paint, Varathane or something waterproof prior to applying any water based contouring material (be it plaster, celluclay, sculpamold or what have you). If you don't, the water in the surfacing material will seep into the wood and warp it, generally popping the rigid surfacing material off the surface or at least cracking it significantly.

Ask me how I know...

:)

thanks guys; got some great ideas spinning in my head; cheers