I'm trying to start doing more dio work, and do scenic bases for my non-dio subjects as well. I never seem to get decent results from Celluclay, even as others swear by it. Any suggestions on what the right ratio of water to material should be? I get horrible shrinkage, no matter how many layered applications I do.

Randy

Hi Randy, I'm one of those guys that swear by celluclay and I've built alot of dio's. I just add water a little at a time ,mixing each time till I have enough water to get a smooth consistancy with no lumps. It can be alittle dusty at first so be careful. Then add a generous portion of white glue to the mix. This helps stop the curling up at the edges. Add a little more water if the glue makes it hard to mix. You can also add small gravel and sand to the mix at this point depending on what type of terrain you want. If you are using a wooden base always seal it with something to keep the water from the celluclay from warping it. You also can put small finishing nails into your base before you add the celluclay.,this gives it something to adhere to.I hope this helps.

I have never had any problems with Celluclay. Just add water as needed. I also add water based artist paint for my coloring as I add the water. Hope this helps.
Recon

Randy,

Although I would not go so far as to say that I swear by Celluclay, I do use it and have never had drastic shrinkage. As for ratio of water to Celluclay, I have had rather good results when I add just enough liquid (water and white glue) to make it the consistency of bread dough. At this consistency, I will actually knead the Celluclay like dough to insure that is completely mixed. However, to reduce the amount of shrinkage I generally build up the areas with either foam or whatever so that I never really have a very thick layer of Celluclay. I am not sure if this is helpful but it is how I have had decent results.

Good luck

Jay

I agree - there is no set measurement or ratio. I too just add a bit at a time like waterboy mentions.

Hi Randy:
I think Celluclay is a great product and I have used it in all of my dioramas so far. However, I mix it with water (no set ratio, just add water until it looks right), white glue and a product called Durhams Water Putty that I buy at Home Depot in the aisle where they sell spackle. I don't know if this makes the difference, but I have not experienced any shrinkage in my groundwork. I agree with the others that you need to seal a wood base and also rough up the surface to increase the adhesion to the base. I just drill holes around the base prior to sealing.

Keith

Thanks for all the tips. I'm definately using too much water, and I'll look into the Durham's stuff as well.

I do already seal the wood, and rough the surface, so at least I got that part right :-).