Well I am finally to the stage in my dio where I am ready to add the water. I have to say that I am very nervous about adding it. It is basically a one shot deal. Either it will work out well or it will destroy 1.5 months worth of work. I did a test and it turned out ok. The only thing I am unsure of is when do you add the ripling effects into the water? I have read Mig's book, and some other post and still am not sure. I would leave the surface flat, but I just don't think it would look right. Any help you guys have would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Salvo

My advice is if you aren't pressed for time,don't press the issue.Make small batches of water and ripple it until you're confident about it.I think you'll be happier for it.
cheers!

The problem is, I don't know when or really how to ripple it. Mig's book said to use a rounded handle of a paintbrush. When do you do this? Or how do you guys ripple your water effects?

You are absolutely right - you basically have one shot.
So make it a good one. Test test test.

If you are using the two part resin/hardener type you ripple it as it hardens. Use a toothpick or coffee stir stick and gently drag it over the surface. I did this in 'Gotcha Covered' and I did it about 15 minutes after I poured it (approximately - hardening depends on temperature, size of batch, how much hardener you mix in, thickness of the pour etc.). WIth the resin its best to do it too early vs to late. To early and the resin will settle out and flatten giving you time to do it again. If you're too late the rippling will 'pull' the resin making rough looking ripples. If you do it early you can go back a second time and rework the ripples.

If you have the materials I would test it. Probe the water as it hardens every once every minute until the ripples start to stick.

IMO smooth water looks better in person, rippled water can look better in photos. The problem I have w/ripped water in person is that it can look "phony" because the "action" is freezed in motion. Sort of like a figure in mid step.

A figure looks more believable (IMO) when it is in a relaxed, "non-motion" pose, rather than walking, running etc. I feel the same about water effects.

I just poured a 12" roundish resin pond & here's my advise. First, make sure that there is no where for the resin to leak out of.

Second, try & make sure the base is smooth and does not have any blobs of plaster or anything sticking up. If you do then you'll have to pour the resin deep enough to cover the imperfections.

I painted the bottom to show depth. Ground, sand color near the shores, then blue-ish then top dark blue or black to simulate depth.

Get all of your stuff ready ahead of time (including a throw away brush (non-shedding) & then mix (as per directions), pour, brush to spread & cover & then walk away from it.

Have fun. It's pretty easy. You just want to make sure your base is prepared properly.