If i mixed some ash into some semi-gloss paint would it look like well..... ash?

Ash isn't glossy, so probably not. If it is for a dio, I would just spread the ash where you want it, then keep a little more on hand when you move it so that you can replace what blew away.

Rob

What Rob is saying is...use ash!

Couldn't you tack it down with a light coat of matt varnish, obviously watching out for not blowing all the ash all over the place???

Wouldn't it work to use it like flocking too?? You know you spray down some fixitive and then pour the ash over the fixitive???

I would try putting down some clear flat and then sprinkling the ash over the clear. It should stick like it was glued down. I've used a product called scenic cement ( i think it was called) from Woodland Scenics that dries flat for landscaping a base before and it worked well.

your could also put the ash first on a clear matt coat and than fix it with hair spray.