Fixative spray for dust

[Luke0312]

This is actually for a prop, but given the guys who do modelling and/or dioramas are probably more knowledgeable than anyone on this type of thing, I figured I would ask here.

I'm trying to put dust on an item. The dust I'm using is fuller's earth that I've ground very fine using a mortar and pestle.

Anyone know of a way to get a good adhesion with some of the fuller's earth dust I've created? Not looking for an extremely thick coat, just don't want all of it to fall off it is picked up or a breeze blows through the room.

 

[BR12819]

While I'm by no means an expert in this area, if I were attempting this I would lay down a tacky coat of a matte clear, apply the fullers earth then another top coat of matte clear as a sealer. Good luck with your project, I'm sure more experienced members will chime in soon.

 

[NextGenMaker]

Well, when you draw a charcoal picture, you fix it with hair spray. So long as the earth is the last thing you put on, you could try lightly misting over it with some of that. I'd experiment on a test piece first, of course.

 

[dino8836]

Ahhh. Have tried a few of these methods on my Sandtrooper. You will get varying results from them all.

A tacky coat of clear then flicking on the dust is a delicate process because if you mess up its too late (cannot just wide it off, when its wet or dry), and it makes the dust go darker and stay darker.

Hair spray is great and cheap. But each different brand reacts differently (slightly). I have found the cheapest hairspray is usually the best. Dearer versions must have other chemicals in it which can affect the plastic, run badly or even put a yellow shine on the prop. The dust will soak up the spray and go darker, but seems to return to a more original colour when dry.

The best is artist 'fixative'. Many will say its the same as hairspray, which is mostly true. But it does perform the best hands down.

Remember with aerosols to do it in a well ventilated area. The dust will still rub off, but just wont fall off as you intended.

If in doubt get a similar material and give each a go (or test piece it). You might have a preferred method.

Good luck

Good luck

 

[Albertese]

I might try Scenic Cement made by Woodland Scenics for model railroad stuff. Put it in a plastic spray bottle with a fine mister setting and you should be able to lay down a nigh invulnerable layer that dries clear and matte. Worth a try anyhow.

--Alex

 

[Luke0312]

Thanks for the helpful advice guys. I'm willing to experiment and try different things. I'll give each thing a go and see how it works. I'll save the Scenic Cement for last, going to try the things I have on hand first of course.

 

[damienjameswebb]

try this. http://www.amazon.com/Krylon-2-Ounce-Repositionable-Adhesive-Spray/dp/B000A8AYO4 depending on what your trying to cover and how accurate you need the dust to be positioned, this can be great. Spray a light coat and it works like the glue off a post it note. if applying to glass or plastic, you can even wash it off with 99% Alc if needed. again, it all depends on what look you need. you'll have to experiment.

 

[Luke0312]

I had a chance to try some things this weekend. I tried the ground fullers earth and even some portland cement. Both were just too fine, almost a powder, hard to control ( basically smeared) and when clear was sprayed over top, became transparent.

Going to need something with a larger granular size. Might try some sand mixed with something finer or grind the sand just a bit.

Going for a medium grey, so not sure what will work best. I might even try mixing it with a small amount of dyed PVA glue, so that it can be brushed on.

 

[damienjameswebb]

because fullers earth is an organic material, it will dissolve into a liquid paste. try something that wouldn't desolve as much. try letting the glue dry longer, or use an adhesive that isn't going to soak it up. fullers earth is best kept as is in most cases.... try even a solid form glue like a glue stick. the more solid the stick of glue, the better too. the dollar store ones usually work best for me on things like glass

 

[division 6]

Try pastels.

 

[Luke0312]

because fullers earth is an organic material, it will dissolve into a liquid paste. try something that wouldn't desolve as much. try letting the glue dry longer, or use an adhesive that isn't going to soak it up. fullers earth is best kept as is in most cases.... try even a solid form glue like a glue stick. the more solid the stick of glue, the better too. the dollar store ones usually work best for me on things like glass

True, I should have used my head realized the fE would soak up anything wet that is applied to it.

Try pastels.

Damn good idea. I could use a file to create the dust directly over where needed, would allow a bit of control to the application.

I'll pick some up later this week.

 

[dino8836]

I have had success with coloured grout also, found in most hardware stores. They have heaps of different colours, and flicking them on with a paint brush gets a good effect.