HOW TO CREATE PERFECT WATER
Peter Marriott looks for ways to produce water features free of air bubbles.
PHOTOGRAPHY: PETER MARRIOTT
I’m sure I’m not the only modeller who has returned to a recently-poured water feature, left to cure overnight, to find that bubbles have appeared in the fluid. By then, it’s usually too late to do anything about it.
The last time it happened, it got me thinking, and I’ve since been trying various methods to get rid of bubbles in water, and I’m pleased to say I’ve had some positive results.
I find that some water fluids work better for making still water than others, and it is always advisable to follow manufacturers’ recommendations to get the product that’s right for what you want on your layout. For example, in my experience the Deluxe Materials range of Solid Water two-part products works well for still water with a minimum of bubbles, as does the Woodland Scenics Deep Pour Water.
When modelling a canal or dock scene, it’s a good idea to tint the water fluid so it is not possible to see the base of the water feature. To do this, the Woodland Scenics Water Tints work well with its Realistic Water and Clear Deep Pour Water products. The Deep Pour Water is also available as a murky two-part resin. Alternatively, a few drops of acrylic paint mixed with Deluxe Materials Solid Water works well too.