Cheap and Easy Model Water

[@geomodelrailroader]

The Queen of Scenery does it again Good One Kathy! I might use this on my layout.

[@akihusodo]

I love my pva, a lot we can do with it and is very cheap for completing a big project like that, thanks for sharing Kathy, love your show, have a good day.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks a lot. I agree, PVA is underrated

[@chrissharp5073]

Brilliant idea Kathy used it on my carfloat terminus. I now use your videos as as a working library for my latest railroad layout and as an ideas centre as well. Thank you for sharing your time and skills in this great hobby.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thank you so much and I’m glad I could help.

[@toypolloi]

Thanks for sharing. That's a really cool technique and the end results look great. Cheers

[@KathyMillatt]

I was impressed how well it came out.

[@fieldaf3]

this is brilliant, stumbled across this in my recommended after looking around to do our first model build with my dad looking to do a 1960s diesel yard

[@KathyMillatt]

Good luck. I hope your first build goes well.

[@markarnold8160]

It looks great Kathy and I think the key to how the ripples look and the depth of the water is down to the lighting. Thanks for a great video.

[@KathyMillatt]

Good photos do make even bad models look better. I need to practice more!

[@brianmicky7596]

Hi Kathy, looks really good ,not tried it but will give it a go , like you I like a challenge thank you for being there , All the Best Brian 🤗

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Brian.

[@Beatlefan67]

Excellent Kathy. It's always a pleasure to see your stuff. I've no idea why a 3-year-old vid has popped up though!

[@KathyMillatt]

The algorithm works in mysterious ways!

[@colnagocowboy]

In the US elmers makes a clear pva which i have used to make water. For ripples i would use modpog. Both readily available in local craft stores. Ive also used woodland scenics water products. Both methods yield good results.

[@KathyMillatt]

Good to know, thanks.

[@stevewallis8197]

I used my airbrush (without paint, just air!) to gently blow ripples onto the wet tacky glue. Seems to work OK. I've seen people do the same with mod-podge gloss medium as well.

[@affiliatedmember6940]

Well you beat me to it.... great suggestion... it really does work well ...

[@KathyMillatt]

The problem I found with PVA is that if it was thin enough to blow then it levelled back out.

[@affiliatedmember6940]

@@KathyMillatt I like using higher pressure on stuff like that... but I also like the mod-podge method also and find it to be almost satisfying to watch it ripple and dry...

[@KathyMillatt]

It always looks like a great technique but I wanted this one to be accessible to everyone even those without an airbrush.

[@affiliatedmember6940]

@@KathyMillatt true very true... and I appreciate all of your videos... I am planning out my own giant train worldscape and your videos have been very good for me to watch... I'm a great fan of yours...

[@craigmidgley7909]

Just discovered your channel, am about to try my first little pond, thanks!!!!

[@KathyMillatt]

Good luck!

[@Gatherleymodeller.]

Nice video 😊

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks 😊

[@CM-ARM]

That's pretty cool Kathy. I'm going to have to try it out

[@KathyMillatt]

Good luck!

[@clouddog2393]

Great method for modelling cheap water . Thanks Kathy . ( Have only today discovered your channel and have subscribed . )

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks so much!

[@BALD8BIL]

What a awesome job and this video is amazing thanks for sharing with us and I'm going to share it to my new Facebook group TRAINS ACROSS THE WORLD

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks a lot!

[@alrethianscraftsbattles]

This method is so easy, and it actually works very well! Thank you for this. Liked & subscribed. Finishing my modular warhammer boards.

[@KathyMillatt]

Great! Glad you found it useful.

[@normanrowe2831]

Nice. Surprisingly great results.

[@KathyMillatt]

I was surprised and relieved as it’s the front if the layout. 😁

[@ronchickadel5837]

great idea,awesome work

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks!

[@newfenrisrailroad621]

That was great Kathy as I am looking for a new way to model water for my layout and gaming table

[@KathyMillatt]

I hope this works well for you.

[@mattreagan4347]

This is brilliant, thanks for the great idea. I did not have any resin available and wanted to try making a small & simple water feature, I will be trying this out today. Thanks so much

[@KathyMillatt]

There is clear PVA available now which would be even better.

[@peterblakey576]

Well that seemed so easy. I will definitely try your way when I add water to my canal. Thanks for a great Video.

[@KathyMillatt]

Glad you found it useful and good luck.

[@peterblakey576]

@@KathyMillatt Thanks I will let you know how it goes.

[@johne5854]

Great idea.

[@catlady8324]

Ello luv!

[@bevsartsandcrafts715]

This is brilliant. I’m going to do this xx

[@mauricebrooks3223]

Hi Kathy just watched your you tube video on water , the tamiya paint that you used is it just called Dark Green Thanks Maurice

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks

[@ModelNerd]

Great technique. It's obviously much cheaper than dedicated modelling products for water, and easier than general resin (the last two part resin I tried got so hot it warped the model!). I'll definitely be giving this a go, thanks.

[@KathyMillatt]

So much cheaper! Just remember to test your PVA. Some do dry clearer than others. I notice Hobbycraft now sell a clear PVA.

[@KathyMillatt]

Resin heating up is a real issue. I’ve heard of plastic swimmers who have been put in the water melting. Awful thought!

[@mindbuilder8768]

awesome! id love to make a pond for my L scale railway, thanks for the tip!

[@KathyMillatt]

Water adds so much life to a landscape.

[@khoshekhthecat]

How big is L scale

[@billbeech5328]

Hi Kathy, saw this some time ago and and went straight to my model and created a beach and rocks scene with the waves breaking, looked very good for a first attempt. But I have now gone a stage further with the toilet paper and pva, I know make rock faces using the molds available and instead of modelling plaster I make a very thin and light alternative using the same technique, making very sure to get the toilet paper very damp and pushed into the crevices, came out great and a fraction of the weight, also it is a little flexible which aids fitting. Many thanks for the video, regards Bill (A budding modeller, at 78) 🙂I would send pics, but can't see how.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks for the pics you did send. Stunning!

[@mattbov14]

Great effect Kathy. Will use it method in my new layout. I'm wanting to do a bay/ harbour scene. Regards matt

[@KathyMillatt]

Good luck!

[@heavyj4805]

Wonderful tip Kathy, thank you

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks.

[@donavonrobbins1908]

Looks good. Wonder if some clear acrylic would protect it?

[@KathyMillatt]

I’d be wary of it rewetting the PVA and drying at a different rate trapping the water in with its milky look. It should dry eventually but may be hair raising for a while.

[@christopherkingsland4604]

This is a really smart method - I have not been too keen on using 2-part chemicals due to cost and potential toxicity. Great video! I'm definitely going to experiment with this - I think it will be ideal for shallow stagnant/almost 'dry stream' applications...

[@KathyMillatt]

I agree and it is much safer if you are doing it with children too.

[@SMC01ful]

Legend kathy.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks!

[@AlanReynoldsBucklandJunction]

Another great vid Kathy. Yes I do use PVA but not yet for water scenes, but I will in the future. I use PVA in conjunction with Jaycloth's in a paper mache form, three ply's and the end result is strong taunt way of producing landscapes, I have even convinced Jenny Kirk to use this method. Please keep up your great content for modellers. Regards Al....

[@KathyMillatt]

I’m using PVA more and more but I’ve not tried it with J-cloths... yet.

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

great tutorial, i like the way ithe water came out with the ripples

[@KathyMillatt]

It took a while to land on the technique but I was pleased how well it came out in the end.

[@jvanamb]

Hi Kathy, First off I just watched the replay of the STEVE BROWN LIVE (on record) show. THANK YOU for guesting. Secondly, many decades ago I did PBA Water Effects. It remains a superb technique in areas of little or no depth. Quite effective results for a teenager on an allowance. Secondly, one can be ashamed, I SAID ASHAMED 😳, of a particular modeler who leaves holes or gaps in their (HER) structure. ASHAMED I SAY. OK I have been known to do the same, but I don't admit to it. I admit to being a cheap skate. And in those days I molded ceramic rocks and cliffs I would save the unused broken bits and dust in a plastic container. I would do the same with sawdust. Then when a gap exsists I would make a small slurry of "dust", PBA, H2O, and Mom's dishwashing liquid to PACK THE GAPs. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY ADMIT TO NOTHING. Love all you do. Again thank you for doing the STEVE BROWN show. ~ Jim Van Amburgh

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Jim. It’s too easy to use videos to make yourself look perfect but I’m not and I think it’s important to show failures to encourage people as it never goes right 100% of the time.

[@jvanamb]

@@KathyMillatt You know there some sense in what you say. I guess we subs. just see you as Ms. Perfection. Love Jim

[@KathyMillatt]

What a huge pressure! I’m definitely not perfect.

[@JohnJohnson-cn9fh]

looks great Kathy,nice one.jpj

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks a lot.

[@carlpo5500]

Nice Job!

[@philRminiatures]

Once again a creative and effective job, thanks for sharing this technique!

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Phil.

[@GlennBeebe]

Nice work🤙

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks.

[@peezebeuponyou3774]

Looks great Kathy. I've experimented using PVA, but it always dries murky. I'd suggest Mod Podge to create the ripples- the gloss version. Steve.

[@KathyMillatt]

I was asked to do something easily available hence PVA. I’ve only tried Mod Podge once and my waves did not dry clear so I’ve used acrylic gloss medium instead with great results.

[@williambryant5946]

@@KathyMillatt Nobody pays attention to what is said before the video. I watch your other videos and know that you've made water from all types of things and if others were a fan of yours they would know what you're doing here. Nice video and thanks for sharing great modeling techniques.

[@KathyMillatt]

William Bryant I probably should have mentioned all those other videos. Missed opportunity! Thanks.

[@ModelkitStuff]

A good way of creating ripples is with tissue paper socked in water thinned PVA. Especially good for creating wakes from boats. Simply soak in PVA watered down and then place with tweezers and shape. Once dry you can paint it but often look just fine as it is.

[@KathyMillatt]

I like using translucent materials so that there is a bit of depth to the waves but I have seen some stunning results using the methods you mention. There's so many ways to do the same thing!

[@TrentValleyRailway]

impressive and well documented

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks.

[@mick9885]

Looks great Kathy 👍 can we get to see your layout please

[@KathyMillatt]

Hi Mick. I tend to use dioramas to show off certain techniques as I don’t need them in my main layout. That said, this is a micro layout.

[@mick9885]

Good idea, I've been taking them in I must get one of them applicators for the grass, thanks for the info 👍

[@hl1796]

Did you ever try to use artist acrylic gloss medium /gloss gel yet Kathy ?, i hear it levelling better than PVA

[@KathyMillatt]

Yes, I’ve used it loads but never a type that self levels, it’s all been thicker than that and I’ve used it for waves or ripples. This was a specific challenge on PVA.

[@maxanddad1]

Not bad for PVA. May try this on a small pond :)

[@KathyMillatt]

It surprised me too. Give it a go and let me know what you think.

[@ShukakuTheCrazy1]

Thats really cool. How would i go about doing a more marshland sort of water with plants growin out of it?

[@KathyMillatt]

I’m be done a lot of other water videos but they were early ones. I’d say resin is the easiest for that though.

[@miguelvalladolid9408]

Hi, nice and easy to do job, groceos result.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks!

[@AzraelThanatos]

Personally, I've tended to, after painting water, to start with a layer of gloss polyeurethane, then stipple on the clear drying, gloss mod podge before another thin layer of gloss over that. The end result is less vulnerable to water accidents along with most other mishaps. At least with terrain and larger bases/diorama work, I've used mainly gloss if I'm doing miniatures work though. As another tip, if you want the really algae overgrown water such as swamp/pond type use polyeurethane and sprinkle on a mix of fine flocks from greens and browns. Then put another layer over it, the end result looks like the marshy mess in the water that can be further enhanced by other plant work over and through it.

[@KathyMillatt]

I love making bogs etc. So much fun! I wanted to do PVA for this as I’d never used it before. My go to has always been acrylic gloss medium as I had a very bad experience with Mod Podge not drying through my waves.

[@Myfactory62]

Looks effective,depends on the 'kind' of water,on larger flat canal type areas or lakes(as on your layout section) i think it works well,plus you can vary the base colours for different tones and depth effects.

[@KathyMillatt]

True. Water has so many different types and it’s great to have a few methods on your arsenal of techniques.

[@tomatoes3]

Kathy, interesting video I've tried this method but find the acylic gloss medium gives a better result although a little more costly .John .

[@KathyMillatt]

I normally use gloss medium too but the challenge was to try PVA only. I do find gloss medium easier to hold the ripple shapes.

[@tomatoes3]

@@KathyMillatt Hi , I see, thought it was strange that you should be using just PVA. Bet I never listened to the voice over, sorry.John.

[@KathyMillatt]

I won’t take it personally that you turn me off but I do wonder how you get on repeating techniques without hearing the detail? 😁

[@tomatoes3]

@@KathyMillatt Ha as if I would dare.

[@johnwalsh6844]

OK , that was vary Cool !

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks!

[@neilrogers1571]

Kathy a few years ago I use some pva to make a river and waterfall the river started out clear but then turned cloudy which was disappointing. How ever it worked fine for the waterfall. What I did was spread a sheet of cling film out dribbled the pva across the film in pieces 5-10mm wide and 50 to 100mm long before it dried I used a cocktail stick to rough up the edges so they had a feathery feel. Then let it dry pealed them off the film stuck them in place on the waterfall, when that set I dry brushed some white down the fall. To me the whole think looked very realistic and light and feathery enough to look like water flowing with the hint of spray. The test is I would do this again but not for a body of water. Neil

[@KathyMillatt]

Neil, I’ve only done waterfalls with silicone before but it sounds like you’ve nailed it. The UK isn’t that humid so the PVA has stayed clear. I can imagine in some areas, it. At be more of a problem.

[@MrLosttheplot]

great video. your channel is really a inspiration, thank you

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks!

[@sampien9811]

Great tutorial! Thank you

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks a lot.

[@chrisemptage8896]

Thanks Kathy. One of the most realistic water scenes I have ever seen; and so easy. I need to create water in a canal on my layout so your method is the one I shall use. You refer to a list of products at the bottom of the screen but I couldn't access it. Can you tell me the paint you used please (I picked up the glue etc). Many thanks, really good, Chris

[@KathyMillatt]

Chris. It’s on YT if you hit the more button or check out my blog post on it: www.kathymillatt.co.uk/blog/2019/05/16/cheap-and-easy-model-water/

[@chrisemptage8896]

@@KathyMillatt Thanks Kathy, I am new to KZbin and cab#t seem to find the 'more' button, but have the detail I need. Will let you know how I get on. Incidently, is it best to put a boat on the scene before or after the water?

[@KathyMillatt]

@@chrisemptage8896 Chris, I would do the water first but I only have hull line models so that works for me. I would wrap the boat in cling film and do the final ripples so it is removable if I want it to be...

[@chrisemptage8896]

@@KathyMillatt Thanks Kathy, will do what you suggest, Many thanks again, Chris

[@Fred-Wilbury]

Hi Kathy .... nice vid .... have you ever used clear PVA ...hobby craft ..... regards Fred

[@KathyMillatt]

I’ve not but at least you know it will dry clear.

[@JimOberst]

Kathy, a great episode... love the way you speeded up the repetitive parts. But I'd be afraid to use this method because, as you said, PVA is actually water soluble, and getting it wet could really mess up the effect.

[@KathyMillatt]

Jim. You’re right and it depends what else you are doing there. I know this is against a completed section but I often do the water last.

[@JimOberst]

@@KathyMillatt THanks, Kathy. I've learned a LOT from you!

[@davidcutts2650]

Brilliant method. Thank you for sharing.

[@KathyMillatt]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Hi. The water effect looks very good. No canal is worth the space it takes up unless it has some barge traffic :-) I'm very interested to see how you cut in a boat or barge onto the water surface. I hope you intend to continue developing the diorama you are constructing. Cheers.

[@KathyMillatt]

Hi John. No boats on this layout due to space constraints but I do have a patch marked out on my main layout to show how I add boats. I just need to build the boats first.

[@whatchacookin1096]

I like it, came out well. You should use your oily water technique in some spots.

[@KathyMillatt]

I like the idea! Thanks.

[@jeffgoldenberg9579]

You could use a product like Mod Podge, or gloss medium, with a mop brush dabbed thickly on the surface and with repeat coats to build up the effect. I've seen others use a blast of air from an airbrush compressor, but you have to keep doing this until it dries or else it will level out. Tedious but effective.

[@KathyMillatt]

I normally use gloss medium but was challenged to do something cheap and available everywhere. I’ve not tried the airbrush but PVA definitely self levels a lot.

[@InterCity134]

Good tip for folks out in the sticks. But if i could I’d get the Water effects of similar product from woodland scenic or Noch as they are just designed to do the ripples and make it so much easier.

[@KathyMillatt]

Some countries can’t even get those products or they are hideously expensive hence the request to do something easily available. Personally, I find gloss medium from an art store works well but I am very blessed to live somewhere with so many choices.

[@setandcentered]

Nice video and technique. Thank you!

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks.

[@zingerflippinz2066]

THAT is awesome!!!! I've been looking for a cheaper way to make water. I used the liquid from Woodland Scenics but it made balloon bubbles on every waterway I made evan when I sealed the foamboard with paint. I suspect a chemical reaction between the water chemicals and the paint chemicals.

[@KathyMillatt]

That can be a problem. Just don’t put any layer of this on too thick as it shrinks slightly as the water evaporates and can pull away from the edges.

[@numbereightyseven]

a heat gun, carefully used, might release the bubbles, over the setting time. See Luke Towan's channel. He does that often.

[@ewoodrailway]

Cheap and effective, thanks for sharing

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks!

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Excellent video Kathy, short and sweet! Is pva workable enough that you could use the airbrush to create waves/ripples? Keep up the excellent work 👍

[@KathyMillatt]

I’d worry the PVA would level back out plus the idea of this video was to make it accessible to everyone so I didn’t try it I’m afraid.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

@@KathyMillatt Yes but I was hoping you might have given it a try. I use Mod Podge and thought pva might be a cheaper alternative .

[@KathyMillatt]

PVA comes in a wide range of thicknesses so you may find something to suit.

[@WAVP371]

Looks great thanks, for sharing!!! A little more expensive route but, here in the u.s. there's a channel called "terranscapes" (Michael is his name), uses realistic water after that dries he, paints mod podge over to create the ripples he's going for... One of these days I'll, do that and use your method as well... Happy modeling my friend kutgw!!!

[@KathyMillatt]

I’ve shown that method a number of times in my videos and the challenge here was to do something cheap and easily available for those who can’t get hold of resin etc. Both methods have their advantages and uses.

[@KathyMillatt]

I do like Terranscapes videos. He does some beautiful work.

[@nickbutler7935]

Very nice effect. I admit I normally finish my water off with Gloss mod podge and my airbrush on a low P.S.I.. However next time I will have a crack using this method. Thanks for another great video.

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Nick. I had a bad experience with Mod Podge once but I must try it again. I normally use gloss medium so this was an interesting change.

[@austinyingst5902]

How do you include a boat or watercraft? Removable vessels would leave a "hole"in the water. Waterfronts and barges are part of the scene. Thanks for leading the way.

[@KathyMillatt]

Hi Austin. I always wrap boats in cling film and then put the ripples right up to them. If a little bit of cling film gets stuck then it’s not the end of the world but it normally peeks off ok.

[@johnwayneeverett6263]

O YA GOT ME .....YOU SMART GIRL......GOOD STUFF..

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks.

[@johnwayneeverett6263]

SAW A GUY USING TOILET PAPER FOR WAVES FLAYED OUT FLAT ON PVC THEN WET PVC ON TOP LITTLE PUSH WITH BRUSH AND POW NICE LITTLE WAVES

[@heritagejunction2184]

Yeah I think the pva works very well I made a river ,laid a base of bird grit as bed and just poured PVA in it looked good and was as cheap as chips Regards David

[@KathyMillatt]

I love stuff like that. Whilst I do like trying new products, they can get pricy!

[@Chandwell]

This is an excellent example of using PVA as water. I am almost at the point on my N gauge layout to create a centrepiece inner-city river. It's quite wide and I want it to be very similar to the water you've modelled here. But I have two questions - do you find that the PVA returns to a milky colour over time, or can you be confident that once it's clear it will stay clear (as long as you keep it dry)? And secondly - I want my river to be almost ripple-free. I saw you point out that the first of your layers has brush marks. Is there a way to get it even more level? By watering down slightly for a top coat or something? I'm really keen to use PVA rather than a resin-based product, so I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

[@KathyMillatt]

Hi. You can buy clear PVAs which I haven’t tried but look excellent for not being milky. Hobbycraft has some. Mine hasn’t gone milky but a coat of gloss Mod Podge might help as that doesn’t rewet like pure PVA.

[@KathyMillatt]

On the brushstrokes, a thinner product would leave fewer or you might be able to sand if you do get them.

[@Chandwell]

@@KathyMillatt Thank you again for this video, and your replies. In the end I went with toilet paper and acrylic varnish for the water. However, your use of "drawing" with tacky PVA was inspiring, and I used it to excellent effect on a weir in the same scene, as the basis for the white-water part of the drop of the weir. I couldn't be happier with the result of my efforts - thank you!

[@KathyMillatt]

@@Chandwell Glad you found it useful!

[@Finnertoncentralmodelrailway]

I do like that effect and didn’t know you could get clear pva now would it be cheaper to use toilet paper for the ripples?

[@KathyMillatt]

Toilet paper isn’t clear and I wanted smaller ripples but I know others who use it successfully for slightly larger waves.

[@monsvillerailways5736]

Excellent Kathy. This was exactly what I was looking for. 👍 How do you know if your PVA dries cloudy? Is there a particular ingredient to avoid or is it jus trial and error? Happy Modelling Mon

[@KathyMillatt]

Test patches are the best way but you can buy clear PVA at my local hobby shop.

[@thebritfarmer]

I have used pva with toilet paper for the ripples.. Marklin of Sweden also has done this and did a tutorial on it.

[@KathyMillatt]

Sounds interesting. I didn’t want such large waves but it’s another technique for your toolbox.

[@alexmorgan2296]

Looks brilliant - as eve - going to have a try; thank you for sharing. Can you use Modge Podge to seal the surface (plastic and) first?

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks. Mod Podge would work well.

[@BobBuesking]

You can add a final coat of Acrylic gloss clear, I use Future, to seal the PVA water. You can spray it or use a brush to apply the clear gloss. The advantage gained is "water proofed" water, and things like dust, or other debris will not adhere to the glues surface, making eventual cleaning much easier.

[@KathyMillatt]

I may do that. I was trying to stick to just PVA and so far it seems quite robust but time will tell.

[@seale1234]

got a small dock on mine...never thoughtn of using PVA or School Glue...thks...

[@KathyMillatt]

It’s a great result for such an easy product to work with.

[@Ken-Kaef]

Thanks for posting. A great result. Cheers

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks Ken

[@williamsworkshopuk]

Hi Kathy, lovely stuff. I was wondering if this module or section is due to become part of your home layout? Your earlier videos show alot of your loft room but more recently it's on particular projects - so I am curious as to where this baseboard fits in:)

[@KathyMillatt]

Thus is part of my Port Dinorwic micro layout that is coming along very slowly. The water is unfortunately mostly done on my layout.

[@anderson8361]

Another great video Kathy. I to have used PVA to produce water effects and I will try your method of ripples with a cocktail stick. I have always used the airbrush trick. Your's turned out awesome!! This is a much cheaper way to add a water effect to your layout or diorama. Which way do your prefer.... Pre made water effects (Woodland Scenic etc) or PVA?

[@KathyMillatt]

I’ve never used Woodland Scenics but I think it depends on the water. For canals, this is perfect. For stony rivers, I’d use resin as you can see through it at a greater depth.

[@stevetandysr.2816]

I'm just starting my scenry on my N scale layout . Your using PVA glue is really neat . What would happen in filling a 1/2" to 3/4" hole for a pond or lake . Do you think it would still dry clear ? Or am I better off using something else ? Enjoyed your video .

[@KathyMillatt]

You can but clear PVA but it shrinks as it dries so if you pour too deep a layer it pulls away from the edges as it dries. You would need to do a deep lake with so many thin layers. Personally, I would use a resin because they set chemically so don’t shrink and they will definitely be clear.

[@stevetandysr.2816]

@@KathyMillatt Thank you so much . My thoughts were along those lines , but wasn't sure . Sure is nice having someone to ask these questions before messing something up . But it's part of the hobby , trial and error . Thanks again .

[@KathyMillatt]

@@stevetandysr.2816 At least I have done the trial and error for you on this part!

[@stevetandysr.2816]

@@KathyMillatt Yes , Thanks so much .

[@dantop1280]

Nice "ripples" !!! lol Great job and thankx for the vid......

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks a lot!

[@TheOriginalBadger]

I put ripples on my water using Mod Podge gloss medium. Seems to work well.

[@KathyMillatt]

I had a bad experience once but normally use acrylic gloss medium. This was a bit of a challenge to try something new.

[@fredking7156]

hi kathy could you do a video on model riveris fred.

[@KathyMillatt]

I already have some older videos if you check out the channel but I am doing another one soon.

[@FlyingCrow]

Great tip. I liked it before you added the ripples because I need to model swampy water which is usually still; and it looked about perfect as far as texture and gloss. The color was really close as well.I wonder if you could mix the paint with the glue as well. Any thoughts?

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks. You can easily mix paint and glue but I’d always do a top coat in clear just to be sure it has the gloss to it. Even that might not be necessary but I haven’t tried it.

[@joshwilliams0391]

This is excellent. I think I’ll try this, but I’m also considering using ‘Clear Glue’ from Hobbycraft. Do you think this would work too?

[@KathyMillatt]

I have a bottle but haven’t tried it yet. It should definitely work for the base layer but may not be thick enough for the ripples.

[@joshwilliams0391]

@@KathyMillatt Great, I think I’ll give it a go and use either the tacky glue or possibly some glossy Mod Podge for the ripples.

[@KathyMillatt]

Gloss mod Podge is good.

[@KathyMillatt]

Good luck!

[@peterkelford]

I did very much the same thing once but: Use scatters (e.g. for sand or grass) BEFORE doing the water. Otherwise, some bits of sand end up in the middle of the water.

[@KathyMillatt]

I normally do water ripples etc last to avoid that problem. It can be a real pain with resin though as the water creeps into your scenery.

[@KathyMillatt]

I often do the first pour of water, let it creep, then do the scenery again, then do the ripples.

[@peterkelford]

@@KathyMillatt The layout in question was a sunny beach by the sea with a golf course nearby. But some patches of grass ended up 'floating' in the sea.

[@KathyMillatt]

That sounds so annoying. Planning layers and timing is so important!

[@AndyHudson-ModelRailwayBuilds]

looks really good especially considering its just PVA glue, great result, could you use you airbrush to blow ripples into the PVA once you have several layers. Andy

[@KathyMillatt]

A lot of people have commented on using an airbrush but I wanted this to be accessible to everyone, especially those with out an airbrush. PVA has a tendency to self level so some experimentation would be needed.

[@RickyFrench72]

What’s a good substitute for that blue label pva glue you use? I can’t seem to find that specific kind?

[@KathyMillatt]

Any PVA glue. They’re all very similar.

[@RickyFrench72]

@@KathyMillatt ok thank you for your response.

[@patrickbruce187]

Thanks for the clip

[@jacobhope6164]

Wow! That looks amazing! Is there some kind of varnish or sealant you could put over it to make it more water resistant?

[@KathyMillatt]

Gloss Mod Podge would be my first choice.

[@normbenjamin]

curious why did you not pour the PBA glue rather than brush it on? If you pour then no brush strokes but I might be mising something here.

[@KathyMillatt]

If you pour it, it can end up too thick and when it dries, it shrinks, pulling away from the walls. This is not a product for pouring as it’s not meant to be giving depth, just shine.

[@superdeltic]

hi kathy, try watching marklinofsweden tutorial on making ocean water with toilet paper and pva , very close method to yours but the toilet paper really speeds the process up. great videos keep up the good work !

[@KathyMillatt]

I’ve seen his video and it looks like a great method. I don’t need that size of waves here though as it’s an inland body of water.

[@nj4x4fever2]

Hello, I wanted to tell you an easy way to make waves is to squeeze out a thin layer of hot glue onto a sheet of parchment paper. The hot glue is good for making waterfalls. It can be glued down with white glue and it can be painted any color. Cheers

[@KathyMillatt]

Thanks for the tip.

[@rosemarymortonjack9387]

I want transparent effect - like in a drinking glass of water, which brand do you recommend for this?

[@KathyMillatt]

There are clear PVAs but resin is a better bet for a deep clear water.

[@matthewjones1119]

Never thought this would work

[@KathyMillatt]

Neither did I until I tried it!

[@elaineparker9817]

Do you know if you can put resin on top of hair gel for water

[@KathyMillatt]

I personally wouldn’t put a hard setting product like resin over a gel that may dry and shrink over time.

[@robot7759]

Interesting technique, I'm still using tissue paper and PVA.