Cheap & Easy Tin Foil Rock Molds

[@airw0lf1]

For some people asking what is he using in the video , the name is "Crystacal " wich is a brand name , the real name is Gypsum , in some countries is known as Plaster of Paris ... Good technique thanks for share

[@antonios4926]

Is that for indoors only or is it white cement?

[@insolubletoaster8133]

thank you so much

[@BelindaHowe]

Thank you

[@Nugtroen]

Is that same like putty filler?

[@fredrikoregard832]

Thanks, I wonder a bit what he said when I trying to google it.😅👍

[@jvanamb]

I had totally forgotten about Tin Foil Molds. It may have been in my teen years (the 1960's) since I used this quick, easy, & inexpensive technique. However, I no longer use plaster castings so last evening I ran a quick trial of foil molds, my wifes spray cooking oil (as a release agent) & thin coats of 2 part Latex Resin (as the molding compound). Eurkea! With hundreds of Poly-urethane Molds already this technique just saved me storage space while adding to the variety of rock faces and mounds.

[@xvxrizenxvx1608]

Years late watching this and haven't read any comments, but using heavy duty foil vs what you get at the dollar store or budget store brand makes a huge difference when you consider durability/longevity of the tool you make.

[@Huter2142]

cant believe i did not think of this myself, it seems so obvious, many thanks for reviving this technique, its gonna make building cliffs and crags for my boards a breeze! Once again Mel, you are a legend!

[@leonardhesch9768]

I have some paver molds I've never used before. I want to see how they will come out if I only pour them 3/4" thick. The side that you will see isn't really bumpy but I think it's worth trying to see what they would look like.

[@rolandhersom239]

I used foil about 30 years ago. I only used a single sheet, poured plaster over it, waited until plaster was starting to go off, picked the whole thing up and slapped it onto the surface it was going onto. Left it to set than peeled the foil off. Looks great.

[@Iskelderon]

Another great tutorial! Gave me a diorama idea of using a picture frame from the dollar store (minus the glass) and such a rock face in it, with a spaceship mounted on a pole (so it's flying past that wall).

[@CDMJDMHHC]

I just found your channel last night. I live near the Rocky Mountains and this method is very realistic I also lived in the Mountains for thirteen years and it is spot on.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I'll take that as a win, cheers bud!

[@OfficialNukeDukem]

Hi neighbor.

[@philrabe910]

I love it! I used to do this as a kid on my train layout, but instead of making sheets of "rock stock" I would make moulding sheets about 8"x8" and form one to the base along the tracks by brushing the back with plaster once or twice. As I worked along the rail line, previously made sections would get 3rd and 4th coatings in back making mountains that were really hard to bust up when I grew out of trains [the first time I grew out of them].

[@TheTerrainTutor]

That's seriously solid terrain!

[@jaymemendonca6075]

Dear artist, your idea was undoubtedly one of the most incredible I have seen on the internet. simple and smart. long life and Success !! greetings from Brazil !! thank you very much!!

[@curtisprince8945]

Years ago, I made a mountain out of tin foil for a model train set. All I did was completely spray paint the foil with gray. Then I high-lighted it by very lightly spraying black over it. I like this technique much better. Thank You.

[@stephandevriesere3667]

I have never seen this way of making rock backgrounds before, i love it. As i am building my own terrariums, i'm going to try this for the backgrounds. Nice work.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hope it helps you matey

[@edhorst7212]

Thanks for reviving a forgotten, really technique from my early days of late50’s -60’s . Used many cheap product ideas with our imagination.. trial & error but successful finally. Sometimes just crumbled the tin foil as you had for thickness, then glued into area for rock wall. Thanks again for updating this tutorial.. cheers from across the pond

[@motorcop505]

I've only used this to cast tire impressions at crime scenes. This is a much nicer use! Thanks so much from Delaware, USA! 🇺🇸

[@headingoutside]

I love your videos. You are a natural teacher - excellent instructions. Thank you.

[@Bobby11]

Ive been struggling to design a rock wall in Cad for a pinball machine im working on. Nothing i did looked nice enough and the time it takes to design and then 3d print.. Then i stumble onto your channel. Such a simple solution i almost feel daft for not realising it :) Not only is it simple, it is easy for me to create it in place, so no more adjusting my damn cad to fit properly. I only wish i discovered it sooner. I guess sometimes fancy technology makes you forget that there are other (sometimes MUCH better) solutions. I think ill be learning a lot more from your channel. Thanks :)

[@bonnyemanning9030]

Contact me for a Texas Stone faux effect I do. I will send pictures.

[@geraldbrooks2763]

i just tried this for myself. works great. really happy with the results

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Win! Nice one!

[@paulhowes1396]

i dip all my castings in a home made color-wash filled container which is an oblong plastic stand up tub the washing machine soap comes in. For longer casting i dip one end turn it around and dip the other end,and it dries in 2 or 3 seconds. I can dip hundreds of differing stuff in minutes this way. I use cheap emulsion paint colors to achieve a thin water color wash. The castings must be dry and white and light before dipping.No need to worry about fingers handling the castings in the color wash either,you simple dunk them in and remove them in a jiffy. Have fun i do.

[@GigglyGirlPearl]

Love this idea. So simple, yet very natural looking and affordable. Thanks a bunch!

[@goingtorio]

FYI - Zoos use this method to make the rock in the animal habitats; I've visited the designers so I know this to be true. When I tried it at home, I only used one sheet of aluminum and it got caught in undercuts. Using your method I won't have this problem, thanks so much.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Zoos must have big sheets of aluminium foil!

[@sumguy52]

We actually use mesh that's covered in concrete then sculpted.

[@blameusa7082]

came expecting crap, left feeling inspired and humbled!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

I'll take that as a win anyday :-D

[@clementinemonroe717]

Blame USA I just farted

[@conn12347]

Some pretty slick rock paining techniques. I'm going to have to mosey on over to the hills and rocks playlist after this one.

[@TheJames1201]

Thank you. Will be using for my waterfall in my nativity .beats spending more $$$ for a mold in scenic wonders. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Awesome!

[@dartingtonheritagesteamrai3808]

Made a few for my model railway layout very pleased with how they turned out first time using plaster of Paris 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@powersave2]

Retro engagment. NerdHQ brought this back to my attention. Keep cracking on mel, cant wait for my book!

[@daratheresa]

Woah!!! I might have to use this method for terrarium backgrounds, with some added support (such as a mesh, placed in before it sets) so it wont shatter as easily + something to seal it off, it should be perfect!

[@jeraldjavier1586]

I love this technique. I am building a Gundam diorama with a hangar carved into a rock face. I will try this. Thank you for the awesome insparation and more power to you and your channel.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Good luck with the build mate

[@billd.iniowa2263]

Nice little video, this would be a good project for beginners as well. They have aluminum roasting pan liners. Yeah, we've gotten that lazy. They keep your roasting pan from getting dirty so you dont have to scrub it. About 12"x18" and the foil is really thick. About like a pie tin, maybe thicker. I think that would work well.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Smart thinking matey

[@MichaelDavidCilantro]

Thats a jolly good idea mate. I like your thinking. I must try this out and see how it works both ways sound awesome.

[@Tufarock]

That's what I use. Super cheap and reusable.

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

Crumpling also gives you nice and easy rock structures in painting: crumple up a piece of paper, gently flatten it out (to about 1" height) and airbrush it from an angle to create shadows on the sides of this rocky landscape. Let dry, then flatten out properly with a clothing iron.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Not sure that'd stand up to wargaming but interesting technique mate

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

Well, it is only meant for flat surfaces and it also forfeits the smoothness of the original paper, so yes, it is somewhat limited in its application. I thought I'd just throw it out there for whoever might find it useful. 😉

[@yuridias1519]

Bro!!! Thank you so much for the tutorial! It's going to save me a ton of money on my set constructions of medieval theme. I'll be pledging to your awesome contribution.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Awesome matey!

[@adamsouter7887]

Nice video and have used this method twice now same foil think it gets better the more you use it great fun as well thanks Mel

[@jeffwincek7241]

If you want deeper crevices on the eventual rock face, you might do two plaster pours. First to prevent the flattening you mentioned, second (or third pours) to capture the deeper crevices. Plaster sticks to itself just fine. I like deep fault lines as space for small plants and moss.

[@Brandywine6969]

The word, cheap, attracted me to this video. I liked it and subscribed. I've found something to watch for a while. One day, I hope to make a diorama. Any tips, tricks, tutorials, etc. that are cheap to make would help.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Plenty more videos on the channel mate, enjoy!

[@dariangregory6182]

Wow glad I found this. I tried the Styrofoam cut out method for my 55 gallon. Really messy and looks ok but didn't come out as well as I'd hoped. Gonna try this easier less messy looking method for my 29 gallon and see how it goes.

[@barbarawalsh4936]

I've never seen this technique before. Very unique and versatile idea. It can be used in other applications for plaster and clay can't it? I'm going to try this on a Fairy House and see how it turns out. Since I just found your channel, I checked out some of your other videos that will be very useful in my crafting. The stone walls and clump foliage will also work with the scenery I add to the Fairy House designs. Thank you for the great ideas.

[@Decado1628]

After watching this video I am trying this right now. It looks like this will save me a ton of time. Thanks Mel!

[@robinred1851]

Take alu-foil for the barbecue. It's much thicker, it saves the glueing of several sheets together. The result can be even bettter. Barbecuefoil comes in 40 and 50 Cm width. Greetings from the Čech Republic 🇨🇿

[@MontanaDoe]

Mel this is great. Can't believe I've never seen this technique before

[@efzmonkey]

Really simple concept explained superbly. Nice work Mel.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

thxs

[@Rexmillian]

Gotta try this. Simple but elegant. Thanks so much for this.

[@chiquitalombard1401]

Beautiful! I absolutely LOVE IT!💜 This is just what I need for the castle I'm making for my dolls.😊 Thanks for for making it so simple.

[@chiquitalombard1401]

Additional comments. Yours was the first tutorial chose to view and it led to an idea for making individual stones, using cardboard rectangles with rounded corners as a base. That led to an idea for making quoins and keystones for the corners, doors and windows of my castle. That was all the inspiration I needed! Next, I'll your technique to make rough-hewn or weathered brick. After that: STACKED STONE!😊 Thanks, again, and keep on building!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Glad they helped mate!

[@upsidediy3945]

I need this for my terrarium projects. I'm actually on the cement and sand level. worth seeing.good luck

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hope it helps you mate

[@olschoolgamer1869]

Thumbs up for your copy of OSRIC ;)Definitely see how this would make a great river bed. Awesome work.

[@w.rustylane5650]

Man, what a tutorial. I love the tinfoil rock mold. You've certainly stimulated my imagination. Keep these videos coming. I certainly learn a lot from watching. Just glad I've suscribed. --Rusty

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Awesome, welcome aboard bud

[@chadgama]

Thank you so much for the informative tutorial... I didn't know quite how to tackle Rock making, for my playable D&D diorama in progress

[@sweettooth5737]

I've never seen this so I'm really excited to try it out. I might even do some of these to make landscaping in the garden/ yard ( sealed of course.lol) Thanks so much!

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Just use concrete mate ;-)

[@derekalexander4030]

Concrete is too heavy and smooths out the details in the foil. Don’t ask me how I know..

[@corvidconfidential8826]

I approve of your profile pic, good sir. 🦅

[@gokcenrabia5911]

Your channel is really the best for everyone who wanna make terrain 😍😍😍 thank you so much for sharing these all videos

[@dgwachtel]

I use Aluminum foil for several purposes. The other day I noticed that the piece I was using for a paint pallet looked a lot like rock and now I stumble across your excellent video. If and when I build a layout, I was thinking that this method might be ideal for modeling the shale and mudstone rock layers we have in the N.E. U.S. I have some plaster of Paris around here somewhere and might give it a go. It would be a nice break from restoring and detailing my ancient HO locos and rolling stock and provide a nice backdrop for vids and photos.. - Dave

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

Interesting video I like trying to make new and different types of rocks ad mountains

[@thorthunder3227]

I always reinforce my aggregate with some fine woven wire or mesh to keep it intact if ever broken or cracked. Good idea for stone wall application though.

[@thomasmurray6786]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR GETTING BACK TO ME. I CAUGHT THIS VIDEO SO AT SOME POINT I HOPE TO TRY IT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS. THOMAS

[@sanikam6079]

This is simply marvellous, simple yet effective, Thanks Boss.

[@matttttt8272]

Hello Mel our kid! Just borrowed ur techniques n cast a load of rock I’m really impressed thank you! Hope your well mate it’s been a while since I’ve seen u about on ere! All the best mate

[@silkcustoms520]

Mat, There are 2 Guys on here somewhere with a Huge train layout and they use this technique. They actually take turns throwing it at the Mountain when it is halfway dry and wherever it lands is where it ends up. It is Hilarious and actually looks pretty Good !

[@joellenjohnson8186]

love the rock mold idea

[@georgetaylor5482]

Mel, thanks a lot, that was crazy simple,I think I can pull this off, I'll give it a go and let you know how it turns out, and as always another great video.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Do it!

[@bettyhouk8727]

Fantastic , ! Awesome ! I learned something today and will be using this in future for projects . Thank you for sharing Blessed Be 👍👍👍💕🦋🌈👵🏻🐶😺🌵 Arizona U.S.A.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hope it helps you mate

[@stevefletcher1161]

great video , a simple effective technique explained well . I need to look at casting powders as only use plaster of Paris, all comes down to price.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Dude, you seriously need to checkout crystacal, sooo much better than pop

[@whenearthspeaks]

Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial! It's a big money saver!

[@MichaelDavidCilantro]

This is a really cool technique. I am going to mess around with this idea and see about making Lava rock molds :D Very cool

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Hope it helps mate

[@colinquinton474]

If you dont want to make a large section or rock you can use aluminium foils dishes, the take way type. These are thicker so you dont have to layer them

[@leggi001]

Just tried this, very pleased with the results, thank you

[@feartheus4724]

That turned out beautiful

[@dougbeard8912]

great tutorial although i wonder what different aggregates would do for improving that "rock" texture maybe playground sand or something even finer

[@avicennitegh1377]

excellent video - good instruction - you make it very doable - thank you

[@gbjanuary]

I’m very impressed great idea going to try this 👍🏻👍🏻😁

[@pgwargamer]

Just tried your technique out on my N scale layout. Superb! Excellent tutorial

[@5mepo5]

Wow 😮 simply wow was very excited to see this thought to my self let’s just see and was blown away by the end result well done and thanks 🙏🏼

[@johnzeller1338]

Great idea. I never would have thought of it. Can't wait to try it for my layout. Thanks!

[@stafonvoncamron]

I wonder if dry wall speckling will work too?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Give it a go mate

[@Prishacraftstudio]

You are my mentor sir ❤❤❤ i love your work thank you so much

[@TheTerrainTutor]

It's my pleasure

[@edwardtringhese9134]

Really cool and seems easy , I'll try it , THANKS

[@charliehodges3940]

I think I'll give this a go! Thanks for the tip.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

no worries buddy

[@maximusspqr]

This demo rocked.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Cheers mate

[@ElDavePhoto]

I wonder how this would look with realistic water or clear resin over the top? May make for interesting ice effects.

[@9163chris]

Wow! This is going to be a game changer for me!

[@photoyguy3748]

This worked amazingly well. My only issue, is that i made such large pieces that they are brittle. Broke too easily. Is there any kind of way, maybe an additive, that will make a thin rock wall made this way, stronger?

[@TheTerrainTutor]

throw cheesecloth across the top just after you pour mate

[@photoyguy3748]

@@TheTerrainTutor I'll give that a whirl for the next large walls I need to make. I have a HUGE batcave that I want to build. It's the middle section of a quite large entertainment center. Soooo... looking at very large sections to make. Getting a bit discouraged with the plaster tho, so might wind up just carving foam, or spraying with greatstuff and carving that up. These plaster walls look the BEST though, so will still give it a whirl. :D

[@edteach3r]

Awesome! Even though I don’t do modeling at all, I love these videos 😀.

[@alfredpotts6136]

The thicker foil that you get from takeaway meals is even better, rub with the back of a spoon to smooth it out, then crumple for the rocky texture. No need for multiple layers and PVA.

[@agiagata945]

Thank you for sharing 😅 Looks really realistic. Just what I need for my project. Just couple questions- can I form this like cave before adding plaster, and can I use joint filler compound instead?

[@patriciakloeppel9863]

i wounder if this process can be done with quickrete cement and quickrete color or cement color for fish aquariums love this technique awesome (for 3D aquarium back grounds ty for the video pat from phx arizona usa and yes i subscribed.

[@BrutalisDKGaming]

Nice one Mel... 💪👍

[@IDICBeer]

Great share Mel

[@JohnWray89025]

Watching all your ideas, great! Living across the pond I'm not sure what the material you call Crystal Cal is. I believe it's what we call Hydro Cal over here. Can you recommend a material to pour into the form that has more flexibility. I build 144 scale and therefore have to go for more miniature detail. Thanks again!

[@jamee_maree]

I wonder if the throw away containers (for large dinners) that are the weak aluminum would be good option too?

[@pabitramohangayan1482]

Awesome method of awesome fact. Thank you bro for sharing a very good video.

[@Purpll3D]

Another amazing video, very inspiring.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Thanks buddy

[@anrysnail]

im gunna use this idea to make a terrarium background, i might use concrete though and slowly layer it in the mold

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Good luck bud!

[@ta24u]

Very nice my wife is the cool at a daycare and they get this industrial strength foil pretty hefty stuff might see if she can snag this daddy some sheets ha. Thanks wish I could give more every month homie

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Let me know how you get on with that foil mate and I appreciate it bud

[@ta24u]

TheTerrainTutor no problem I will as soon as I get some

[@abelflores3752]

I wonder if the foam that is use around windows the one that expands when it dries would work, maybe grease the foil so it doesn’t stick

[@Vesalempinen]

Tried it yesterday. Despite using release agent, urethane seems to stick to the foil mold and the expanding urethane does not seem to copy the foil details. If you want lighter cast, mix microballoons with plaster 50/50.

[@jaapongeveer6203]

I use tin foil too but put a thinner coat of plaster on it and paste the side with the plaster on cardboard and peel the tin foil off when its dry.

[@eduardoalfonso3765]

With aluminium foil (Foil) Never settle for less That kind of wrap is just the best to keep your sandwich nice and fresh Stick it in your cooler (Cooler) Eat it when you're ready Then maybe you'll choose (You'll choose, you'll choose, you'll choose) a refreshing herbal tea Mmm, lovely!

[@CrunchGrunt]

Cracking good video Mel.

[@glasshole272]

Got my Crystacal delivered this morning, and just waiting for my first attempt to cure! Hope it's as good as yours.

[@dezi1768]

Great video! Love the technique.. Thanks for Sharing!

[@ChuckMac2005]

Thank you for the annotation at 3:11. As a chemist, I nearly had a heart attack.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Sometimes I stupid, I stupid good

[@adriantomkinson2899]

and limestones are what if not organic

[@anitanand719]

Thank you for the tutorial

[@jennystirrup6377]

I liked your video, could I use plaster of Paris in the same way I want to make an iceberg, for a project I am doing thank you again

[@bradatkin6712]

I really love how you take your time to help us out I learn so much for my war scene on my rail road and I now thinking of building a war game in the man cave

[@TheTerrainTutor]

It's what I'm here to do!

[@joshjohnston7388]

None of my gaming friends are local since i moved away. No point making a gaming table. BUT! I rediscovered painting gundams recently, and they look GREAT in diorama. Big thanks to all the youtubers who have put out all the videos that are responsible for my results. I never knew it was this easy!

[@gerlandkent6377]

thank, you for sharing you're helpful video.👍

[@garykendall1376]

I've been experimenting and made this before I saw this video. Only difference was I sprayed the foil with cooking spray before I poured the plaster. Maybe I didn't need to spray it?

[@suecox2308]

Terrific tutorial.

[@TheTerrainTutor]

Thanks