My New Secret Weapon for Making REALISTIC Rocks?!

[@rain4825]

About plasticine, for those who don't really know the product, it's kinda like a playdoh that never goes bad. you can just sculpt whatever and reuse it for later. It is not made to make permanent stuff by itself. Some key points: it works with heat, the hotter it it the easier you can work it (that's why it's no use using force, just keep it in your hands will soften it), once you've sculpted something you like, you can just put it in the freezer for it to harden. It is used as a mold in this video but you can otherwise make molds of things you sculpted with it, like plaster or silicone. the kind I use is safe for children as it is not toxic, but make sure when you buy, also it comes in different hardness, the harder are generally better for detailed works and the softer are (obviously) easier to shape and mold. With use over time, it will keep on assimilating impurities, which can be resolved by heating it until it becomes liquid, then sift it. Do mix it afterwards before letting it set because the componants can separate in liquid state. (that's how it goes for mine, do check to make sure for yours). I got mine years ago so I don't know how expensive it is nowadays, but it is infinitely reusable, so unless you're sculpting something enormous, I'd recommend giving it a try.

[@MaranataSamsudi]

Great info man. What's the difference with dry clay das , which one stick better with plastic toys?

[@rain4825]

@@MaranataSamsudi I don't use Das clay so I wouldn't know. From what I understand, das clay is air hardenning, which would mean that once you've sculpted it into your desired shape it is a finished product, and cannot be reversed to its previous state. It feels to me that the comparison is not relevant, since the two products ultimately have different usecases. Plasticine is not meant to make permanent stuff with, unlike a hardening material like air drying clay. Hopefully this makes sense to you.

[@boblangford81]

So your saying Plastacine assimilation is a lot like the Borg from Star Trek minus the death and destruction. As long as it doesn’t start muttering, “resistance is futile”, then I should be safe.

[@youtousim]

For someone wanting to be less product dependent, cork bark is a nice alternative for Rock for formations. Learned a lot, thanks for the in depth guide!

[@rebeccacbrown13]

This is the most realistic result I've ever seen. Making your own plaster molds with real rocks seems so obvious in retrospect, but I've never seen it before!

[@izzyjones7108]

I've done it, used real rocks pressed into foam rock shapes...

[@LeonhartTryhard]

I got a better textures doing it without molds or electric tools

[@andrewbriggs2279]

i only clicked on this as i saw the name "geordie" .Being from england i expected a person from newcastle ( a geordie) to host the video. im so glad i clicked on it, one of the best vids ive seen in a long time and the enthusiasm you have is a breath of fresh air.

[@TerrainTronics]

Fantastic advice on the plasticine. I'm thinking of making some columns soon, but I don't really need/want to make proper silicon molds for a 1 off project. One of the thoughts that popped into my head when you spoke about the rocks vs plaster is that when you make the plasticine molds as you did, you'll always get a flat back to the rock. Useful for getting as much surface area attached to the foam! On the downside, it does mean that you can only mold flat bottomed items.

[@Geordiecrafts]

Yeah plasticine is great for those one off projects! That's a good point about the columns, a bit of a limited application but still workable 😊

[@rain4825]

Just do 2 halves of a column and glue the flat sides together afterwards, maybe?

[@DanielPopma]

Do it like the ancients, one section at a time stacked

[@penguinparades]

It is always a good day when you release a video! I've done this before with old sculpey polyclay I had lying around that was too dry and dirty do use for sculpting. Definitely make sure to wash your rocks thoroughly, any sand or dirt will stick in the mold and may lower reusability. Also use harder rocks that won't crumble and make a mess in your mold, those were annoying lessons to learn. I definitely need to find some plasticine for future projects. Thanks for showing it!

[@Geordiecrafts]

That's a good suggestion! I didn't clean my rocks before pressing them into the plasicine, but it would definitely help over the long run to keep the plasticine clean and good to use! Thanks for the tip 😊

[@izzyjones7108]

I'm so glad i found your channel.. I am obsessed with making miniature scenes...I'm a total cinemaphile, movie lover, especially weird films...and I like making scenes from movies in little boxes ..I've got several hanging around, and I give them to people .. but this was really cool.

[@wimgrundyearth5753]

Videos of boxes,please?

[@sarahbell1370]

Just came across this. I use this plastercine for glass mould forms and I don't know why I didn't think of it for rocks!!!! Excellent. Using it as the actual mould to put the plaster into.

[@Stephen-rk2to]

Just an old tip I've used for years. Instead of using real small rocks, use cat litter. Its light weight and cheap.

[@poilaaliop]

Perlite is also a good option, and even lighter!

[@LancerThomas]

Cat litter absorbs moisture (kinda what it’s designed to do) and degrades over time. I’ve seen the results of cat litter used as scenic materials and it’s not pretty.

[@Stephen-rk2to]

I have scenery I made for war gaming from 35 years ago that is still fine. I have no idea what you're talking about.

[@lilpain1997]

@@Stephen-rk2to Kinda useless to use that stuff though when you can get small rocks for really cheap anyway. Wont have the issue of them potentially degrading and its not toxic which from knowledge cat litter can be.

[@Stephen-rk2to]

@lilpain1997 like I said. It's cheap and I've never had any issues with degrading. 6 bucks and I have a lifetime supply of "rocks" that don't degrade and looks fantastic.

[@richardokeeffe8375]

Amazing build! Soundtrack being straight out of Brotato was a surprise winner!

[@loydcogswell294]

As a scale model builder of Armor, I use a ton of different techniques to make my Dioramas. I’ve used a similar technique in several projects, and I’ve found that if I use acrylic paint in the plaster of rocks and other objects it serves a few purposes. First it makes painting and dry brushing easier, and second if someone accidentally touches and breaks a plaster piece it’s not plaster white and easier to repair. Good tips in your video though 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@robinred1851]

When you want an unendless variety of rockmolds use aluminium foil used for grilling. It's much thicker than normal kitchen foil and wider. You can get it in width up to 60 cm. To test it just take a piece of let's say 30x30 cm and scram it together. Not to tight, you should be able to pull it apart again. From this scrambled piece make a form so you can pour plaster in it, just like you would do with a rockmold. With this method I have made rock-faces up to 50x40 cms. 💖From the Čech Republic🇨🇿

[@thirdeyenz]

This is so good! I thought I'd have to make complex messy silicon molds to utilise real rocks but this will be perfect for what I want to do. I think if I mash a bunch of rocks into the plasticine and add some reinforcement material I could make large cliff wall pieces. Thank you!

[@IngoGarza]

I was really struggling with my diorama and this video got me back on track. Thank you so much

[@JiluMiah-ek2rd]

One the most simplest and of course, realistic I’ve seen so far. I’m thinking of building a rock mini crawler course for indoors. Seen some examples they’re using but I want to use foam as a base. To keep it light as possible and adding/remove terrain as I’m testing the course. I like the mix medium element in this diorama. But this is the first time I’ve seen someone use grout and a brush!! 👏👏👏 awesome. oh and plasticine

[@herpenderper]

Product and production value is just... *chefs kiss* Def equal or better to the big crafting channels!

[@Geordiecrafts]

Aw thank you for the kind words! ☺️

[@Valorah]

I’m just getting into miniature modelling and your videos have been the best thing ever. Thank you for your time making these!

[@KnarbMakes]

Very cool. I need to get some plastiline! Havent thought of that before.

[@Geordiecrafts]

It worked better than I thought it would! And its handy to have around for other things too 😁

[@Karlmakesstuff]

Ok, this is definitely a technique I'll be yoinking 😁 surprised the plasticine takes detail so well, wouldn't have thought to try that. Looking forward to the next part where you shall bring us... A Shrubbery!

[@Geordiecrafts]

Yeah I was a little surprised it worked as well as it did too! Definitely a good item to keep in the crafting arsenal! I promise I will bring a single shrubbery! No more no less! 😅

[@pezpengy9308]

NEE!

[@CaptWesStarwind]

@@pezpengy9308 Noo! Noo!

[@Faecaloma]

the little beads of moldable plastic work really well, too. lay it over some rocks to get a mold. when you want another shape just drop the plastic back into hot water and make a new mold.

[@rolandhersom239]

For my sculptor mould, I shred several sheets of soft toilet paper in a nutri bullet and I get nice fluffy paper. Wear breathing protection so you don't inhale the dust when you open the bullet. Add about an inch or so of plaster to a jar and fill loosely with the paper fluff. Shake vigorously to coat the fluff with the plaster. Take out what you want and mix with water to the desired consistency and wella! You have a very inexpensive alternative to Sculpted mould. Can be shaped, carved and painted in the same way and is fast drying so don't wait too long after drying begins. Moulds for my rocks were made by painting silicon rubber onto carefully chosen real rock surfaces. Apply about 4 coats and reinforce the final layer with gauze bandage. These moulds are very flexible and able to be used in various locations to suit requirements. I lay the mould flat and pour a fairly soupy plaster mix onto it ensuring that all depressions are filled. I wait until a semi gloss sheen appears on the surface and mild heat can be felt when touching the setting plaster. The mould is then able to be carefully lifted and slapped onto the surface where you want it. You are able to poke and prod it as you want to whatever shape you require. When toe outside of the mould is quite warm to the touch, the curing is sufficiently advanced to allow you to peel the mould away. The plaster is still soft enough to allow any removal of unwanted flash repair of any minor imperfections that may have occurred such as a small blowhole. Spray the surface the mould is to be applied to with water to ensure god adhesion. These silicone rubber moulds last for decades if washed off immediately after removal and when finished, an application of talc helps to increase their life. I also wet the mould before pouring as this to eliminate air bubbles forming as the plaster spreads across the mould surface. The plaster casting is best kept reasonably thin for economy and ease of handling and flexibility.

[@NatesMiniatures]

Geordie this is very well done both the realistic terrain and the editing, was a joy to watch you create.

[@Geordiecrafts]

Thanks Nate! I appreciate it! 🙏

[@jannemec2338]

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[@worldforger9225]

This is fantastic! I'll need to try this. I do have some thermo-plastic just sitting around

[@MiniQuest64]

Perfect Timing, because I'm about to make some rocks!

[@Geordiecrafts]

Excellent! 😊

[@HO-bndk]

Coffee grounds. What an absolutely brilliant idea for colouring the basic groundwork.

[@gobboscrem]

damn the production value is amazing, big fan of the stop motion and panning time lapse!

[@YADUSHREEBRIJ]

Great art for making miniature Rocks

[@ethobbyshow]

Who woulda thunk that rocks would be used to make rock molds.! Genius! Lol great work Geordie I think they look great

[@edevans5991]

I think I read that even the commercial rock molds are taken from actual rocks.

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

Interesting technique and great results! Glad YT recommended this video - subbed.

[@lovecontemplation8607]

As someone I just watched made their own sculptamold that looked to be absolutely amazing and also dirt cheap. Find Cellulose insulation, and use that with plaster/gypsum, as a substitute for sculptamold.

[@garretclark6731]

This is revolutionary. I had the same thouts about the pre made molds and casting my own out of silicone is even more expensive.

[@martinoconnor4314]

A long time ago, when I was a snot gobbler, I had some Airfix WW1 German soldiers. One of the figures was of a dead guy with a flat back, I pressed him into some Plasticine and dripped sprue melted with a candle into the mould and left it to cool down. When I pulled the new figure out it had almost perfectly reproduced the detail on the figure. I only ever attempted this once as the melting plastic made a proper stink in my bedroom and I was terrified that my mum would notice it.

[@Geordiecrafts]

😂 what a great story, that's cool that it worked so well though! Plasticine is cheap and has a lot of applications, definitely a great thing to keep around!

[@martinoconnor4314]

@@Geordiecrafts lol, I'm in my 60's now but I still remember my panic when the room started to smell like a bonfire 🤣

[@davidcurtis5398]

When making rock molds consider using tree bark chips. You can get a very large bag at a "big box" store for about $5.If you look at the chips you can find a lot of them that will look just like rock. You can put several together and make a mold or just use them on as rocks. They work either way.

[@warrenarmstrong2154]

You can add black or brown or whatever colour of paint to the white plaster that way if it breaks it is less noticeable

[@PatrickSamphire]

Never thought about using plasticine. Great idea. I'll give it a go.

[@bigdenopaints]

Your videos are KILLER!!

[@edhorst7212]

Although not a gamer but instead a modeler in HO size kits along with military 1/35 scale kits. Excellent choice using the plasticine for molds is less expensive along with time saving product, Brilliant!! Subscribed also🎶✌️☕️☕️

[@RealTerrainHobbies]

Well, that Plasticine mold is pretty dang amazing. Well done Geordie, really great video and awesome edit🙌

[@Geordiecrafts]

Thanks so much! The plastcine definitely worked better than I thought it would haha. I guess that's why experimenting is useful! (Something I know you also do a lot of)

[@f4llendeity940]

Just came across your channel as I enjoy making terrains, and always look to learn something new. I have never used static grass but the technique looks like it works well.

[@BillMakingStuff]

Nice idea to use plasticine

[@BPCustomCreations]

nice one! I look forward to part 2

[@thomasmccaskill5197]

Wow you just opened my eyes even more on how to mold rock castings and your tree making are so real thanks for making hard looking scenes so simple cannot wait for more videos and I also used tree bark mulch as rocks on our club layout and they look just as real stones

[@alandouglas8939]

Great video Geordie. Plastercine is geat. I have used it for over 50 years. Its great for mold making as you have described. I have actually used it with resin. If you use Epoxy resin (Like Envirotex Lite) then this does not get hot so will not melt the Plastercine mold. You can also use Plastercine with Polyester resin for small molds as it will not get too hot. The molds are destroyed with resin and the molded item will have some Plastercine stuck to it, but a wash with lacquer thinners will remove it easily. Also have you tried Mod Podge for sticking down your grass? Mod Podge is a PVA type product but you can buy it in Matt as well as Gloss. Matt works great for grass as it is not shiny. Keep up the videos.

[@plutoyaldnil4750]

One point you may want to try....when first cutting cliff faces try scrapping a drywall saw @ 90° to the surface since the teeth are at different sizes it will make more non uniform ( realistic) tears

[@kitsuiam1082]

You could also make your own rock molds from a scrumbled foil wraps and fill them with plaster of paris or one of those foil containers coz they're quite thick than the normal foil wraps and build a wide variety of rocks that way...... anyways jus a suggestion .....love the builds 😊👍🏻👍🏻

[@NigeyWigey]

Ok that plasticine stop motion bit got me. Great use of materials!

[@RisingApe]

Can’t believe I hadn’t watched this yet, they looked amazing, obviously 😮

[@Sad7Statue]

I've been watching a lot of diorama videos over the last month. I'm just at the painting/foliage stage and I needed a little more inspiration. I can't believe I just found your channel now, awesome production quality and very entertaining!

[@CCMinis]

ROCK and STONE! Nice video Geordie! The editing was very fun =]

[@Geordiecrafts]

Thanks Nick! I had a blast! 😊 (explosion pun intended)

[@stevestogsdill5791]

Marklinofsweden used landscape bark mulch for rocks on a train layout. I bet they would also work well for making impressions in the plasticine.

[@Geordiecrafts]

Oh yes that would probably work great! Thanks for the suggestion 😊

[@nightcitycrafts]

Great end product. I'll have to try it sometime.

[@Isgonesomewhere]

Awesome video, really helped me out and gave me LOADS of ideas.

[@johnkeitley9168]

Excellent idea. Best I've seen yet. Thanks for sharing.

[@tmseh]

You're *smushing* technique is excellent! Subbed and notified. ThanQ for the video. 🤘😎

[@brucewoods9377]

Excellent technique I think I shall copy this for my model Railway layout

[@chrisgilbey8107]

I love watching your videos, not only are they informative but you, are amazing and so mesmerising plus I love your humour 😂.. ❤

[@Swandog1343]

Really great video! Will definitely buy some plasticine to try out on my next terrain project!

[@davidnandrin8825]

Well done !!! Very nice editing , very funny ! Thank you !

[@davidbauman4705]

I’m impressed, never seen the plasticine before

[@Chimer24-qs5wo]

The plasticine idea is brilliant and one I'll certainly be giving a go with my terrain builds. Great beginning to your diorama. Thank you for sharing. Subscribed )O(

[@noveltypenmanship]

i've been wanting to try some customs molds and plasticine does look handy 🤘 thanks lady

[@Scapesy]

Great video as always! Thanks!!

[@Fourwheeljive]

Fabulous work my friend. Learned great ideas and techniques for my Diecast cars dioramas.

[@RPRsChannel]

*_Good job!_*

[@jakemxmillan5864]

I immediately liked your way of crafting an editing and love your final results. Pleeasee upload more ❤️

[@MTspeed_Crafts]

This is awesome i'm defiantly going to have to try this!

[@photogfrank2146]

This is really awesome Geordie Crafts! I subscribed and "HIT" the like button! Now I'm waiting for the sequel!

[@stefanblackadder5236]

Every time I watch one of your videos I’m glad I subscribed!

[@Paint_Quest]

Great tips! And the post-production of the video is amazing! Keep up the good work 🎉

[@lilcwa]

Is there any need with plasticine molds to use some kind of mold release compound when pouring plaster, especially if you intend to pour additional plaster rocks from the same mold after you de-mold the first batch, in order to avoid deforming your mold of having bits of plasticine come off on the completed plaster rocks?

[@Geordiecrafts]

I tested this a few weeks ago and used the same mold 3 times and didn't have any issue with plasticine sticking to the plaster, they all came out clean! (Without using any mold release)

[@edeaglehouse2221]

In addition to what Geordie said, even if you warp your molds, it will give you a more natural result because things in nature are never perfectly identical. Unless, of course, you are trying to replicate identical pieces. Then, just keep your molds concave and take care when removing the castings.

[@kaptajnsejersen6303]

Great idea.. That plaster you put into your molds why not just that as well instead of sculptamold?

[@duke222222]

If you have a 3D printer, you could print out some quixel megascan rock meshes and use those as stamps too.

[@gunslingerbones]

Awesome idea and effect. Thank you

[@davidackroyd3378]

Thanks for that. This is the best modelling video for content I have seen in a long time. 👍👍👍

[@itribbits633]

great video jordey im your biggest fan!!

[@jimihaze7085]

Amazing!! Loved this walkthrough!

[@highmileagehusband1915]

As a crafter it always good to have ability to improvise and creatively fabricate.

[@jerzinho92]

I never imagined i will see a video from a girl practicing this hobby. I love that! 😍 and the work is amazing. Well done!!!

[@railfan1956]

Geordie, what is the name of the Dry Green XL package of grass? Thanks. Nice project.

[@christopherpardell4418]

Sulphur inhibiting silicone cure was a huge problem in 1980. Silicones Incorporated made the first sulphur tolerant silicone in 1983 or so and since then pretty much every silicone formulator out there now offers tin cured silicones that will have no problem curing on high sulphur clay. And I have seen quite a few platinum silicones that cure on high sulphur clay. Sulphur free plastiline’s were developed largely to get around the silicone issue…but they have always been inferior to sulphurated plastilene in terms of working quality. Usually, all you need as a separation agent with modern silicones is a coat of clear acrylic, but, as always when trying something new, do a test first to make sure your materials are compatible.

[@markjolyn94]

Looks like a great product. I would a least have to try it. Great tutorial! It jogged my memory of things learned years ago

[@fido139]

You had me at spanking for no reason. LOL! 😆 I'm trying to make a UFO/saucer landing site.

[@sarvaantaryami]

what compound did you use to cover the whole thing and stick rocks into it?

[@SavageBruski]

Nice technique. I'm not super familiar with plasticene-does this cure or solidify in air or anything?

[@Geordiecrafts]

Thanks! Plasticine is non hardening, it stays workable forever. However, it will melt in high temps so don't put it in the oven or cast resin in it haha. It has lots of great applications and its very cheap, so its great to keep around 😊

[@SavageBruski]

@@Geordiecrafts cool! Appreciated!

[@jolla9963]

Have never thought about plastacine for a mold, but will be now.

[@ebengamuz7175]

This is one of the BEST Diorama 👏🎉

[@forgingaheadinart]

Fantastic work!! Thanks for all of your tips and techniques!! You do an amazing job with your editing and explaining what you are doing!! Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing the conclusion of the project!!

[@dallasmarshall4317]

Incredible work!

[@rosemaryr.long-morgan9704]

Thanks so much...plasticene would be a great alternative to molds or even the blue stuff for making molds as I'm on a bit of a budget, esp. as a newbie. Waiting for next place that would have a workshop, with a dispaly area. Thanks again /Rosemary

[@rolandhersom239]

Sorry about a few typos that managed to slip through unnoticed till after I posted but you dear intelligent people should be able to get what I meant to convey.

[@vikingofengland]

Top work, given me some ideas for my model railway.

[@DingoPaints]

Great video Geordie, good ideas too love it Thank you

[@mitchdap9811]

Just found your channel. Cool video! For lighter and stronger plaster cast, you can add "papier mache" powder, and some black ink to the water for easy hiding chipping damages.

[@Geordiecrafts]

Oh I always thought paper maché powder was just plaster! Good to know! I'll have to pick some up Does the leopard spot paint technique still work if the plaster is darker underneath? I guess I could always add a heavier dry brush at the end to bring the whites back out. Thanks for the tips 😊😊

[@mitchdap9811]

@@Geordiecrafts It will depen of how much ink you pu in it. I usually use just enough to have a ligh grey, and "leopard" technique still work (but I tend to use stronger juice).

[@alicemursteinlesbefaen666]

the plasticine mold is such a great idea! i have a few rock molds from woodland scenics but the versatility of homemade molds is nice to have. great video!

[@MrEyescream]

that was really enjoyable and you made it look so easy. the vid was short, not over complicated and very interesting. (not like me) even tho i never build something....but if i do, i think i will use that advice. :)

[@bernard832]

Rocks do have a good rocky texture.

[@Geordiecrafts]

They do indeed! It's very handy 😅

[@ToffeeTroll]

Well this was so usefull so I have to follow 😮. Great work 😊

[@willm59]

Great idea. Well presented and well executed. Also really liked the paint scheme. Sub earned!

[@ChrispyP]

Great video as per, and awesome technique! Being new to the hobby I've never really taken a dive into molds etc, but this looks a great technique for getting unique and highly detailed rocks!

[@jakecrowe3797]

Amazing editing! Can’t wait to watch more.