Okay. Time for the fun stuff. Let's do some rock painting.
But first, a disclaimer. This is the first time for me to use spray paint in coloring scenery.
As I mentioned at the beginning of the story I wanted to experiment with all new scenery
techniques on this mini layout. I learned about painting foam from this nice Internet video and thought I would give it a whirl.
As I learned, you have to use spray paint that is compatible with Styrofoam or so called "craft foam."
So I went to Hobby Lobby to get craft spray paint. I did have an anal sphincter tightening
moment when the nice clerk at Hobby Lobby said, “you should never use spray paint on
Styrofoam”.......... Even though it said it could be used on the can.
So I use an old modeler’s trick and experimented on a piece of scrap foam first. As you can see in the lower part of the pictures. It did not devolve into a blue blob so I knew I could proceed.
The first step is to spray on Black pigment. I elected to use Woodland Scenics Black pigment.
I mixed it with a little water and dish washing detergent and sprayed it on in the areas of
the mini that were meant to represent rocks.
After letting it dry overnight it was time to get out the "craft foam safe" spray paint and
paint the rocks. Interestingly, a variety of colors, including yellow, were used to paint the
rocks. Some of the spray paint I used also had texture that gave the model a crumbling
rock appearance.
I am happy to report that the blue foam did not dissolve and I think I have a fair
representation of Sandstone and Limestone.
Let me know what you think. Doc Tom