"Vallejo pumice" Topic

Hello-

I'm basing a few FoW companies and just recently picked up a small tub of Vallejo pumice gel from my LGS. Is there any way to apply this to the base so that it covers well and appears more "realistic"? I've tried using paint brushes as applicators (not my good brushes), and also a screwdriver that I use as a spreader. Is there any other way that is recommended?

Thanks,
John

Apply with a plastic disposable knife then stipple with and old wet brush.

Stipple?

VR
James Mattes

vojvoda,

Use a VERY firm brush with no paint on it and push the bistles into the mix so leaving dints / dots in it. You need to clean the brush often so no clumps stick.

Technically I think this is called stipling off. Sippling on is the application of paint on a plain surface.

Andrew
kings-sleep.blogspot.com

Poke. Many times.

Regards, the Gorb

old toothbrushes invaluable for this.

One thing I haven't noticed is pumiice with various stone sizes. It is always the same stone size and one must add a larger stone here or there. When in reality you always get different size stone in nature on your average road. I wonder why?

Toothpick???

Thanks guys

Another question- should I glue the figures down to the base before applying the pumice? I found it was somewhat tricky getting the pumice in between a soviet machine-gun crew. Should I spread the pumice onto the base and then press the figures into the pumice to make an indentation for the figure to sit in the pumice to make the figure base less noticable? I've tried both, and they both have pros and cons. Any prefrences?

Thanks again,
John

I don't use expensive Vallejo Pumice. I just use cheap spackle from the Lowes/Home Depot and sprinkle play sand on it while it's still wet. Voila.

Yes, I glue the bases on first. Then take an artists palette knife to spread the spackle on.

I use a plastic toothpick for that type of material. I use the straight blade for more even areas. i use the the L blade for whipping it up into clumps.

I use an old pointed butter knife to apply it to my mini's bases. And I glue the minis in place first.

Vallejo Pumice is expensive and for newbies. Good stuff though don't get me wrong. Once it's finished buy this stuff instead-

link

You can thank me later.

They have fine coarse and extra coarse. I go with coarse for 28mm's

John – have tried the Golden product and you can reduce its thickness by adding some water, suggest you mix your paint into the gel. If the effect is too dark then dry dry brushing lighter shades or if too light run some diluted washes of colour over the goo when dry.

You can also try PVA glue (diluted a little with water) and then 'dunk' the base with plain old sand (either fine or coarse). The colour can be varied by either dry brushing or washes after the sand is dry. Sand is far cheaper then gels!

Glue the figures to the base first – its really upto you whether to apply the goop mix onto the figures base or just build up the level to hide the join with the metal base.

Have fun

Cheers

Garry

You can also try PVA glue (diluted a little with water) and then 'dunk' the base with plain old sand (either fine or coarse). The colour can be varied by either dry brushing or washes after the sand is dry. Sand is far cheaper then gels!

True but the sand gets all over the place. I use Gels because I avaiod the whole sand all over situation. I usually spill a little here and there. Later, I move the figures around and sand comes off. You don't have these problems with Gels.

I glu my models down first and then spread the Gel. There are some groups which are more incovenient to base. I have trouble with static HMG's for example. I manage. They take a bit more care and time.

Here is another way to base tutorial.

PaintGod's site

link

Also, keep an eye out for gesso with texture. I have two tubs that I bought at HobbyLobby for nearly $2.00 USD each on clearance.

I use a rounded toothpick to apply it. Rolling gets the stuff off, and the pointy end allows me to finesse it into any place I need covered. I usually score the bases first with an xacto, in a crisscross pattern.

As for cost to coverage, I've had this tub for years. For what I paid, it's not very expensive for the use I've got from it.

YMMV.

The other thing to look into is pre-mixed concrete patch. It gives you a gritty texture that is a little finer than the Pumice, you can use it to attach your minis to the base and it is significantly cheaper than the pumice.

Thanks for the help everyone
I've actually used sand on one platoon before, and it worked fine, but this basing gel is something I think I'll be using for the rest of the army.

Thanks and happy 2009,
John