I have just done my first hard shell scenery work using plaster wrap pre-impregnated cloth rolls. After the plaster had dried, there remained tiny holes in the bumpy mesh (see pictures, although quality not great.) Should these be smoothed over with some additional plaster product? Do I even need to be concerned about them, since most of the surface will eventually be covered with trees and shrubs? I know the question is rather basic, but this is the first time around building terrain.
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A couple thoughts....
First, the Woodland Scenics folks suggest that when you use this plaster cloth mesh that you overlap the applied pieces by about 30% or so. That helps somewhat with the 'holes' issue you mention, but...more importantly....creates a stronger shell.
Secondly, when I apply the cloth sheets, I'll rub my wet finger over the cloth to sort of distribute the wet plaster and that tends to close the holes....somewhat.
Thirdly.....I would suggest a good layer of Sculptamold be applied over the dried plaster cloth shell. It does a couple things.....adds body to the scenery substructure for future work....like holes to insert tree trunks into, etc....and it will strengthen the entire shell, covering those holes in the process.
Some folks will even color the Sculptamold layer mixture an earth color, but I just slather on some cheap (e.g., Home Depot 'OOPS!' paint) paint after all the plaster is dry.
LOTS of advice on this should be forthcoming, though. There's a plethora of possible scenery substructure techniques that folks use. Lots of 'help' books available to guide you, too. Check the Woodland Scenics...and other....on-line tutorials on the subject, also.
FWIW, always....
KD
Brushing the plaster cloth with a wet brush diagionally across the grain will help spread the impregnated plaster. I then topcoat the plaster cloth with US Gypsum Structolite. it offers long working time and adds strength at very low cost. Structolite is a plaster with perlite particles mixed in that is used as a base coat for old style plaster walls. It is best to apply Structolite while the plaster cloth is still damp. If the plaster cloth has dried brush water on the cloth before applying a slightly soupy mix of Structolite.
You definitely need to rub the plaster around with your finger to get full coverage. It works great when you do that. As others have already advised, a good coat of sculptamold, structolite etc, finishes it off nicely.
Ed
Your helpful replies are appreciated. I have more hard shell to do and will smooth over the plaster cloth the next time. I did overlap the cloth sheets, but will also give everything a top coat for strength. Thanks again.
This may help you too. I have never done it yet, but I figured I would at least provide a resource I know of. I know it specifically tunnels, but watch. It shows how to do hard shell.
Chris
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