Tile detailing - Final Flocking

Step 1: Be Prepared Have your paints (Fig 44), Dirt, stones, rocks (Fig 45), grass, weeds, bushes and green waste (Fig 46) ready before you start the final flocking.

fig 44. fig 45. fig 46.

Step 2: Base of Cliffs/Slopes Start your final detailing with the cliff bases. The smaller the area worked, the more time you have to position the detail (Fig 47). Position the larger rocks first (Fig 48), followed by the largest bushes and weeds (Fig 49). Smother the entire section with a sand/rubble mix (Fig 50) and leave to dry fully before proceeding (Fig 51).

fig 47. fig 48. fig 49. fig 50. fig 51.

Step 3: Main body The large flat areas are best detailed in sections no bigger than a third of a tile (Fig 52). The PVA dries quickly so be liberal with the glue (Fig 53). Extend the cliff bases first using rocks, rubble and sand (Fig 54). Apply the darkest flock first (Fig 55), especially in areas where water might pool. Work the tile edge next (Fig 56). The glue along the edges dries quickest and patchy flock in this zone detracts from the seamless nature of the system. Scatter a few bushes (not big enough to interfere with figure base stability), then liberally cover the whole glue area with your base flock (Fig 57). The thicker the better, you will recover the excess flock in the final stage. Lightly pat the flock and add extra to the areas where the PVA becomes visible. Follow the same process on an adjacent segment (Fig 58) until the entire tile has been worked (Fig 59) Leave to dry for no less than 24 hrs.

fig 52. fig 53. fig 54. fig 55. fig 56. fig 57. fig 58. fig 59.

Step 4: The Fun Bit When the PVA has dried fully (OK, you know already), invert the tile over a couple of sheets of newspaper, and tap the base firmly a few times. Recycle the flock mix: you are now ready to bring the tile to life (Fig 60). Brush the excess flock from the bare ground, cliffs and roads but leave the grassed areas thick. Touch up seams then add your final vegetation (Fig 61). A mixture of colour and shape gives the best results (Fig 62).

fig 60. fig 61. fig 62.

Easy isn't it? Now, while you're drooling over your latest creation, take a pic and send it to me for the gallery.

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