I would like to get a textured finish to DAS modelling clay, such as cobble stones or granite sets. I have read M. Campbell's section of the OO9 Handbook that describes making 'Inset Track' using DAS clay and then embossing with some homemade stamp tools from plasticard.
Are any tools to emboss DAS clay commercially available? I've seen a video of roller to produce cobbles, but can't find the supplier.
Thanks in advance.
I recall textured rollers being available via Shapeways, but since they went bust I've not come across any others.
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Googling "Cobblestone rollers" offers various options.
CP
I like using DAS clay and it is possible to get some very interesting stony textures with it. I'm not sure about rolling impressed patterns in it though. I think it will take some experimentation. It is not like Plasticine or Fimo but can be quite "spongy" due, I guess, to the reinforcing fibres in it. Also, being air-drying, the surface becomes stiffer while the bulk is still soft.
Something I have done is lay down some DAS and let it dry out or almost dry out. Then re-wet the surface with a brush or sprayer and let it soak in so that surface is not a slurry. Then I think it is easier to get crisper textures in the outer mm or two over a firm base.
To lay a thin layer of DAS on a surface and make it stick, or add another layer of DAS, use the concrete laying technique of brushing diluted PVA on the the surface, letting it go tacky. Then I smear slightly wetted DAS on top of that.
Possibly another method of getting two layers of DAS to meld is to use the lime plaster curing technique of spraying the surface and then covering it so the water has a chance of seeping in and not evaporating directly.
Another technique for getting sharp textures is to let the DAS dry and then scratch or carve the textures in, a bit deeper that the final depth. Then re-wet the surface and use something like a toothbrush to soften the hard indentations.
Dragon Badger do some textured rollers:
https://dragonbadger.co.uk/product-category/modelling-tools/texturing-rollers-handles/ (https://dragonbadger.co.uk/product-category/modelling-tools/texturing-rollers-handles/)
I saw them at the Barry and Penarth show back in 2019
(Usual disclaimer)
Thank you Hugh I have been in touch with Dragon Badger and they make a large selection of rollers and have offered to make them suitable for between the 9mm rails. (They already make them for OO.)
That's good to know (I bought a DaVinci "tank" from them in 2019 - he printed it for me overnight!