water?

[Joe Mauloni]

Hi all.
I'm in the process of switching from fixed terrain modules to a fabric tabletop. How does everyone handle water features? I've tried vinyl strips and I'm not very happy with the curling edges.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[imported_Richard Lee]

I use felt with features on top.

For water features such as waterway, river or marsh I use painted cardboard with multiple layers of clear gloss varnish. I recommend the quick drying, water soluble type for this. (The varnish is supposed to be for wood.)

Cut out the feature, then stick on any banks etc. When the glue is dry paint it, and let it dry well. (I suggest at least 24 hours.) You can then stick flock or static grass on the banks if you want.

Put at least 6 (preferably more) coats of gloss varnish where the water is supposed to be. The first couple of coats will not look very good, but each coat will make it look a little better.

[Andrew Davidge]

Have you thought of using transparent plastic-card or perspex? This can be painted to look like water underneath, then turned over. Banks can then be built up as usual and any detail painted on top. Saves all that varnishing! Perspex is probably harder to cut and work with, but I've seen people use it for waterways in DBM.

Good luck.

Andrew

[Dhingis Khan]

I use Plastruct water sheets, "stormy water". These sheets are translucent blue, with waves, about 8 x 11 inches. They can be easily cut with scissors. Plastruct has a nearly indecipherable (to me) on line catalog, but art supply stores should carry their material. The line is designed for architectural modeling.