DIY Ship Bases Using 2 Part Casting Resin
As promised here's an updated "How to" for making custom ship bases, or any kind of casting you'd like to try actually. I've been thinking of trying to cast my own sails for the SGN ships, but that will be another post if I get there.
I will link the products used to online websites, but for the most part I've been able to pick these up locally either at Michael's, Jo Ann Fabrics or other hobby centers. Originally I got the resin casting product directly from the manufacturer, but I believe you can pick up some smaller portions for sale at Michael's. Or go via Amazon?
Base sizes you want will be determined by the number of ships you want to include in a diorama. You can make them larger and cut to size or just try to duplicate products from Langton's or other manufacturers?
I make a base using ready cut basswood and sticks from Jo Ann Fabrics.
Sticks along the side should be glued up up as high as you want the thickness of your finished base. I think I just eyeballed what I wanted but you should have at least 1/16th of an inch or more (1.5875mm).
Then you're going to want to make a hard surfaced material that you can mold. I used Procreate Putty.
http://www.amazon.com/Kraftmark-Comp.../dp/B00DE4YU2S
It takes a bit of effort to mix the two parts. Think of it like making salt water taffy. You'll want to pull and stretch, fold over, pull and stretch again and again until it's all one color. For the base I made I used approximately two thirds of each stick. That was enough to cover the base I had.
Then you push it down onto the base and sculpt away. I do try to use some clay sculpting tools, but the material can be hard to work. How you model the waves is something you'll decide on your own depending on how rough you want the seas or just what suits your eye.
Time for curing varies, but I prefer waiting for 24 hours. When it's done the base will look something like this.
So, now you're ready to make the mold that you'll use for casting the resin. I found this stuff at Michael's "Amazing Mold Putty Kit"
https://www.michaels.com/amazing-mol.../10410575.html
It's a two part putty you mix 50/50. Press it down around the edges of the base so you have enough depth for the liquid resin you'll be pouring shortly to cure without leaking over the sides. I've got a new base curing right now, but it wont be ready until tomorrow. When it's ready I'll post some add on photos to show how the putty goes on. Basically you end up with a flexible mold that looks like this.
Casting the base is really easy with the product I purchased from Alumilite. You can also get this via Amazon, Michael's and Jo Ann Fabrics.
http://www.alumilite.com/store/p/934...ing-Resin.aspx
It's another two part 50/50 mixture and you should use a disposable container for mixing. I use old yogurt containers.
The mixture is basically clear and you should pour it into your mold as quickly as you can. It sets up amazingly fast. If I didn't mention it above you can get colors other than white. There's clear, tan and black.
As I said this hardens very quickly. While I was creating a new base to show off tomorrow the poured base was ready to release from the mold.
Here's the finished base ready for sanding, trimming, priming and then painting.
The new base I sculpted this afternoon will be ready to be used as a molding base tomorrow. I'll post some follow up photos so you can see how the putty works and how a new base might turn out.
I strongly urge you to use eye protection and gloves while working on most, if not all, of these products. The molding putty is actually safe for food molds, but I recommend caution just the same. More photos tomorrow.
Cheers!
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Originally Posted by TexaS
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