Scenic Cement

2003-9-22






At first glance, Woodland Scenics "Scenic Cement," is very similar to diluted white Elmer's (PVA) glue. As with diluted Elmer's, it dries to a flat (matte) finish so it makes a good overcoat for figures and models. However it is much stronger than Elmer's.


Its main (intended) use is for RR (or diorama) scenic materials such as flock. A key part of using it (especially for the newer foam-based flock) involves the use of diluted dish soap (to break the surface tension). Without the soap, the glue tends to just bead up on the surface and not sink in.



One way of using it (for large, thin areas of flock) is to spread out the flock, spray the area with diluted dish soap until it is visibly damp, and then spray the Scenic Cement over the area. For thicker areas of flock (or RR ballast), spray the area of flock or ballast with soap until damp and then use an eye dropper to add the cement. For either method, it will take 2-3 days to dry. Once it's dry, it will take a hammer and chisel to remove it.


A less conventional use I've found is for turning plantlife into scenic material. Below, is a vegetable garden (HO, 1/87 scale) made entirely from parsley leaves. I simply dipped the leaves in the cement, touched them to a paper towel to get off the excess and then set them on a towel to dry. The garden was made 6 months ago and there has been no drying or discoloration of the leaves.


Woodland Scenics products are available at most RR hobby stores.