Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Navy - Military - Battleships: => Topic started by: Ted_H on March 01, 2012, 05:06:57 pm

Title: Canvas covers
Post by: Ted_H on March 01, 2012, 05:06:57 pm
Has anyone found anything suitable for modeling canvas covers. We often see pieces of equipment covered over on warships when not in use.
I've looked at various pieces of cloth but in 1/96 even the thread looks a little over scale 
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: Netleyned on March 01, 2012, 05:11:14 pm
Slap paint on it until the threads disappear
If thats too thick use painted paper

Ned
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: nemesis on March 01, 2012, 05:52:57 pm
I have used my very fine handkerchiefs, ok at 1/96. I will not repeat what SWMBO said, not on this forum anyway. Nemesis.
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: Rex Hunt on March 01, 2012, 07:11:35 pm
Masking tape, positioned and then varnished and painted.
Bog roll (new) treated the same way.

Rex
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: Klunk on March 01, 2012, 07:18:39 pm
i used to use disposable tissue, like kleenex. cut to rough shape then dip into a weak solution of pva and water. drape over item, trim to shape and let dry. you can then paint, or I found later that you can also use acrylic paint to colour the pva water mix!!
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: Ted_H on March 01, 2012, 08:12:30 pm
Thanks for your suggestions, the tissue paper idea has made me think of model aircraft tissue may be worth a try .
 
Other ideas would still be welcome
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: dreadnought72 on March 01, 2012, 09:07:37 pm
Heavy duty canvas is, what, around 30 threads per inch?

At 1/96th scale, if you want to use "fabric" you'd be needing ~3000 threads per inch to get to the "quality" and "drapability" of cloth.

I see some Egyptian fabrics (bed linens) selling themselves at 500 threads per inch. Great for 1/16th scale canvas, not good enough for 1/96th. I bought high-thread-count cotton for my sails on Racundra (1/8th scale), and it's lovely.

You'd be better (since you won't be able to see the fabric anyway) going down the PVA-and-tissue-paper route, I think.

Andy
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: ggeorge on March 02, 2012, 01:30:35 am
I also use the method of mixing wood glue with water, about 50% water to 50% glue and applying the same to kleenex and forming it the way I require for that particular project . Here are some photos of the results
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: Dave13 on March 02, 2012, 10:09:34 am
Wow your canvas covers look really good  :-))
Dave:)
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: essex2visuvesi on March 02, 2012, 10:36:04 am
I tried the tissue and 50/50 PVA method before to make tarpaulins on a wagon once and the tissue just fell apart.
What did i do wrong? too much glue or try different tissue?
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: Klunk on March 02, 2012, 11:22:37 am
too  much water. also you don't need a lot. a small fish with enough yo cover the bottom of it. dun in and out  more damp than soggy
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: ggeorge on March 02, 2012, 12:45:05 pm
Just an update, I place the material in place and apply the glue mix with a fine hair brush and work the wrinkles in using the brush. Be gentle. When dry paint. I use a base coat and a dry brush method.
  G. George
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: rob on March 02, 2012, 01:43:34 pm
Aeromodellers use a product called "Solarspan" a heat shrink material ,  this is quite convincing
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: Rex Hunt on March 02, 2012, 02:17:58 pm
Aeromodellers use a product called "Solarspan" a heat shrink material ,  this is quite convincing


not bad idea but has a smooth finish, not textured.

Rex
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: ggeorge on March 02, 2012, 05:40:11 pm
Here are a couple of of photos were I have used this method. As for texture it is the best method I have come across to create realistic tarp for coverings or doges and it seems to suit different scales.
Title: Re: Canvas covers
Post by: rob on March 12, 2012, 10:53:09 pm

not bad idea but has a smooth finish, not textured.

Rex

My bad , I of course meant SolarTex..... I have been using it for over 20 years.