I have been using lichen for trees on my layout, the same stuff that's available from Woodland Scenics and others, but I pick my own from marshy areas in the woods. It is the same stuff, but once dyed and dried, it gets too dry and crumbly. Does anyone have any suggestions for keeping it moist like the commercially available lichen?
Thanks,
Woodguy
Posted by foamer13 (Member # 2024) on :
I've heard about, but never tried, dipping your lichen in a hot mixture of glycerine and water. It supposedly keeps them soft and supple, but still paintable. Unfortunately, I don't remember the correct proportions. Anyone?
Posted by woodguy (Member # 2319) on :
I hate to ask, but what is glycerine, and where do I find it?
Woodguy
Posted by Konstantin (Member # 18) on :
In Dave Frary's "How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery", he mentions a formula for rejuvenating dry lichen. He says to spray a mixture of 1 part glycerine and 1 part rubbing alcohol on the lichen. He says not to use automotive antifreeze. It works well at first, but the lichen hardens again quickly.
I also do not know what glycerine is or where you could get it.
------------------ Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale) www.geocities.com/evrr
Posted by Ira Slotkin (Member # 81) on :
Oh boy. I get to contribute. Usuall I just read and learn from this category.
Glycerine is a liquid moisturizer. It is kinda goopy actually. Comes in a tub or a small jar. It is a component in many hand lotions and softeners. It is available at the pharmacy, althougnh you may actually have to go to the pharmacist counter. I used to use it to put a soft finish on wittled projects after smoothing them with a soft natural pumice stone. Very little is needed. I am not sure how you put it on the trees.
Posted by woodguy (Member # 2319) on :
Thanks for all the advice. I found some glycerin in the pharmacy and mixed it approximately 2 parts hot water to 1 part glycerin, and dumped a load of lichen into the mixture, sloshed it around a bit, squeezed the excess out, and let dry. Now they are all soft, and don't crumble to pieces if I touch them. It worked better than I had expected!
I hate to ask, but what is glycerine, and where do I find it?