I've completed 2 ponds using Realistic Water. The first using the original Realistic Water product and the 2nd using the 'NEW' and improved formula. I've noticed that the pond using the NEW product seems to have almost imperceptible, perfectly spaced linear ridges across the top. You can only see them from up close and only from a certain angle. The bottom of the pond was painted and perfectly flat. Anyone else had this happen? I have since taken a couple of photos but was unable to capture the entire pond but the lines are across the entire surface. Woodland Scenics suggested trying denatured alchohol to remove them, which I am having a difficult time finding. If I can't get the denatured alchohol, I can use 90 grade alchohol and if that is not available I can try 70 grade alcohol. What do you guys think?
Woodland Scenics has offered to send me a bottle of the old original stuff but I am not sure whether I should just pour some denatured alcohol on it now, in hope of flattening out the surface or skip this step altogether and pour another thin layer of the old stuff. I guess as a last resort, rip it all out and start again.
I'm not quite sure I understand what you're trying to remove. From the photos, the pond looks perfect. Are you talking about the ripples when you say ridges? I would just leave those in. Makes the scene look alive with wind and air.
Try using Future Floor Wax. You'll get great results with that and it won't shrink like WS Realistic Water does.
In my graphics business I used denatured alcohol all the time. You can get it any any hardware store. I used to get it at Mynards. Im not sure if it comes in small bottles, I used to buy it in gallon cans, but it's not expensive. I think I paid $5 or $6 for a gallon of it. If you have to get a whole gallon, I am sure you will find uses for it in the hobby. Not bad stuff to have handy in allot of situations..
I too think the ripples look great. Probably couldn't do it again if you tried! Leave it alone is what I'd do.
BTW: I might add.. I am also one that thinks the water looks great... If you try to "fix" it, you may end up with a big mess that looks worse.. I like the ripples. Gives the "water" some life.. I have found that the biggest mistake people make in creating landscaping and nature in general, is they try to make it symetrical, and perfect.. Wrong answer Peepee... Nature is very random, imperfections and all. Thats what makes nature perfect...
Another consideration, but maybe does not apply to this smaller pond. In lakes you often see perfectly flat areas surrounded with ripples where wind is making the water move a bit. Check out some real nature photos or go find a local body of water to see for yourself. I agree with the guys, your water looks pretty good.
i have to agree that it looks good, your welcome to pour water on my layout any day. Not very often is nature ever perfect, and those few moments they are, (like still water) i am not convinced can be reproduced.
Hi Mark. The photos are deceiving because the ridges are across the entire length of the pond which is approximately 1 foot long and extremely symmetrical which does not look natural. If it were random and in slightly different directions but it looks like someone took a ruler and measured each one side by side.
Can't get the denatured alcohol here in Canada unless it is called differently. I have been informed by Woodland Scenics that 99 percent isopropyl alcohol will work the same. Is that true?
I really am not sure it would be the same, but I would think that it would be. The only difference is the denatured is distilled I think, and the isoprpyl is a higher grade for medical use. denatured is more for non-medical I believe, but the same thing really.
"Denatured" means it is undrinkable and suitable for external uses only. This is usually done deliberately by adding nasty flavor and/or undigestible elements so that alcohol destined for industrial, hobby, craft etc use cannot be used for drinking. The "why" of it gets into politics, taxes, public policy, safety, and ultimately various visions of morality and the public and private good. You can get an interesting overview here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denatured_alcohol And on the original topic, I also like the look in the photos, but I hear what you're saying about a larger area of perfectly parallel lines looking odd. Alas I have nothing to offer advice-wise, I'm a novice with scenery.
Not available in Canada. I have been doing a bit of research into this product and it would appear that chemicals were added to prevent ingestion. Woodland Scenics claims 90 percent or higher isopropyl works fine. (even 70 percent).
I think that is the problem with it. It is too perfect and not random. It bugs me to know that it is there even though it isn't readily noticeable by others.
Yes. You appear to be correct. I guess it is cheaper than regular alcohol so to avoid ingestion, they flavoured it (poisonous).
Hi Mark. The photo is deceiving because it doesn't capture the foot of so of the pond with the ripples perfectly spaced along the entire length and all at the same angle. I'm thinking about pouring alcohol on it which may level it but am worried about the surface being ruined afterwards.
Would it be possible to try out the 90% alcohol and if that ruins the surface, to seal it with Mod Podge and then do a second pour using Envirotex? You might try a little corner of it. If it doesn't work, you can cover it will rushes and reeds or lily pads.
I have no connection to Woodland Scenics other than using their products. If you think a pond, or lake for that matter is perfectly flat, smooth and glassy then I would suggest checking a real pond. As far as I'm concerned the ridges/ripples are what makes Realistic Water a good choice. Water is not a mirror. Cheers, Jim CCRR/Socalz44
