Chalk Mortar, the easy option for mortar replication.

Discussion in 'The Wizards Weathering' started by Gary, Jun 2, 2019.

  1. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    Asked earlier today by Yorkie (York Paul) to demonstrate how I go about replicating mortar on my buildings like this below, I produced this short video.


    This is an inexpensive method that anyone can do, regardless of skill set. Unlike washes that require time and patience, this is easily applied and desired results easily achieved. All you need is white chalk, scalpel, tray and some clear coat, ie Dull Cote or similar. Now if you were after a different coloured mortar, the use of pastel chalks could be utilised.

    Enjoy the video tutorial...



    Cheers, Gary.
     
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  2. Kimbo

    Kimbo Staff Member Moderator

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    Nice tutorial Gary
     
  3. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    A great video workshop Gary, I've learnt something there so a big thanks for posting up. One thought occured to me and that was if a dense enough layer of chalking was applied over a semi wet varnish coat would it be possible to create the effect of a very worn whitewashed wall?
     
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  4. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    Brilliant!!!

    Where do we get the spray in the UK? :scratchchin:

    I think I have some brick work to mortar:facepalm:
     
  5. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    The spray can be ordered from most artists shops etc.

    Nice tutorial Gary.:thumbs:
     
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  6. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    Andy I think you might find hairspray works too, but you should be able to pick up aerosol varnish from B&Q
     
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  7. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    Got hair spray for the deck on the 3D printer. But feel that would leave the surface tacky...

    I’ll look in “the range” but not sure what I’m looking for?:scratchchin:
     
  8. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    Quite so Paul. When I first tried this method I actually brushed the excess off the brick work only leaving the mortar lines. I'm sure with a few applications of the chalk, a white washed wall could be created. I'm also thinking that a semi rendered wall, or crumbling stucco finish could be also achieved with heavier applications by building the layers up.

    Cheers, Gary.
     
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  9. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    Reason I ask Gary is because I'd like to achieve a "salting" or effervescence effect to brickwork.
     
  10. Dr Tony

    Dr Tony Full Member

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    Had a go at this technique tonight on one of the old buildings on my layout Poppy. This building I constructed as a kid, so there is glue everywhere, filling up some of the mortar lines. It took a few goes to get an even finish, the spray sealer tends to hide stuff if you spray too much on.
    Very happy with the idea except for one thing. Now I have to do this to all my brick buildings, and use the random brick colours in Gary's tutorial. Have no idea when my layout will be finished now:eek:
    Cheers
    Tony
     
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  11. Timbersurf

    Timbersurf

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    I have just picked up small gloss varnish rattle cans from "POUNDLAND" for £1

    P.S. same place I get my 60g tubes of UHU glue from for £1!
     
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  12. Keith M

    Keith M Staff Member Moderator

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    You should be able to find Windsor & Newton aerosol clear varnish at both "The Range" and "Hobbycraft", but it ain't cheap. Lidl occasionally have a German brand of clear varnish on offer fairly cheaply but I don't know if it's acrylic or enamel.
    Keith.
     
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  13. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    Artists Matt Medium, though I use Hycote matt or satin acrylic auto lacquer from Range too. The matt medium will seal the surface but doesn't like getting wet, as in ballasting, thats where I use the acrylic lacquer.

    Pete.
     
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  14. Matt

    Matt Full Member

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    Great technique Gary and I really enjoyed the video!
     
  15. Andy_Sollis

    Andy_Sollis Staff Member Moderator

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    I’ll have a nebb tomorrow. Need to go to the range for some wire.
     
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  16. Gary

    Gary Wants more time for modelling.... Staff Member Administrator

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    Good to read that some of you are having a go at this technique. I'm looking forward to see how you all get on with it.

    Don't forget that a little grey weathering powder mixed in with the chalk will give you another mortar colour to choose.

    Tony, your building is looking good and remember, a layout is never really finished ! ;)

    Cheers, Gary.
     
  17. Dr Tony

    Dr Tony Full Member

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    When I finally found a bunch of pastels in a cheap shop (our local one is still closed due to damage from the December hail storm) I managed to find them in both colours and in shades of grey
    Only played with the white so far, but plenty of choice on hand here now:thumbup:
    Next play is the multiple brick colour, then move onto roof tiles.
    Cheers
    Tony
     
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