Water

Easily capture the movement of a rushing river or the calm surface of a murky lake by using the Water System from Woodland Scenics. This complete system has been specially designed to model all bodies of water and their features. Read an excerpt on Water from The Complete Guide to Model Scenery to learn more.

Water Base

Use Deep Pour Water Clear to easily achieve depth and display underwater terrain. Deep Pour Water Murky is pre-tinted and perfect for any murky water feature. Choose Realistic Water for a simple one-step solution for modeling water that can be poured up to 1/8 in at a time. Use E-Z Water for deep single pours.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I cut just a portion of my realistic water out to put a boat into?
  
  Yes, a portion of dried Realistic Water can be cut out, but it should be done with care.
  
  Measure the area to be cut out, but make the cutout a bit smaller than the size measured. Using a hobby knife, make a clean cut into the Water. It is easier to cut out additional Realistic Water, than repair an area too large for the boat. Pry out the dried Realistic Water, slowly and carefully.
- My Realistic Water surface has indentations in it from an item that I placed on it. I want to be able to pick up the item and move it. Is this not going to be possible?
  
  The Realistic Water is meant to stay flexible and pliable to discourage cracking. Therefore anything that is placed on the Realistic Water surface will leave a mark. Although, the Realistic Water is self-healing and the indentations may lift, the water surface will never be completely hard enough to place items on it without sticking. If indentations do not lift, pool denatured alcohol in the indentation and let it dry naturally. It may take a few applications for the indentation to self-level.
- Can E-Z Water be poured over cured Realistic Water?
  
  No. E-Z Water™ is poured hot, which would result in bubbling and cracking of the Realistic Water™. Realistic Water can be poured over E-Z Water, but it must be completely cured.
- Can I paint over cured Realistic Water or Deep Pour Water and then pour another layer of Realistic Water or Deep Pour Water over it?
  
  You can apply Water Undercoat, or 100% acrylic paint, on fully cured Realistic Water or Deep Pour Water and then pour another layer over it.
- What is the best product to use for water if the depth needs to be deeper than 1/8"?
  
  We recommend using Deep Pour Water. Deep Pour Water can be poured up to ½ in (12.7 mm) deep in a single pour. If you want more depth, Deep Pour Water can also be layered without leaving transition lines after the previous pour has set up for 4 hours. You can also pour Realistic Water in layers in increments of 1/8 in (3.17 mm) after the previous layer is fully cured. E-Z Water™ is also good for deeper water areas. We recommend E-Z Water for small but deep areas, since it should be applied in one pour to avoid transition lines.
- I've waited 24 hours for the Realistic Water to dry, but it still not clear.
  
  Depending on your workspace’s humidity level and the depth of your Realistic Water®, it may take longer than 24 hours to completely dry. Never force the curing process by using heat. You can move the process along by placing the layout in an air-conditioned area with less humidity or using a fan in the room to circulate air.
- What is the best way to add color to my E-Z Water?
  
  Use dry pigments or dyes only. Add dye to pre-melted pellets or mix into melted pellets a small amount at a time. When adding dye to melted E-Z Water™, mix in dye very slowly to avoid bubbles.
- What is recommended to use as a base sealer prior to pouring the Realistic Water?
  
  We recommend sealing a water feature base with Plaster Cloth. Apply as instructed on the label, ensuring all holes in the Cloth are filled in before pouring Realistic Water.
  
  Click here to view a video on preparing and painting water areas.
- How can I get my Realistic Water a blue color?
  
  Modeling a blue-colored water feature with Realistic Water can be done in a variety of ways.
  
  You can use our one of our blue Water Tints (Navy Blue or Turquoise). Water Tints are specially formulated to tint Deep Pour Water, Realistic Water and Surface Water.
  
  Use Water Undercoat Terrain Paint. It is slate blue paint designed for coloring a water base blue and models a blue water effect.
  
  Use 100% acrylic paint in a blue shade.
  
  Use Scene-A-Rama Blue Realistic Water. This pre-tinted Realistic Water is ready to use. Applying additional layers enhances the blue effect.
  
  You can also tint Realistic Water by mixing in a tiny amount of Water Undercoat, 100% acrylic paint, liquid fabric dye or food coloring. This technique will give your water an opaque look. Pour Realistic Water into a disposable cup and mix in desired amount of color very slowly to avoid bubbles. If bubbles occur, cover and let set until they disperse (approx. 2 hours). Do a small test area and let cure for a minimum of 24 hours to verify desired color.
  
  Click here to view a video on using Water Tints.
  
  Also click here to view a video on preparing and painting water areas.
- Can I use the realistic water on blue/pink extruded foam that has had nothing more done to it than painting? Will it attack the foam?
  
  Realistic Water will not "attack" the foam, but if it is not prepared and sealed properly, it may release gases into the Realistic Water, causing bubbling and other issues. It is very important to cover an extruded foam base with a few layers of Plaster Cloth, being careful to fill all the holes. Then, paint the base with Earth Colors Liquid Pigment. If using another type of paint verify with the manufacturer that it is 100% acrylic. Let everything in your water area dry completely before pouring Realistic Water.
- Can Realistic Water, Deep Pour Water, or E-Z Water be used outdoors?
  
  None of our water products are suitable for outdoor use.
- I have applied some waves using the Water Effects on top of my Realistic Water. The Water Effects is still white or has turned white, will it become clear?
  
  Yes, the Water Effects turning white after use is normal. It will become clear over time depending on how thick the Water Effects was applied. It also helps to have air circulating in room your water feature is in.
- How can I make a frozen pond?
  
  Prepare your water areas as usual and pour Realistic Water. While it is still wet, lightly sprinkle Soft Flake Snow on top. This will create a glazed, frosted look to simulate a frozen, icy surface.
  
  Click here to view a demonstraton of modeling frozen water.
- How do I pour a pond with your Realistic Water on your Ready Grass Mat?
  
  On the ReadyGrass Vinyl Mat, mark the pond area with a dull pencil. Brush water inside the marked area, then scrape the turf off gently with a craft stick or handle of a paintbrush. Run a continuous bead of Scenic Glue™ around the perimeter of water area and let dry completely.
  If desired, paint inside water area with Earth Colors™ Liquid Pigment. When everything in the water area is completely dry, pour Realistic Water™ according to the label instructions.
  
  We do offer a Ready Grass Water Kit designed for this purpose.
  
  Click here to view a video about the Ready Grass Water Kit, detailing how to make a body of water on Ready Grass.
- Can I pour my Realistic Water in 1/8" layers to a total of 3/4" deep?
  
  Yes, but you must wait until the previous layer is fully cured before pouring the next layer. Cure times will start taking longer the more layers you add. 3/4 in will take weeks to achieve with Realistic Water. Therefore, we recommend using Deep Pour Water instead because it would be a much quicker process to achieve the 3/4 in depth.
- I am using E-Z Water in a very large area. How do I minimize seeing transition lines where I start and stop pours?
  
  E-Z Water™ must be applied in one pour. If applying E-Z Water in multiple pours, transition lines are unavoidable.
- How is the best way to pour Realistic Water into a sloping river? Will it not flow to the deep end, being too deep at one end and almost nothing at the shallow end?
  
  There are a couple of options for applying Realistic Water down a sloping river.
  
  1. Brush on Realistic Water with a foam brush. Brush very slowly to avoid creating bubbles. You just want to create the illusion of water, so depth is not important. When completely dry, dab on Water Effects to model flowing water.
  
  2. Depending on the size of the layout, elevate the low end of the river so it sets level. Apply Realistic Water in the manner listed on the label instructions.
- What type of adhesive / glue works best to adhere items under my Realistic Water?
  
  You can use Realistic Water itself or Scenic Glue to adhere items in your water area. However, it is very important to apply the adhesive in a very thin layer and allow everything to dry completely before pouring Realistic Water. Residual moisture in the adhesive could be absorbed by the Realistic Water and cause clouding.
- How do I tint Realistic Water?
  
  You can use our Water Tint which is specially formulated to tint Deep Pour Water, Realistic Water and Surface Water. Or you can use Earth Colors™ Liquid Pigment to tint Realistic Water™. Pour Realistic Water into a disposable cup and mix in coloring agent very slowly to avoid bubbles. If bubbles occur, cover and let set until they disperse (approximately 2 hours). It is advisable to do a small test area to verify desired color.
  
  Click here to view a video on using Water Tints.
  
  Also click here to view a video on preparing and painting water areas.
- How do I clean the surface of my water feature?
  
  Only use Dust Dabber or canned air.
  
  Click here to view a short video about the Dust Dabber.
- I put sand down underneath my Realistic Water with a PVA glue. Now after a month I have excessive cloudiness. What could the problem be?
  
  Realistic Water and PVA glue are not compatible. Using the two together could cause the Realistic Water to act adversely, causing cracking and/or fogging.
  
  We recommend using Scenic Glue (S190) to adhere items in a water area. It is also important to let everything dry completely before pouring Realistic Water.
- I plan to use your Realistic Water and Water Effects products to create a creek. I do not see anywhere how to clean up a brush after applying these products.
  
  Both products are water-soluble. Clean brushes immediately with warm, soapy water.
  
  General cleaning information is listed on the label in the Modeling and Care Information.
- Can Realistic Water and Deep Pour Water be poured on top of each other?
  
  Yes, you can use both Realistic Water and Deep Pour Water in the same water feature once the first water product has cured completely.
- How do I color my water area and what products should I use?
  
  You can use our Water Undercoat, Water Undercoat Terrain Paint, or 100% acrylic paint to color the water area. Or you can use Earth Colors™ Liquid Pigments. If using Earth Colors Liquid Pigments, seal area with Scenic Cement™ afterwards and allow it to dry.
  
  Another way to model a realistic water area is to use dark and light shades of color. The darker the shade, the deeper the water will appear.
  
  Paint entire terrain, including water area, with Earth Colors Liquid Pigment or Earth Undercoat. In the center of the water area, use Slate Gray Liquid Pigment or Black Liquid Pigment to model deep water. For the shoreline, dilute the darker pigment with 16-parts water or choose a lighter shade, such as Stone Gray Liquid Pigment. Be sure to blend the edges where the paint shades meet to avoid harsh transition lines and model realistic changes in depth.
  
  If you are using Realistic Water and are not using Earth Colors Liquid Pigments, check with the manufacturer to make sure the paint you are using is 100% acrylic. Most craft paints, including premium brands, contain vinyl fillers. Vinyl in paint could have an adverse reaction with Realistic Water.
  
  Click here to view a video on preparing and painting water areas.
- Can I pour Deep Pour Water over Water Effects?
  
  Yes, as long as the Water Effects is fully cured.
- Can Water Waves be applied over Water Effects?
  
  Yes. Allow Water Effects to cure completely before applying Water Waves.
- How do I fix my Realistic Water if it was smudged or damaged before it was fully cured?
  
  Spray it with household rubbing alcohol (90%, if possible) or denatured alcohol. Let the alcohol dry (evaporate). Then, pour a small, thin pour of Realistic Water over the first.
- Can Realistic Water be used on Mold-A-Scene?
  
  Yes, Realistic Water can be used over Mold-A-Scene, but you should seal the area according to the Realistic Water instructions.
Water Tints

Water Tints make it easy to create natural shallows and depths. Use Water Tints with Deep Pour Water, Realistic Water, or Surface Water to create authentic colors for your water feature. Mix more than one to create custom colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I get my Realistic Water a blue color?
  
  Modeling a blue-colored water feature with Realistic Water can be done in a variety of ways.
  
  You can use our one of our blue Water Tints (Navy Blue or Turquoise). Water Tints are specially formulated to tint Deep Pour Water, Realistic Water and Surface Water.
  
  Use Water Undercoat Terrain Paint. It is slate blue paint designed for coloring a water base blue and models a blue water effect.
  
  Use 100% acrylic paint in a blue shade.
  
  Use Scene-A-Rama Blue Realistic Water. This pre-tinted Realistic Water is ready to use. Applying additional layers enhances the blue effect.
  
  You can also tint Realistic Water by mixing in a tiny amount of Water Undercoat, 100% acrylic paint, liquid fabric dye or food coloring. This technique will give your water an opaque look. Pour Realistic Water into a disposable cup and mix in desired amount of color very slowly to avoid bubbles. If bubbles occur, cover and let set until they disperse (approx. 2 hours). Do a small test area and let cure for a minimum of 24 hours to verify desired color.
  
  Click here to view a video on using Water Tints.
  
  Also click here to view a video on preparing and painting water areas.
- How do I tint Water Effects™?
  
  You can use our Water Tint which is specially formulated to tint Deep Pour Water, Realistic Water and Surface Water. Or you can mix a small amount of Earth Colors® Liquid Pigment or water-soluble paint into Water Effects™ before applying.
- How do I tint Realistic Water?
  
  You can use our Water Tint which is specially formulated to tint Deep Pour Water, Realistic Water and Surface Water. Or you can use Earth Colors™ Liquid Pigment to tint Realistic Water™. Pour Realistic Water into a disposable cup and mix in coloring agent very slowly to avoid bubbles. If bubbles occur, cover and let set until they disperse (approximately 2 hours). It is advisable to do a small test area to verify desired color.
  
  Click here to view a video on using Water Tints.
  
  Also click here to view a video on preparing and painting water areas.
- How do I color my water area and what products should I use?
  
  You can use our Water Undercoat, Water Undercoat Terrain Paint, or 100% acrylic paint to color the water area. Or you can use Earth Colors™ Liquid Pigments. If using Earth Colors Liquid Pigments, seal area with Scenic Cement™ afterwards and allow it to dry.
  
  Another way to model a realistic water area is to use dark and light shades of color. The darker the shade, the deeper the water will appear.
  
  Paint entire terrain, including water area, with Earth Colors Liquid Pigment or Earth Undercoat. In the center of the water area, use Slate Gray Liquid Pigment or Black Liquid Pigment to model deep water. For the shoreline, dilute the darker pigment with 16-parts water or choose a lighter shade, such as Stone Gray Liquid Pigment. Be sure to blend the edges where the paint shades meet to avoid harsh transition lines and model realistic changes in depth.
  
  If you are using Realistic Water and are not using Earth Colors Liquid Pigments, check with the manufacturer to make sure the paint you are using is 100% acrylic. Most craft paints, including premium brands, contain vinyl fillers. Vinyl in paint could have an adverse reaction with Realistic Water.
  
  Click here to view a video on preparing and painting water areas.
Water Undercoats

Add color and seal your base all at once with Water Undercoats. Use Water Undercoats to add realism and the illusion of depth. Use multiple colors to create authentic transitions between shallows and depths.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I paint over cured Realistic Water or Deep Pour Water and then pour another layer of Realistic Water or Deep Pour Water over it?
  
  You can apply Water Undercoat, or 100% acrylic paint, on fully cured Realistic Water or Deep Pour Water and then pour another layer over it.
- How can I get my Realistic Water a blue color?
  
  Modeling a blue-colored water feature with Realistic Water can be done in a variety of ways.
  
  You can use our one of our blue Water Tints (Navy Blue or Turquoise). Water Tints are specially formulated to tint Deep Pour Water, Realistic Water and Surface Water.
  
  Use Water Undercoat Terrain Paint. It is slate blue paint designed for coloring a water base blue and models a blue water effect.
  
  Use 100% acrylic paint in a blue shade.
  
  Use Scene-A-Rama Blue Realistic Water. This pre-tinted Realistic Water is ready to use. Applying additional layers enhances the blue effect.
  
  You can also tint Realistic Water by mixing in a tiny amount of Water Undercoat, 100% acrylic paint, liquid fabric dye or food coloring. This technique will give your water an opaque look. Pour Realistic Water into a disposable cup and mix in desired amount of color very slowly to avoid bubbles. If bubbles occur, cover and let set until they disperse (approx. 2 hours). Do a small test area and let cure for a minimum of 24 hours to verify desired color.
  
  Click here to view a video on using Water Tints.
  
  Also click here to view a video on preparing and painting water areas.
- How do I color my water area and what products should I use?
  
  You can use our Water Undercoat, Water Undercoat Terrain Paint, or 100% acrylic paint to color the water area. Or you can use Earth Colors™ Liquid Pigments. If using Earth Colors Liquid Pigments, seal area with Scenic Cement™ afterwards and allow it to dry.
  
  Another way to model a realistic water area is to use dark and light shades of color. The darker the shade, the deeper the water will appear.
  
  Paint entire terrain, including water area, with Earth Colors Liquid Pigment or Earth Undercoat. In the center of the water area, use Slate Gray Liquid Pigment or Black Liquid Pigment to model deep water. For the shoreline, dilute the darker pigment with 16-parts water or choose a lighter shade, such as Stone Gray Liquid Pigment. Be sure to blend the edges where the paint shades meet to avoid harsh transition lines and model realistic changes in depth.
  
  If you are using Realistic Water and are not using Earth Colors Liquid Pigments, check with the manufacturer to make sure the paint you are using is 100% acrylic. Most craft paints, including premium brands, contain vinyl fillers. Vinyl in paint could have an adverse reaction with Realistic Water.
  
  Click here to view a video on preparing and painting water areas.
Surface Waters

Set your water in motion by using Surface Waters to model splashes, waves and waterfalls. Use White Water Highlight to intensify movement or add foam and froth.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should the Water Effects cure to be completely clear in 24 hours?
  
  The 24-hour dry time of Water Effects is a guideline only. Actual dry time depends on a number of factors. Very thick applications could take a couple of weeks to clear completely. Environmental conditions like heat and humidity could also extend dry time. To speed up dry time, place a fan in the room to circulate the air.
- How can I make ice blocks?
  
  This method makes very realistic ice blocks. Adjust size accordingly.
  
  1. Apply a square layer of Water Effects onto a non-stick surface, such as freezer paper or a non-stick pan. Let dry until clear.
  2. Add additional layers as needed, letting each layer cure fully.
  3. If necessary, trim with hobby knife after blocks are cured and clear.
- How do I tint Water Effects™?
  
  You can use our Water Tint which is specially formulated to tint Deep Pour Water, Realistic Water and Surface Water. Or you can mix a small amount of Earth Colors® Liquid Pigment or water-soluble paint into Water Effects™ before applying.
- I have applied some waves using the Water Effects on top of my Realistic Water. The Water Effects is still white or has turned white, will it become clear?
  
  Yes, the Water Effects turning white after use is normal. It will become clear over time depending on how thick the Water Effects was applied. It also helps to have air circulating in room your water feature is in.
- How do I make a waterfall?
  
  You can make any size waterfall you want with Water Effects, Water Waves or Water Ripples.
  
  To view a step-by-step video for making a waterfall with Water Effects, visit the following link: http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/video/MakeWaterfall
- How do I apply the Water Effects?
  
  Water Effects is moldable, holds its shape and dries clear. To model moving water, apply on top of dried Realistic Water™ or E-Z Water with a paintbrush or craft stick.
  To model a waterfall, squeeze onto freezer paper or non-stick pan in desired shape and length (add 1/2” to length for attaching to layout). Let dry until clear, then peel off surface carefully and attach using Water Effects as an adhesive. Dry time varies due to heat and humidity.
  
  Click here to view a video on modeling waterfalls with Water Effects.
- Will Water Effects remain tacky or will it dry completely to a hard product? I am wanting to place models on top of it without it leaving marks on it or even worse, sticking to it.
  
  Water Effects will remain pliable. Anything set on top of it will stick to it and leave indentations.
- Can Water Effects be painted with acrylic paint once it dries?
  
  Yes, it can be painted after it is dry with 100% acrylic paint.
- How do you clean Surface Waters out of a brush or any tools used to apply them?
  
  You can clean tools and brushes with warm soapy water.
- Can I pour Deep Pour Water over Water Effects?
  
  Yes, as long as the Water Effects is fully cured.
- Can Water Waves be applied over Water Effects?
  
  Yes. Allow Water Effects to cure completely before applying Water Waves.
Tools

Remove dust and debris from your water feature and other parts of your layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I clean the surface of my water feature?
  
  Only use Dust Dabber or canned air.
  
  Click here to view a short video about the Dust Dabber.

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Water

Water Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Water Tints

Frequently Asked Questions

Water Undercoats

Frequently Asked Questions

Surface Waters

Frequently Asked Questions

Tools

Frequently Asked Questions