Chest of Colors forum

Has anyone used spackle for their dioramas before? I saw someone use it for sludge pond effects and really liked it. The problem is that it seperates and cracks as it dries, ruining whatever effect I was going for. I'm using Spackle paste. Am I just using the wrong kind?

I know what you mean but have never used it, so no hel from me. And you may be right - there may be a different word to name it.

me and my internet dictionary don't know the work... have no idea why but it brings me some kind of "plaster" in mind...
am I close by any chance? :pray:

Yeah, spackle is basically a plaster type material that you usually put on walls to cover cracks, etc. But there are different types out there. I got the paste, I've seen light spackle. I'm just wondering if there is a difference in how they dry that would explain why mine is cracking.

spackle in polish - szpachla ^^
anyway I think the reason of crackim maye be, that the substance You mentioned is designed for filling small gaps and smoothing wall surface... now for using it in thick layers just guessing but that's the only think that comes to my mind

Look also for Drywall putty or drywall filler.

There's spackle and there's joint compound, which are similar products. Spackle is more a repair material; joint compound is used for the intial wall construction. Spackle shrinks a lot as it dries, joint compound shrinks much less, and has a higher amount of filler in it. It comes either pre-mixed in tubs or in podwer form. If you get it in powder form (E-Z Sand is the brand most commonly available here in Minnesota) be sure to get the "5 min." variety and not the 30, 60, or 90 min ones, or else you'll be waiting forever for it to dry. Make sure to mix it a little runny, if you're looking for a smooth water effect. You'll have to add water of you get pre mixed. Alternatively, any kind of plaster would give a simlar effect.

Ok great. So I'll stick with the spackle for doing any thin coats for texture and use the plaster or joint compound for anything with depth. Awesome. Thanks for the help!!