A question about thickness

[newshipmodeler]

When modeling a 1/700 calm, deep, dark-water, dockside scene, should all of the docks and ships be elevated with sheet plastic to compensate for the acrylic gel thickness ? The docks are only 4mm thick. I have seen some examples using watercolor paper as a base. Was the painted, texured paper chosen to 'transmit' a final color to surface while using a very thin layer of clear gel ? Or is it chosen to simply give the gel a 'tooth' to stick to, because the water's gel surface is painted anyway??

[David Griffith]

Dear Newshipmodeller,

I wouldn't bother about trying to increase the height of the docks. After all, the water will be rising and falling twice a day with the tide. If anyone queries it, just say it's high tide!

Regarding watercolour paper, it is to give a basic ripple effect. Paint the paper your chosen colour to represent the deep water. Put a thin layer of gloss acrylic gel medium on top of this, working up to the waterline of the ship, which should already be stuck to the paper. Apply only a few square inches at a time as it sets quickly. Before it sets, go over it with an old paint brush in a flicking motion to pick up a texture of ripples in the gel medium. Don't paint on top of the gel, you want the colour to be transmitted through this clear layer to give a sense of depth to the water. Painting white for wakes and bubbles is another thing, but painting solid blue/green/grey on top of the clear layer will negate any advantage from using it and make the water look solid..

Regards,

David Griffith