BOAR HAIR BRUSH SET - Set of 3 Brushes - Thickness measure in diameter approximately: 1-3/4", 1-1/2" and 3/4". Natural wood handles have an 8" total length. As seen on Martin Welberg YouTube video these brushes are the "Tools of Success" when applying static grass properly. These quality brushes are obviously round. Why round? A straight edge brush produces straight lines which very rarely appear in nature. When conditioned using the procedure shown below and in the video it creates a layered stipple glue droplet pattern of grassy tuft-like appearance just as grasses naturally grow. By controlling the density of the stipple dots, you will be able to feather light grassy areas on parched soils or the edge of dirt road and parking lots then gradually into more dense fields. When maintained properly these tools will provide years of productive modeling. If you haven't already, we suggest you view Martin Walberg's inspirational How-To Video.
Set of 3 Brushes - Natural quality bristle. Solvent resistant plastic ferrule. Square tip (toe) bristles allow grater surface coverage. Brush widths measure in diameter approximately: 1-3/4", 1-1/2" and 3/4". Natural wood handles have an 8" total length.
"Tools of Success" are not available right out of the package. To get the most of these brushes you first must create a 'stippling brush'. This is nothing more than making the nice straight cluster or "the belly" of the brush fan-out and spread into individual and independent bristles. The ideal method for static grass is to apply your glue in small droplets or 'stipple the glue' and build-up the droplet to create the density of grass you are looking for. To begin the preparation is to soak the brush belly in water for at least 24 hours. A jar of water covering the bristles is all that is needed. You want the bristles as soft and malleable as possible. The next day, remove from the water and pad-off the water.
Now it is time to Smash the Brush! Once the brush is removed from the soak, begin smashing or hitting the tip of the brush down as hard as possible against a hard flat surface. It ok to think you're ruining the brush... and you are. It may take several smashes to get the brush to hold the new smashed shape. What you will have is a perfect stipple-brush ready to apply static grass glue. If happy with the appearance of the brush, hang the brush to dry with nothing touching or flattening the new shape of the belly. Allow to dry completely before working with it. Do all three brushes at the same time.
This is an excellent example of a Smashed Brush! Before using the brush for a new session, it is recommended to pre-moisten the brush belly with cool water. Simply dip the brush in water and pad dry. This will cause the bristles to soften and swell and will cause the glue to "wick" the glue better. Dip the tip of the brush a 1/4" inch of glue. REPEAT!... Only a quarter of an inch of glue!!
What the stipple quality of the Smashed Brush allows is complete grass density control. By applying randomly the glue droplets sparingly will create sparse and un-healthy grass growth. By repeatedly applying multiple droplets in a concentrated area will have greater grass density appearing to be a more healthy grass. Use the standard Static Grass Application you have already mastered. Not a Master of Static yet? Work in small areas while mastering this technique. We here at Scenic Express conduct our clinics using 6" x 6" test swatches and small dioramas as a beginner. Then graduate up to the master level.
The first layer of application will be rather boring and mundane. After it dries, perhaps in an hour or so, vacuum off what static grasses didn't adhere. Repeat the same stipple glue over random patches over the same area you first did only this time not as dense, leaving areas untouched. It is OK to stipple glue over the grass you had already placed on the first layer. At this second application you may want to try a contrasting color or possibly a taller grass fiber. Be sure to allow it to dry and vacuum off the excess. Repeat as many times as you want, of coarse within reason.
Here is a good example of a Smashed Brush technique. Note how the shorter grass tufts caused by the stippling appear quite pronounced whereas the medium and taller grass seem to grow more dense. There are nine layers of grasses applied to this scene;
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3 applications of 2mm - Spring, Late Summer and Autumn tones
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2 applications of 4mm - Summer and Late Summer
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2 applications of 10mm - Spring Meadow and Summer Meadow
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2 applications of 12mm - Spring and Late Summer tones
