How To Make Realistic Model Trees Using Plastic Armatures
What’s In This Page
An illustrated tutorial that shows how to make realistic trees using plastic armatures and silicone down. Includes link to where you can download this information in .pdf format.
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This procedure takes you step by step through the process of making a scale model tree using plastic tree armatures and silicone down.
How To Add Foliage To Plastic Model Tree Armatures
- Choose armature for tree species desired.
- Trim the armature to a unique shape.
- Paint the armature
- Stretch silicone artificial down thin
- Glue tips of armature branches
- Apply artificial down and spray paint green or brown.
- Add leaves or flock.
Step By Step Making A Tree
The Armature
The armature as we get it. Of course, there are many other styles. But we prefer these for our ho scale models.
You can get them here.
The armature after trimming and painting. This is an initial trimming. You can trim more or less. And even after you add down, you can trim.
The Artificial Down
A down ball. These are about 5 by 4 by 4 cm. You can get them here.
The ball stretched thin
Applying The Down
Glue the armature tips. Use the glue of your choice. We use common PVA.
Apply the down
Apply the down bit by bit. Put some in place and let the glue dry before Adding the next bit.
All down added for this tree. At this point one can trim some more.
Coloring
This tree was spray painted. Alternatively color the down by dipping it in very thin acrylic paint of pigment.
Using acrylic or pigment allows for making, for example, autumn trees.
Adding Foliage
Use leaves, sponge flock or turf.
In this case fine turf was used.
Download .pdf
Go here to download this in .pdf format. Click here.
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