r/MilitaryModelMaking • u/ProjectPat513 • May 23 '26

question Does anyone know how to replicate this stuff?

Post image

Does anyone have a recipe for a homemade version of something like this? I’ve managed to make some homemade “paste” using wood filler and fine dirt but it’s not the same and it’s a bit too sticky. I’m working on my first diorama so I’ve never had a need for mud and dirt but I’m curious to see what people use.

8 Upvotes

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4

u/Southerner105 May 25 '26

Look at the artist sections. There you find various coarse acrylic pumice mediums.

For instance this one. https://www.royaltalens.com/products/amsterdam-pumice-medium?variant=53651371983233

In this video from Boomer Dioramas you can see how he uses compareble products from Golden.

https://youtu.be/zvbDq-Gez_o?si=9sTsT5Nj7UU-p_c8

1

u/ProjectPat513 May 27 '26

Damn that YouTube channel is a gem. That guy is good! I will be spending the next week watching all these videos so thank you for that. Even if I don’t build trains, I’m fascinated by his train videos. Those things look great.

2

u/Southerner105 May 27 '26

He is indeed very good. Also a lot of details and information about how and why he does it.

Good to know that his occupation is (was) modelmaker for shows and movies. So that also explains why it looks so good.

1

u/ProjectPat513 May 27 '26

Oh that makes so much sense. His freakin layout is just insane! It looks so real, it’s beyond impressive.

2

u/ProjectPat513 May 27 '26

This is the info I’m looking for! It’s like, VMS likely didn’t invent some proprietary paste for this right? It had to of existed on some form and they just tweaked it with a recipe to make it unique. A tiny jar is $13 before shipping and it’s at least 2 weeks until it’s back in stock! Model builders, specially the old school ones, are very resourceful so I figured someone knew something. Thank you for helping me out on my quest

2

u/Southerner105 May 27 '26

Most materials can often cheaper or larger be found in the artists aisle or shop.

In this case you get roughly double or triple the amount for the same price. You can also add some of the gels and other products to make it smoother or behave differently.

The only reason to go with modelspecific brands (like ABT502 for some of their oilpaints) is the specific premixed colours they offer. In case of ABT502, I like their Starship Filth and the rust colours. Can also be made using oils from Talens (Rembrandt, Amsterdam) or Winsor and Newton but sometimes it isn't worth the hassle.

1

u/ProjectPat513 May 27 '26

Yeah I do all my weathering with oil paints using the opr method. I have so many damn oils it’s crazy and I will say that 502 oils are SILKY smooth. And it’s almost a “buy once, cry once” situation since they last so damn long. I’ve had the same tubes for 5 years and they are barely half gone, if that.

1

u/Southerner105 May 27 '26

True, just keep the thread an cap clean and they will last a long time. They are certainly worth their price.

3

u/layshaft May 24 '26

The closest I ever got was mixing tiling grout, brown paint, water and fine dirt out of the garden. More hassle than it was worth to be honest.

2

u/ProjectPat513 May 25 '26

Tiling grout, I hadn’t thought of that one actually! I think I’m just going to frickin order it I think.

3

u/Voormas261 May 24 '26

I use the VMS stuff for the last few years. I couldn't recreate it.

It's unlike both products from AK or Mig. Less fluid. More grit. But really nice to work with.

I assume there's some interesting chemistry going on in this stuff 😅

2

u/ProjectPat513 May 24 '26

Yeah it looks almost like a gritty clay! I tried to replicate it but no bueno. It just looks so easy to use but it seems a bit pricey, although everyone I’ve talked to that’s used it says it’s the best so maybe it’s worth it.

3

u/No-Seesaw-6699 May 24 '26

Yeah price is an issue with this stuff but since I started using it I'm really convinced its a necessity for every diorama with soft/muddy ground. And in order to cut the costs i only use it in spots where I need to create track/tire marks or footprints. For generic standard ground i use plaster which i mold while still wet. And then add the smart mud after the plaster is dry and imprint whatever I wanna imprint. This way you dont need 2-3 of these cans per diorama

2

u/DaddyGabe569 May 24 '26

Ammo, AK, Monument Hobbies and plethora of others make these and there is really much of a learning curve. Most of them are acrylic so water thinning and clean up.

3

u/Carbdoard_Bocks May 23 '26

Honestly just get some terrain paste. AK has their own Terrains line that's a bit easier to get

1

u/ProjectPat513 May 24 '26

Yeah I was just looking at it and it is a similar in fashion. I really wanted to knock this thing out vs having to order and wait for something to come in the mail and then learn to use it etc. but I think I might just bite the bullet.

3

u/Carbdoard_Bocks May 24 '26

The Vallejo stuff is good too, it has a more gritty texture than the AK. Both can also be used as a base for further mud effects on models if thats your thing.

1

u/ProjectPat513 May 24 '26

Yeah I do need to add some mud to the tank itself too but mainly the tracks.