Best habitat dirt???

[noo12]

I'm working on my first habitat that i plan to use dirt in... i've heard of mixing elmers glue with water then applying to the dirt. i've also heard of adding some clear cuack and cement mix to the same mixture to make ir harder. has any one else heard of that or have any other suggestions???

[jward]

Take some dirt and screen out all of the chunks and things like that.  Then take water and elmers glue at a 50/50 mix.  Mix in your screened dirt and mix to a peanut butter consistency.  You want it like a paste.  Then you will be able to spread it around where you want it pretty easy.  You don't need caulk or anything like that it will dry hard enough.  Hope this helps out.  I have used this mix a couple of times.

[Studio106]

Anytime that I mix Elmer's and water (50/50) with dirt to a peanut butter consistancy, it tends to get cracks in it when it dries. If you don't mind the cracking, then it is as dubable as it gets. It is extremely tough. I like mixing Elmer's glue with a brown latex paint that matches ther color of your dirt in a 50/50 mix, paint it on your base liberally (but not too thick to run),sprinkle your ground clutter (leaves,crasses,pine needles, or whatever you want to put down for ground clutter), and pour the dirt over the top of your ground clutter liberally. After it sets up, simply dump off the excess, blow off, and do any touch ups if needed. It's easy, effective, and creates a very realistic ground effect. I don't know about you, but when I am out in the outdoors, I rarely come across an area that is just dirt. The ground clutter is what makes the ground come "alive" so to speak. Good luck and post a couple pics when done.

[Studio106]

By the way, mixing peat moss with your dirt gives it a nice texture also. Give that a shot too.

[Yogi]

Mix peat moss with envirotex lite for a wet marsh scene, If you desire a dry look sprinkle peat moss on top before it dries. 

[Becky P]

You can mix dirt/peat moss with fiberglass resin too. Just be absolutely certain that your dirt is completely dry first.

[Limbhanger66]

I just tried some WASCO Instant Base Mix and it worked pretty good. After it dried it was a light brownish grey color. I stippled in some darker brown highlights here and there and added a little moss. A little of it goes along way since it is pretty sticky and you can basically just rub a thin coat on. (I smeared it over polyurethane foam) I tried the elmers glue and dirt recipe and it was ok, but I liked the consistency of the base mix more and it dries faster.

[3daddysinc.]

Totally agree w Becky. This is what we have used in our shop for bases especially for 20 yes. No problems here. ( well maybe the fumes but, just make sure you are properly ventilated)

[noo12]

thanks for your help, what i ended up doing was the elmers, water at a 50/50 mixed in with the peat moss but i also added a little bit of quickcrete, it diffinetly helped suck up the moisture... i'll post a picture when i get one

[noo12]

here is the final habitat

[jward]

The glue and water mix does get some crack lines in it, but depending on your on what habitat you are looking to reproduce the cracks add a little realism i think.  Everyone has good ideas and I will try some of them.

[WILDWORLDTAXI]

I think that looks awsome. Great job! Were did you get the rock?

[noo12]

thanks.  i made the rock, it is 2x4's covered with chicken wire, then a plaster of paris, one of the mixes that is in the taxidermt magizines.

[Laurier]

you straight glue , paint on thin layer apply dirt , pat it down into the glue , let dry , flip over the scenery when dry and remove the excess , apply more glue where needed .

Problems call me 705-476-0483

[Wild Tracks]

if youmix in some moss that helps prevent a lot of the cracking