How to create a water effect in scale models and dioramas

Every modeller has faced the same problem at some point... How do you create water effects for scale models?. We've all seen attempts like nativity scene rivers made from tin foil, painted cardboard, blue bin bags, and so on — but none of that will happen again after you follow this step-by-step guide.

In this new article from Feroca we show you how to make a professional and long-lasting lake. Although in this case we'll be recreating a small lake, the technique can be scaled up to any shape or size.

Tutorial: How to make a scale model lake with artificial water

To make this lake, you'll need the following materials:

Materials for making a scale model lake

Masilla Epoxi Epofer Ex 610-A E610-B 1

This two-component epoxy putty will be used to shape the edge of the lake. It can also be used in other projects as an adhesive, while still offering excellent filling and sealing properties.

This two-component epoxy putty is also perfect for working on wood, laminates, polystyrene foam, concrete, and more.

Sprays de Vallejo

To prepare the base and achieve the desired effect, you'll need to use sprays from the Vallejo Hobby Paint range, which will improve paint adhesion.

This spray also makes the process easier thanks to its two diffusers — a low-flow valve (ideal for fine lines and detail painting) and a medium-flow valve (for larger surfaces and thick lines) — respecting and highlighting every detail of the model.

Acrylic paints

We recommend using Vallejo Game Color acrylic paints in blue, dark green and brown shades to add a sense of depth and realism.

These acrylic colours mix perfectly with one another, dry quickly, respect even the finest details, and offer excellent adhesion.

Depending on the effect you want to achieve, it may also be worth using transparent acrylic inks or washes, which are ideal for adding shadows to the model or applying colours in layers.

Resina Epofer EX201+E202

This Epoxy Top Coat will help you achieve a glossy, even finish for that professional water effect.

We recommend tinting it with Jacquard Piñata colours. For this lake we used leaf green and sapphire blue. These inks are alcohol-free, highly saturated and fast-drying on any hard surface. They are also indelible and waterproof.

Now that you know all the materials we recommend for making the lake model, it's time to learn how to put it all together.

Step-by-step guide to creating the perfect scale model lake

• First, cut a thin MDF board into the shape of your lake.

You can do this with a hand saw or a jigsaw.

• Using the Epofer Ex 610-A E610-B epoxy putty, shape the edge of the lake by creating an irregular border less than 1 cm high.

You can smooth it out using isopropyl alcohol and your finger. Make sure you wash your finger thoroughly afterwards.

• Once it's dry, coat the entire surface with PVA glue and sprinkle soil of various grain sizes over it to create a sand-like texture.

• Once it's dry, prime the surface using the Vallejo sprays.

• When painting, you need to work in two zones: the surface and the depths.

To create a sense of depth, paint the bottom with dark blue and green tones, then gradually shift to browns and earth tones as you move outward toward the shoreline.

You can use the Game Color by Vallejo acrylic paint range, apply the drybrushing technique, inks, washes, etc. It all depends on the level of quality you want to achieve.

• Once dry, mix the Epofer EX201+E202 resin following the ratio 100A:60B.

In this case, we tinted it slightly with the leaf green and sapphire blue from the Piñata pigment range, so the base would look more subtle and blended.

• Once dry, you can add vegetation, more scenery elements and other details.

And with this simple process, you'll have the perfect lake for nativity scenes, wargames and dioramas.

If you want to add complementary elements to your lake to make it even more eye-catching, flexible polymer clay Cosclay makes it possible. Find out all the details in the following post: Making toys with Cosclay

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