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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: Melnibonean on May 04, 2016, 12:59:30 AM

Title: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: Melnibonean on May 04, 2016, 12:59:30 AM
Greetings Folks, here are a couple of pics of my new river made from vinyl floor tiles. The tiles have a very nice texture with gives an impression of running water.

I used 4 tiles, some brown acrylic caulk, some flock, gravel, cheap paints and gloss varnish. I got 3 river sections per tile and made about 11' of river in one afternoon. I would have made 12' but I made a couple of turns/curves. All up for a cost of less than $10.

Step 1: Mark the river sections using a circle compass with a lead in each end.
Step 2: Cut them out with scissors (very easy to cut).
Step 3: Paint.
Step 4: Varnish.
Step 5 Apply brown acrylic caulk to edge and add flock.

Done.

(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/ikhemm/Apr_4_zpsermwixz6.jpg) (http://s246.photobucket.com/user/ikhemm/media/Apr_4_zpsermwixz6.jpg.html)

(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/ikhemm/Apr_3_zpsqr87g4rb.jpg) (http://s246.photobucket.com/user/ikhemm/media/Apr_3_zpsqr87g4rb.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: gary42 on May 04, 2016, 02:23:04 AM
I like that!  Was needing some river section!  That'll work like a charm!
Title: Re: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: FifteensAway on May 04, 2016, 06:54:13 AM
Spifferific.  And simple.  And cheap.  Good show.  Might just have to steal borrow this idea.
Title: Re: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: Oathsworn Jo on May 04, 2016, 08:38:54 AM
Really good idea, looks great!  :)
Title: Re: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: carlos marighela on May 04, 2016, 09:56:53 AM
Those look good. Where did you find them? Bunnings? Masters?
Title: Re: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: Vanvlak on May 04, 2016, 10:18:04 AM
Very interesting, I can think of a use for this....
Title: Re: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: Eric the Shed on May 04, 2016, 10:21:44 AM
I did something similar to this about three years back...they were built using the vinyl tils from Homebase called Oxford Blue...sadly the range has been discontinued but I keep looking for alternatives.

As you can see from the pics below they do work rather well.

http://shedwars.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/big-rivers_21.html (http://shedwars.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/big-rivers_21.html)

(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j375/ErictheShed/xxbigriver5.jpg)

(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j375/ErictheShed/MT%20RAid%20Sept%2014/r14_zpsc7dc7e27.jpg)

(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j375/ErictheShed/Mata%20Tea%20Party%202013/M8_zps5a95e2ef.jpg)

(http://i1082.photobucket.com/albums/j375/ErictheShed/2aWoodside.jpg)
Title: Re: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: eilif on May 04, 2016, 12:49:17 PM
Brilliant!
I've used VCT for many projects and found it especially useful to use the sticky sides since I can just sprinkle sand over them or stick small roof greebling bits on. However, I never thought of using their inherent texture for water!

I've been though my local Menard's selection and I think they might even have a variety of similar color and texture to the oxford blue that ETS used.
Title: Re: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: Legion1963 on May 04, 2016, 02:43:39 PM
Indeed. Brilliant and saving a lot of time. Thanks for sharing. ;-)
Title: Re: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: Golgotha on May 04, 2016, 05:37:46 PM
Look good but the edges I take it are made from caulk, does it not shrink and crack over time?
Title: Re: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: snitcythedog on May 04, 2016, 09:44:41 PM
Very useful indeed.  Quick and easy solution.  Nice job all around.
Snitchy sends.
Title: Re: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: Marine0846 on May 04, 2016, 11:19:14 PM
Very nice, great idea.
Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Vinyl Floor Tile River
Post by: putter on May 14, 2016, 04:05:24 PM
Great idea, we've been needing some new waterways. Thanks for sharing!