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Other Stuff => Workbench => Topic started by: 6mmfan on October 28, 2021, 08:01:02 AM

Title: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: 6mmfan on October 28, 2021, 08:01:02 AM
I've been working on a small gaming mat (2x2ft) and backdrop. The mat was made from caulk over a painters drop cloth and covered with different shades of flock.

(https://i.imgur.com/MPKXW0S.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/q5VAOmi.jpg)


The Backdrop was a bit of blue cardboard and painted with a piece of sponge and an airbrush. Its the first time I have attempted something like this so I'm very happy with how it came out as I wasn't sure if I could create a reasonably realistic looking backdrop. If I did another one I'd probably make the hills and trees a little taller.

(https://i.imgur.com/zXbq3jm.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/6zslrwp.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/BVD1Ub6.jpg)

You can read some more about it on my blog here

https://6mmwargaming.home.blog/2021/10/19/new-gaming-setup/
and here
https://6mmwargaming.home.blog/2021/10/28/new-backdrop-for-smaller-games/

Cheers
Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: OSHIROmodels on October 28, 2021, 08:20:43 AM
Nicely done  :)
Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: jambo1 on October 28, 2021, 11:13:29 AM
A very interesting read, and the table and backdrop look the business. :)
Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: Silent Invader on October 28, 2021, 12:56:28 PM
That’s all very well done
Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: CookAndrewB on October 28, 2021, 07:35:47 PM
That is really neat. Do you play with the background in place? I do, but my backgrounds usually only cover one side of the table, and I solo game so not walking the board in 360 degrees doesn't bother me.
Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: 6mmfan on October 28, 2021, 08:56:08 PM
That is really neat. Do you play with the background in place? I do, but my backgrounds usually only cover one side of the table, and I solo game so not walking the board in 360 degrees doesn't bother me.

Its the first background I have made and my intention is to use it for creating and posting game reports. Hopefully it will make the photo editing much easier.
Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: mmcv on October 29, 2021, 08:58:47 AM
Very nice, I love the smudgy tree effect on the backdrop, gives a nice depth to it.
Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: majorsmith on October 29, 2021, 03:33:50 PM
Nice background!
Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: Ranthony on October 29, 2021, 04:10:00 PM
Good effort.
Makes me want to get started on one myself as I generally photograph minis I sell on a Green lego board.

I note you've used a dust sheet with caulk, as a Decorator I'm very interested in the process; was it a painter's mate or silicon type and did you use a texture knife before scattering material on the sheet?

The urge is there to invest in a deepcut studio type mat but as I specialise in repairs and colour mixing, I'd like to see if I can make a go of it.

Cheers

Ry

Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: 6mmfan on October 30, 2021, 01:54:36 AM
I note you've used a dust sheet with caulk, as a Decorator I'm very interested in the process; was it a painter's mate or silicon type and did you use a texture knife before scattering material on the sheet?

Its a "latex infused drop cloth" which I used mostly because there are no seams. The is painters caulk as I buy it from the painters section. I'm in New Zealand and this is the brand I use. On a large mat I smear it on with a large knife or piece of wood, then I sprinkle sand, pebbles on it while the caulk is wet. Next I stipple and dab the wet caulk with the knife or a piece of sponge to rough up the texture.

(https://6mm.wargaming.info/images/terrain/tutorial/6mmroad9.jpg)
Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: Ranthony on October 30, 2021, 12:51:17 PM
Interesting, thank you.

I will try something of the sort soon.

Cheers

Ry
Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: marianas_gamer on October 30, 2021, 11:30:35 PM
Nice job!
Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: DeRuyter on November 04, 2021, 05:19:50 PM
Looks really good, I would never know this was your first effort!

I love the look of 6mm big battles on the table top. Now we have 2mm and 3mm. Sadly my aging eyes tell me otherwise when I try to paint them!
Title: Re: New 6mm gaming table and backdrop
Post by: Burgundavia on November 08, 2021, 07:55:29 AM
I note you've used a dust sheet with caulk, as a Decorator I'm very interested in the process; was it a painter's mate or silicon type and did you use a texture knife before scattering material on the sheet?

As mentioned, you want to use acrylic caulk. A few tips I've picked up from doing a whole set of mats for various games:
1.  Caulk easily takes paint, allowing you to colour as you want
2. Mix in gravel to get a coarse texture if desired
3. Cut the caulk with isopropyl alcohol if you want a smoother texture and faster drying
4. If you get it at precisely the right level of dry, you can use a texture roller on it