Using a texture roller

[RobP]

I've just tried using a texture roller to make some cobbled streets, but had problems with the silicone sticking to the roller. does anyone have any ideas?  Is there something to put on the roller or should I wait longer for the silicon to dry a bit?  Cheers!

[Digits]

Have you tried using liquid Vaseline on the roller maybe?

[Mammoth miniatures]

Fairy liquid on the roller might work, but a less runny solution might be to spread the silicone over the desired area first and then dust it with talc.

[snitcythedog]

I would latex caulk, let it set up a bit first then use water to thin some Fairy liquid.  About the consistency of really runny honey.  I tend to avoid silicone like the plague unless it is for making molds.  All I got. 

[sundayhero]

acrylic caulk, mixed/spread with sand should do the trick. It's how I made my textured roads back in time.

edit : to be more specific, I would avoid silicone too. It doesn't take paint correctly, stinks, and will stick to everything.

Basically, here's how I proceed : I take some cloth/canvas, put some acrylic caulk (can be stained with paint) on it, spread sand and gravel, press it with a tool, and once dry I dry brush it with matching colors. Here's some pics.






It will add some nice texture and will avoid the roller/stamp to stick.

[RobP]

Thanks all!

The reason I used silicone is for the flexibility - experimenting with rubber rivers and roads. It is an acrylic one, so will take paint. Will try those tips out, if the problem continues will go back to regular caulk,  maybe try that canvas option

[snitcythedog]

Thanks all!

The reason I used silicone is for the flexibility - experimenting with rubber rivers and roads. It is an acrylic one, so will take paint. Will try those tips out, if the problem continues will go back to regular caulk,  maybe try that canvas option

Canvas is a great option.  I have three game mats that I made over ten years ago and they are still going strong with little to no wear showing. 

[sundayhero]

I did a lot of textured mats back in the days. Still in perfect condition too 

[Codsticker]

Thanks all!

The reason I used silicone is for the flexibility - experimenting with rubber rivers and roads. It is an acrylic one, so will take paint. Will try those tips out, if the problem continues will go back to regular caulk,  maybe try that canvas option

If you have the funds and inclination to experiment you could try using Woodland Scenics liquid latex or (almost guaranteed to work) try using the latex used to make masks such as Smooth-On's Dragon Skin line (link). Very flexible and paintable, but also more expensive.

[anevilgiraffe]

If you have the funds and inclination to experiment you could try using Woodland Scenics liquid latex or (almost guaranteed to work) try using the latex used to make masks such as Smooth-On's Dragon Skin line (link). Very flexible and paintable, but also more expensive.

from a purely fan of movie props point of view, doesn't that sort of latex tend to rot...

[Mammoth miniatures]

from a purely fan of movie props point of view, doesn't that sort of latex tend to rot...

Not really - it'll shrink but it's nowhere near as unstable as foam latex. Keep latex out of direct sunlight and avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals and it's pretty resilient. It will degrade over time when disposed of

[Byrthnoth]

https://youtu.be/9NMvtys5vZA?si=RBO6OtNXH5vpIs33
I haven't tried this, but in this video he smoothes the caulking with (soapy?) water and just dunks the roller in the water before rolling and it seems to work pretty well.

[Burgundavia]

I've done this with acrylic caulk. You need to let it dry a bit, so the surface is solid but it is still pliable underneath. And yes, use some water on your roller.