Looking for ocean fabric...

[dbsubashi]

Okay, I bought a bunch of 28mm ship models. What I need now is a throw to represent the ocean. I looked at mats, but I would need at least 2 4x6 footers, and they are about $100 each, not including shipping. I have seen some very nice effects with cloth/vinyl. Perhaps crushed velvet? I am thinking aqua/turquoise vinyl as well. Has anyone done something similar? Anyone got a secret supplier?

One last thing, I need a US supplier-shipping from UK/Europe is a killer for this sort of thing!

Thanks in advance!

[Major_Gilbear]

You know... Ebay is probably a good place to find what you're after.

I mean, I know it's supposed to be an "auction site", but actually I find it most useful for exactly these sorts of things (and where you can just buy them without needing to go through an auction process).

I had a quick search and found these:

• link 1

• link 2

• link 3

I'm certain you can find what you're after for cheap!

[Cherno]

I could imagine there being tutorials for crafting your own ocean effect mat, so it looks like the one from Dread Fleet (which seems to be a favourite among amny naval players, but it's really small).

Maybe using a thin blue cloth from the fabric/textile department or store and then use some kind of Batik technique where you soak the whole thing in light blue ink and then just crush it so when it dried, the fold lines get the lighter paint... Don't know if it would work like that but I'm sure it can be done fairly easily and at next to no cost.

[Svennn]

At work we have a lot of promotional vinyl banners custom printed and I have always thought they would make great table coverings.  An 8' x 4' banner without eyelets costs around £50.00.  Shouldn't be too hard to find a good "ocean" image to have printed.

[Mr.J]

I've seen plastic sheet used for light diffusers used to very good effect but I have no idea how big it come or the cost. Might be worth investigating.

[HerbyF]

I would look at a fabric store. Check out the mottled fleece in a light to medium blue color. A couple of yards would do. I often find it on sale for about $6-$9 a yard. Usually comes in 60" width. Two yards gives you a 5' by 6' piece.

[OSHIROmodels]

At work we have a lot of promotional vinyl banners custom printed and I have always thought they would make great table coverings.  An 8' x 4' banner without eyelets costs around £50.00.  Shouldn't be too hard to find a good "ocean" image to have printed.

Linky?

[Landsknecht]

Use a standard blue/green cloth with a textured clear shower door pain you can get at Home Depot to lay over it.

[dbsubashi]

Thank you all for you replies. I am currently looking at turquoise recycled leather.

link

It will stay in place, not bunch up, not snag on minis ( all the things a game mat does) for about half the cost. It has a nice mottled effect. The off-cuts can be made into rivers and ponds. And it's leather! 

[Elbows]

That looks really quite good!