Is it necessary to adhere weathering powders to ballast?

[GuilfordRailman]

I’ve applied weathering powders to my ballast and while the brand I’m using is self-adhering, is it best to seal in the powders with an additional method. If so, how do I do this?

 

[santafewillie]

It depends I guess. It is not something that I have experimented with. I would test it out if you ever intend to use a handheld vacuum on it. The worst that could happen is you would have to reapply the powder to the test section. I know of some who use dull coat on weathered freight cars and claim that while it works, it does lighten up the effects.

 

[GuilfordRailman]

I was thinking of trying something like that or possibly applying another layer of isopropyl alcohol and glue on top to adhere it. Not sure if it would work but that might be a way to go too.

I have read similar things that dull coat or matte clear coat takes away the effects of the powders and have indeed confirmed it, having just applied powders and clear coat to a structure I’m making.

 

[logandsawman]

I was thinking of trying something like that or possibly applying another layer of isopropyl alcohol and glue on top to adhere it. Not sure if it would work but that might be a way to go too.

I have read similar things that dull coat or matte clear coat takes away the effects of the powders and have indeed confirmed it, having just applied powders and clear coat to a structure I’m making.

I was going to suggest the glue mixture, I think that would work.

Maybe dilute it down a bit extra. Of course, I would suggest testing on a small section first.

 

[D&J RailRoad]

As fine as the powder is I would think it would stay in place on its own.

 

[GuilfordRailman]

I was going to suggest the glue mixture, I think that would work.

Maybe dilute it down a bit extra. Of course, I would suggest testing on a small section first.

Good idea with the extra dilution! If I use more alcohol/glue, I’ll be sure to do that.

 

[GuilfordRailman]

As fine as the powder is I would think it would stay in place on its own.

I’ve been thinking that too but at the same time I’m a little skeptical and would hate for the weathering to get messed up some how when cleaning the layout.

 

[wvg_ca]

depends on the weathering powders or sticks, some adhere better than others ....
for high 'hands on' areas i would apply a very light coat of matte finish or possibly dullcoat, a normal or heavier coat will sometimes reduce the effect of the powders ... just to help it not being rubbed off quickly ..

 

[GuilfordRailman]

I’m using Doc O’Briens weathering powders. I have some matte clear coat that would work!

 

[Snowman]

You are probably fine unless: 1) the powders have metallic content, which might be pulled up and into your locomotive electronics (motor, DCC controllers, etc). See if a nearby hand-held magnet picks them up; or 2)Whether they stick to your fingertips if you touch the ballast when re-railing cars and then rub them on light clothing. They probably wouldn't cause any more trouble there than would dust or dirt...but you might also find yourself doing a lot of laundry. In which case: wear dark clothing when running trains. Perhaps railroader's overalls....

 

[PRR Modeler]

Although it's not weathering powder and I'm not sure of the effect you are looking for, something I do is put A&I on high travel areas which darkens the ballast. I put it on with an eye dropper.

 

[GuilfordRailman]

You are probably fine unless: 1) the powders have metallic content, which might be pulled up and into your locomotive electronics (motor, DCC controllers, etc). See if a nearby hand-held magnet picks them up; or 2)Whether they stick to your fingertips if you touch the ballast when re-railing cars and then rub them on light clothing. They probably wouldn't cause any more trouble there than would dust or dirt...but you might also find yourself doing a lot of laundry. In which case: wear dark clothing when running trains. Perhaps railroader's overalls....

Might just have to wear the overalls anyways!

 

[GuilfordRailman]

Although it's not weathering powder and I'm not sure of the effect you are looking for, something I do is put A&I on high travel areas which darkens the ballast. I put it on with an eye dropper.

What’s A & I?

 

[PRR Modeler]

I use isopropyl alcohol and India ink. The alcohol let's it soak into the ballast.

 

[GuilfordRailman]

I use isopropyl alcohol and India ink. The alcohol let's it soak into the ballast.

Ahh okay. That’s what I thought you meant by A & I but wasn’t sure 100%. I used both weathering powders and the A & I mixture to weather the ballast to add variety.

 

[Greg@mnrr]

I used powers on a siding perhaps 10 years ago on a patch of power to represent iron ore debris. I soaked it with 71% alcohol and the track ballast binder (white glue) worked itself up into the powders and when dry almost impossible to vacuum off.

Greg