Large Fade Areas

[tom mann]

Add retarder/extender to keep things wet and allow blending.

I would use this with two gallons, blue and white. 

However, if you do your lighting in a certain way, just use the blue and shine lights at the bottom.

[wazzou]

Model an overcast day.

Or model night.   

[wazzou]

I would use this with two gallons, blue and white. 

However, if you do your lighting in a certain way, just use the blue and shine lights at the bottom.

I've had good luck with Floetrol when I dabbled in sign painting as a lad, I'd mix it with One Shot and later with Latex paint in my hobby use.

[Nato]

        I hope this reply posts only once. As an Art Major BS Degree from Westminster College in Salt Lake I have done brush blending in landscapes. I would recommend burshes or + uauing a paint roller which looks very good. Nate Goodman (Nato).

[davefoxx]

Model an overcast day.

I believe this is what Dave Vollmer did when he painted the room that the Juniata Division resides in a light gray color.

DFF

[Lemosteam]

Penetrol is for oil based paints and Floetrol is for latex.  Both can extend the dry time and flow rate for fairly long periods making blending time better.

[Scottl]

You'll need it and some other fluids to blend 150' of backdrop that way.  This is no HCD the OP is working on 

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Scott that is exactly my problem. Most blending will work for short distances, but there is no way to wet-work the paint when going for this distance.

A few notes. You will be able to see the 1/2 to 2/3rds of the layout at any single point in the basement. This is intentional as I designed the room to be an open space. Too many large layouts feel claustrophobic with small isle ways, view blocks and clutter. This should also cut down on the "coffin" feel of the black paint.

While there are clouds and haze, horizon "fade" or atmospheric refraction is very, VERY uniform. This presents a problem with a layout that is so visually linear.

As for lighting. I am using diffuse LED rope lights behind a valence. There will be no way to angle them to reflect most of their light to the bottom of the backdrop so that will not work. Also having a semi-gloss backdrop would not be good for night operations, which will be a major thing.

I wonder if I should just go and ask an auto shop for help. I'm sure they have experience with fading paint.

In the mean time, what is a good thinner for standard latex paint? I may try a few areas this weekend. All I need is a paint gun. New toys!

[Scottl]

I have thinned wall latex paint with distilled water for this purpose and it worked well.

[Santa Fe Guy]

I'm with Scott. Spray along the lower portion. I used diluted liquitex white from an airbrush using a low air pressure. Remember less is best you can always add more in spots latter if required.
Worked well for me. You will get a lot done in a day if not all of your backdrop.
Rod.
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