VMS SMART MUD FAQ

Here you will find answers to some of the most common questions on Smart Mud from customers. 

How much terrain will I be able to model?

Effectiveness of bundle is around 650 cm² (equivalent of a 25 x 25 cm diorama, layer 0.5 cm thick ).

How long does it take for the resin to harden?

Resin is dry to touch after about 1h but actual structural durability develops within 24h or more - depending on layer's thickness. SMART MUD XL drying rule: each 0.5 cm of a layer needs 24h to dry. 

What is the open time of the product?

Depending on ambient temperature open time is around 30-45 minutes. After that resin becomes more difficult to manipulate. 

What tools to use?

For mixing, applying and texturing use heavy duty stiff bristled artist's brush (hog bristle). For spreading the paste and modelling smooth terrains use artist's spatula. For quick texturing of larger areas use kitchen nail cleaning brush. 

How much activator should I add?

The amount depends on how much mud you are preparing. Add a few drops and stir the mixture. Add some more and stir again. Keep pouring activator until the mud reaches somehow "gummy" consistency and you find it harder to stir it - this resistance is a sign of appropriate thickness. Stick your brush in the paste, if it can stand on it's own the thickness is OK. 

How to make my mud appear dry? 

SMART MUD XL finish rule: Introducing texturing material to the mix reduces gloss. Simply stick to basic SMART MUD XL mixing ratio which is 1:1. Deep matt will develop within 24h. 

How to make my mud appear wet/glossy?

First step is to prepare a base layer of standard dry mud using texturing material (1:1 ratio) just as described above. Wait 24h for the base to dry and then apply a thin coat of pure resin (like paint, no activator) over the dry terrain with a flat brush. Rub the resin in so that the texture is beneath it is visible. It will dry in 1h and the gloss will be permanent, the thinner this layer the better the result, avoid localised resin accumulation. We advise to have some spare, not activated resin put aside for this purpose. You can leave dry patches of mud for added variation. 

For immediate wet mud finish you can refrain from using texturing material and thicken the resin with just the activator, then apply it. This method is faster but not economical -  you will be using up twice the product - this technique is good to enrich an existent base.     

I want even more gloss!

You may add a coat of VMS Pigment Expert finishing acrylic resin, Alkyd or ENML 2.0 "gloss action" binders to further enhance the wet finish. Colour will deepen and the surface will become even more shiny. Introduce a bit (around 10%) of dry pigment to the binders for a vibrant glaze. You do that after "painting" your dry mud structure with pure resin as described above. You will end up with 3 layers of resin which is crucial as it's the multiple layers that produce the vibrant effect. Using just the finishing resin on dry mud (2 layers) won't do the trick. The resulting contrast between dry damp and wet mud and vibrant 3D appearance of the structure will blow you away! :)

How to make imprints such as tank track or tire marks?

Articulate imprints can be made in well thickened terrain. Introduce extra activator wherever you want the imprints to appear, pour it on the mud, rub and mix it in with a brush to evenly distribute it. The idea is to reach the "gummy" consistency which is good for making imprints. Stick your finger in the mud. If it is too soft add more activator. Next wet a part - road wheel or track of your AFV with VMS Universal weathering carrier and then start making imprints with it. Addition of carrier prevents mud sticking to the part. The carrier will evaporate from them terrain leaving no trace. It's best to make imprints with dismantled suspension parts not the whole model!

May I use other texturing material e.g. sand?

Sand is not recommended as it glitters and ruins the effect. You may mix in other stuff (small opaque stones, gravel) no problem, just remember to stick to 1:1 ratio. Added material must be dry. We cannot guarantee the results if you choose to add your own texturing material but you should be OK most of the time. :)

I forgot to clean my tools and the resin is hard to remove.

You can use VMS Cleaners Pro for acrylics (green "acryl" icon) to easily clean your tools. Simply soak your brushes and spatulas for a few minutes in the cleaners to restore them.