How To Technique: Palletizing
Detail Parts
I will be the first to confess that this technique is NOT the construction of a complete pallet. This technique is to "create" the illusion that the detail/stack is resting on a pallet. For this How To Technique, I will use HO scale 2" x 4"s about 9/16" long for the risers which enable a forklift or pallet jack to get under the pallet to lift it and move it.
Also, I will finish two separate groups of palletized products--one as cardboard or possible wood boxes and the other set as bricks and cement blocks. NOTE: The introductory image at the right shows the stacked products lying flat on the ground which is also an acceptable way to model these details. The first group of palletized details will be modeled as cardboard or wooden boxes. Obviously, additional details may be added such as box labels and strapping to hold the loads to the pallet.
Casting
Preparations
Start by flattening the bottoms of the detail stack castings using a small mill file and/or some 240-grit sandpaper. Do this carefully, so as not to camphor the edges or any details. (Save the LabStone sanding dust and filings to mix with white glue to make repairs and/or fill in gaps in the castings.) Check the castings closely for any imperfections and small pits; and repair them, if necessary, with saved LabStone paste (or drywall spackle).
Next, cut the scale 2" x 4"s about 9/16" long for the pallet risers. Use fine point tweezers to pick up the scale 2" x 4"s and apply a very thin layer of Hypo Cement (#DBZ2925) to one edge of the scale 2" x 4". Position the scale 2" x 4" on the bottom of the detail stack about a scale 6-10" in from the outside edge of the stack. Repeat this step on the opposite side of the stack parallel to the first riser cemented in place. Repeat both steps for the second detail stack in the package (or however many stacks it is that you have set up to make palletized).
Stain the
Casting & Detail Parts--Cardboard/Wood Boxes
Begin by applying a thinned Doctor Ben's Realistic Oak Stain (#DBZ1081) on the sides and the tops of the detail stacks. The simplest way to describe what is meant by "thinned", is to first dip the small detail brush it is that you are using in Alcohol (Isopropyl 70%) or water, and then dab the brush into the Doctor Ben's stain about 1/16" or so. The more or longer it is that you dab the brush into the stain, the darker the color will be that you apply to the detail stack castings. The Labstone castings are very absorbent and will dry very quickly. Think--less is more. Allow the casting to dry and if you would like it darker, repeat this step until the detail stack is the color that you would like. Next to create highlights (illusion that light is being reflected), dry-brush the "high spots " of the castings with Doctor Ben's Depot Buff (DBZ1068) or Antique White (DBZ1091). Avoid getting any of the highlight stain in the gaps or joints around the individual boxes, but don't panic if this happens.
Stain the
Casting & Detail Parts--Bricks/Concrete Blocks
Begin by deciding whether the detail stacks are going to be brick or concrete block. Bricks-Begin by dry-brush Doctor Ben's Nautical Teak (DBZ1084) on the brick faces only. Once again, avoid getting any stain in the mortar joints. Now apply "thinned" Doctor Ben's Worn Concrete (DBZ1095) and allow to dry. Concrete Blocks-Apply "thinned" Doctor Ben's Worn Concrete (DBZ1095) wash on the sides and the top of the detail stack and allow to dry.
The final step of the staining process is to wash the entire Practice Wall casting with "thinned" Doctor Ben's Instant Age Solution (DBZ1152). With the casting standing on its risers, apply a liberal amount of thinned Instant Age, being certain to get the Instant Age into all the nooks and crannies. If more dirt or shadow is desired, repeat the Instant Age step and allow to fully dry before handling.
Finally,
There are probably a dozen other products that these detail stacks could represent. Why not put your personal touches and spin on using this product and send your ideas and images to us. Who knows, someday your images could end up in our Customer Photos!