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How to Make Fake Grass Out of Felt

Felt grass is an excellent way to create landscaping for a model train set, a diorama or any other model setting you may be working on. Adding felt grass enhances the setting to create a realistic backdrop. Purchase felt in small squares or in large sheets. When the felt is raked with a stiff wire brush, some of the material will lift up. This lifted material gives a surprisingly realistic simulation of real grass growing up from the ground.

Things You'll Need

Green felt
Scissors
Water-based contact cement
Small pet brush or other type of metal brush
Artists' matte medium
Liquid dish detergent
Funnel
Spray bottle

Instructions

- 1
  Cut green felt with scissors to fit in the area you would like grass.
- 2
  Apply water-based contact cement to the area you are going to place the grass. Smooth it out to cover the area with a wooden craft stick or small disposable paint brush. Press the felt down on the area quickly before the cement dries and smooth it out to remove air bubbles.
- 3
  Scrape the felt with a Small pet brush or other type of metal brush with stiff metal bristles. Loose strands of felt will come up and resemble grass.
- 4
  Trim any blades of grass that appear to be longer than the others to create a well-manicured uniform look.
- 5
  Mix 1/2 cup artist's matte medium with 2 1/2 cups of water, then add a drop of dish washing liquid and shake the mixture. Use a funnel to pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- 6
  Lightly spray the grass until it appears to have a white cast, and the green color appears darker. Allow one week to dry.

Model Railroads