My current layout has given me a chance to use something I have never used before: static grass.
What static grass is: a very fine, thin material that, when electrically charged, will stand straight up, creating a realistic-looking turf.
Static grass can be bought in different lengths, from 2 mm to 7 mm, and you can get not only grass in different shades of greens and browns, but you can also purchase weed-looking grass.
In order to apply static grass, you will need a static applicator that will electronically charge the material as you apply it.
If you check hobby stores or even Amazon, you can find many applicators available.
The prices vary greatly depending on how they are powered. The higher-priced applicators are 110 volts, while the lower-priced ones are battery-powered.
Keep in mind how much you think you will be using static grass on your layout. For me, a battery applicator was sufficient for what I needed, but if you plan on doing your entire layout with static grass, a more powerful one would be worth it.
The battery model I have won’t handle static grass much longer than 4 mm, so if you’re wanting to use longer grass or weeds, then you will want to go with a more powerful applicator.
Applying the grass is not hard, but I do suggest starting in an area that is not easily seen so you can practice and experiment a little bit to see the results you will get.
To get started using static grass, first prep the area you’re going to cover. I would apply the grass in small 24″ squares, leaving a wet area on one end where you can continue.
Prep the area by applying PVA (white glue) and spreading it out evenly over the area. Take a nail or screw and drive it into or very close to the area where you will be working. Only go in 1/4 to halfway. You will be attaching the black (negative) clamp to the nail or screw. This will act as a ground. Take your applicator, unscrew the cup cap, and add a couple of pinches of static grass. Don’t try to fill the cup; just put in enough that you think you need to cover the prepped area. Put the cap back on, making sure the bare wire is in contact with the screen. Now plug it into the wall or add the batteries to the applicator.
CAUTION: DO NOT TOUCH THE SCREEN FOR ANY REASON WHILE YOUR APPLICATOR IS PLUGGED IN OR CHARGED WITH BATTERIES. YOU WILL GET A VERY HARD SHOCK IF YOU DO!!!
Your applicator should have a button somewhere on the handle to energize the screen.
While holding the button or, if it has an on/off switch, turning it on, hold the applicator over the prepped area and either with an up-and-down motion or tapping it with the palm of your hand, slowly move the applicator about 1 or 2 feet above the prep area, releasing the static grass onto the PVA. You can add different shades with another application without applying more PVA, as long as it hasn’t started to dry. You can also randomly pinch what you just put down with your finger to make some clumps.
When it dries, if you still see bare spots or just want more coverage, you can use diluted PVA in a spray bottle to spray the area and reapply.
The thing to note is, static grass is messy. It will go out farther than your area, so you will want to use a small handheld vacuum to get any loose grass up. If you’re like me and want to minimize waste, I clean my hand vac’s chamber, suck up the loose grass, and then reuse it.
With a little bit of practice, the results are shockingly amazing. Even with my cheap $30.00 battery applicator, I was very pleased with the results.
Even though I did not get the desired results with the 5 mm and 7 mm static grass using the battery applicator, it was still worth the $30.00 for the shorter grass.
Until next time,
Happy Static Grassing!