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Static grass is a material that is used to make realistic looking scenery for models and dioramas. In this article, we look at how it works and answer common beginner questions.
What is Static Grass in Model Making?
Static grass is a material used for models that consists of small fibres that look like blades of grass. They are used on the bases of miniature models, as well as dioramas and other hobby models and scenes.
Static grass is designed to stand upright to look like realistic grass, which differentiates it from flock.
What is Static Grass Used For?
Static grass is used in:
- Miniature figure bases
- Dioramas
- Model railways
- Wargaming terrain
- Countryside scenes
- Fantasy landscapes
- Model villages
If you are creating a model railway, battlefield, or garden scene, using static grass can create a more interesting, less ‘flat’ look than painting alone.
Is Static Grass the Same as Flock?
Whilst static grass and flock are similar, they are not the same. Whilst static grass consists of small pieces that look like blades of grass, flock is a softer, flatter material. Flock is good for creating ground texture, such as moss, leaves, or rocks, but it can be used to make a more general grassy appearance.
When it comes to creating a grass effect, choose flock if you want a more general, beginner friendly material. Choose static grass if you want a more realistic effect that resembles individual blades.
How Do You Use Static Grass?
You can follow a few, simple steps to apply static grass to your projects:
- Paint the base first.
- Brush glue onto the area you want grass.
- Apply the static grass by sprinkling it or using an applicator.
- Tap off any excess.
- Let it dry fully.
- Add extra patches of grass, or other colours or lengths if you need to.
For a beginner, it’s easier to experiment with smaller patches of ground, rather than covering the whole surface perfectly. In the real world, grass is usually not completely even.
If your scene includes a perfect lawn, you may need more comprehensive grass coverage.
What Length of Static Grass Should Beginners Use?
Static grass comes in a variety of lengths. Shorter fibres are good for smaller models and more subtle ground cover. Longer blades are perfect for tall grass scenes, such as fields or wild scenery.
What Colours Does Static Grass Come In?
Static grass comes in a variety of colours, such as:
- Green
- Dark green
- Straw yellow
- Brown
- Red
- Orange
- Mixed blends
A mix of colours can actually look better and more natural than a single colour. In real life, it’s rare for grass to be one, perfect colour; some mud or dry patches are very common.
Static Grass for Dioramas
Static grass is great for dioramas, as it can make your scene look more realistic. A base that is simply painted green or brown, for instance, can look flat and dull, so adding some static grass can really bring the scene to life.
It is especially useful for creating countryside scenes, garden scenes, battlefields, and railway embankments.
Static Grass for Miniature Bases
Static grass makes a great addition to the base of miniature figures, as it helps the model to blend into the surrounding scene. Even adding a small amount of grass to the bottom of a box make the bottom of a figure look more realistic and ‘clash’ less with the ground on the scene.
You don’t need lots of static grass for the base of a figure, and you can combine it with paint and flock.
Is Static Grass Good For Beginners?
Yes, static grass can be a good material for beginners to use in projects, especially if you start small. Even a small amount can really bring a scene to life and add an impressive finishing touch.
The biggest consideration for beginners is how to apply the grass to make it stand up properly. The best way to do this is with an applicator, although this isn’t essential. You can start by testing the static grass without an applicator and then, if you decide you enjoy making models and use grass often, you can upgrade to a static grass applicator.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Slip ups that newbies sometimes make include:
- Using too much glue.
- Using too bright a green colour everywhere
- Covering the whole base in too much grass
- Not painting the base first
- Applying grass before other things in the scenery are finished
- Not shaking off excess grass
- Using very long blades on a small model
Basic Supplies For Using Static Grass
You may need the following items to help apply static grass:
- Static grass
- PVA or other scenic glue
- Brush
- Tray or paper sheet
- Tweezers
- Painted base
- Static grass applicator (optional)
FAQs
Can you use static grass without an applicator?
Yes, you can. However, it might look flatter than it would if you used an applicator. For small, beginner projects, you can sprinkle the grass instead of investing in an applicator that you might not use.
Is static grass better than flock?
Not always. Although static grass is better for creating realistic looking grass blades, flock is good for adding general ground textures such as moss.
What glue do you use for static grass?
Can you use PVA or scenic glue. The glue just needs to be ‘tacky’ enough for the blades of grass to stick to.
Should you paint the base before adding static grass?
Yes. This ensures that any gaps between blades of grass or flock are covered over, preventing bare cardboard from being visible.
Final Thoughts
Static grass is a model scenery material that is used to create a realistic grass-effect on miniature figures and scenes. It is different to flock because it’s designed to look like small blades of grass, whereas flock is a more general ‘mossy’ fibre.
For beginners, static grass is a great addition to enhance a model. You can start off with just grass and glue, and consider buying a static grass applicator later down the line if you enjoy your new hobby.