Rolling Pin Temple

Rolling Pin Temple - a texture roller with a temple stone motif

Into soft modeling compound the roller presses a continuous stone surface in the spirit of temple architecture. It suits anywhere you need large blocks, ceremonial paving or facing that looks ancient and massive. The roller is a permanent tool; the only consumable is the compound, which you obtain separately.

How to make the impression

• Roll the compound out to an even layer somewhat larger than the target part, as the edges get trimmed anyway.
• Treat both the roller and the surface underneath with a release agent, so that the compound does not catch in the relief.
• Press in one smooth pass with even pressure; on a massive stone pattern press somewhat harder than on fine ornament, so that the joints are deep.
• While it is still soft, add damage: a broken-off corner of a block, a crack running across several stones, a crumbled edge. Ruins without damage do not look believable.
• Once cured, degrease the surface and spray a base coat.

How to turn an impression into a ruin

A temple texture works best when you do not leave it uniform. Divide the surface into two or three stone shades, let a dark wash flow into the joints and lighten the tops of the blocks with a dry brush. Add a shade of moss into the shaded corners along with fine pigments; on the vertical faces under the edges, add thin traces of running water. The relief then gains a depth that the impression alone does not have.

Who it is for

• Builders of fantasy and historical dioramas with stone architecture.
• Figure painters who want a base with a pronounced texture.
• Makers of terrain pieces where the same texture repeats over a larger area.

Modeling compound, a release agent and paints are not included in the package. Clean the roller after use while the compound is still soft, as cured material would spoil the pattern permanently.