Transform your model landscapes with a static grass applicator. Learn what it is and how it works in this informative read.
Static grass is short artificial fibres, typically 2mm to 10mm in length, and coloured to look like real grass. When glued standing upright, it looks like real grass and adds realism to a model.
The challenge is how to get them to stand up. Sprinkle them onto the glue with your fingers and they’ll just lay flat, looking like a mat.
This is where a static grass applicator comes in.
There are two varieties, the puffer bottle sort and electric models. The puffer bottles are exactly what they sound like; and in my experience it’s a question of luck as to if the grass stands up when using them.
I’d always recommend electric models.
These typically battery powered units apply a charge that makes the grass stand upright as they fall on a model railway, diorama or war game board.
The most notable element of them is a small sieve. This splits up the fibres and separates them. And as they fall through the mesh, a static charge is applied, which makes them stand upright when they land in glue.
There are several different makes and even DIY homebrew versions. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
If you’re looking for an applicator, check out my article on the best static grass applicators which looks at the different models and their advantages and disadvantages.
Subscribe to my free email newsletter for more articles like this, plus the latest model train news, regular and exclusive tips, tutorials and guides. It's free, you can unsubscribe at any point and i promise never to sell your information. Click here to subscribe now.
Andy is a lifelong modeler, writer, and founder of modelrailwayengineer.com. He has been building model railways, dioramas, and miniatures for over 20 years. His passion for model making and railways began when he was a child, building his first layout at the age of seven.
Andy’s particular passion is making scenery and structures in 4mm scale, which he sells commercially. He is particularly interested in modelling the railways of South West England during the late Victorian/early Edwardian era, although he also enjoys making sci-fi and fantasy figures and dioramas. His website has won several awards, and he is a member of MERG (Model Railway Electronics Group) and the 009 Society.
When not making models, Andy lives in Surrey with his wife and teenage son. Other interests include history, science fiction, photography, and programming. Read more about Andy.