Habitat Construction

SNOWO-SYSTEM is a proven product line for the representation of snow situations. From freshly fallen new snow to hardened old snow, many variations can be represented by combining the different SNOWO-SYSTEM types. The snow types are fixed by special adhesives. The gluing system is absolutely new and leads to a stability of the artificial snow that has never been achieved with previous techniques. All materials are resistant to aging and UV.

Preparation platforms and substrates
The substrates should be sealed. This is done either with a matt varnish or better with diluted LIGNI-FORM-BINDER, which can also be used to consolidate pine needles, soil etc. well. A good sealing of the base is important, because otherwise the alcohol needed in the processing will dissolve colorants of the base, which can lead to discoloration of the snow.

Construction of the snow layer
The sealed and well dried platform is moistened with denatured alcohol 96% (ethanol, methylated spirit) using a pump spray or a spray gun. The selected SNOWO-SYSTEM type is now spread with a sieve and continuously moistened very well with alcohol. It should be noted that the pump spray is held so high above the platform that the alcohol is not sprayed on with pressure, but that it falls as a fine mist over the freshly scattered snow. Any desired layer thickness can be built up in this way. With large layer thicknesses, it can happen that exposed areas break and fall down due to the weight of the damp and not yet definitely set snow. This can be very interesting as an effect, because it also occurs in nature. If you want to prevent it, build up thick layers in several steps and let the platform dry in between. Allow the finished platform to dry in a dust-protected place.

SNOWO-SYSTEM should only be applied in a well-ventilated area, under a fume hood or outdoors. Keep ignition sources away when working.

If the pedestal is exposed to heavy loads, it can be additionally sprayed with diluted LIGNI-FORM-BINDER after it has dried completely.

Available types

• SNOWO-SYSTEM type 1, basic material for building up the volume, required sieve mesh size approx. 1.5 mm
  
• SNOWO-SYSTEM type 2, older, fine snow, required sieve mesh size approx. 0.8 mm
  
• SNOWO-SYSTEM type 3, older, coarse-grained snow, required sieve mesh size approx. 1.0 mm
  
• SNOWO-SYSTEM type 4, freshly fallen, light snow, required sieve mesh size approx. 1.5 mm
  
• SNOWO-SYSTEM type 5, snow glitter and hoarfrost effect, required sieve mesh size approx. 1.2 mm

With type 2 and type 3, even carefully walkable snow landscapes can be built with the appropriate substructure - especially important when setting up and maintaining large dioramas.