Recommended method of adhering grout around trackage

[kelleywpns]

I'm getting closer to ballasting the tracks in and around my engine service tracks and roundhouse.  I used fine Arizona Rock and Mineral cinders for my classification tracks and although I'm fairly happy with the way it turned out, I'd like a different effect on my next step.

I've conducted a couple tests on some scrap foam w/ spare pieces of track and grout.  I seem to have better luck NOT using any kind of diluted glue.  When I misted on a water/alcohol mix, things turned out decent--no real ‘potholes’; didn’t move much of the grout out of place; dried nicely.  When I dropped on a diluted glue mixture on the other test, I ended up with almost a glossy “sheen” on the hardened grout after it dried.
I was curious as to others experience using grout and how they chose to adhere it to their layouts.  Also, looking for some input on how the dried grout has stood over time with your chosen method (i.e. did it continue to give off ‘dust’, chip, etc)?

Thanks for your time.
Mike

[DeltaBravo]

I have used it for roads and a scrap yard. I used a little white glue underneath to hold it in place, then I used a wetwater mist and the grout dried solid. You might want to reach out to @Ed Kapuscinski . He is a big fan of using grout and used it in his yard.

Here is his article on it http://conrail1285.com/n-scale-ballast-using-sanded-grout/

[robert3985]

"White Glue" or "Elmers" will be glossy when dry. 

If you don't want glossy, use a quality matte medium, such as Liquitex...which dries ultra flat, and is also a bit flexible...not much, just a "bit".

Mix it up just like you do white glue.

Problem solved.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[MVW]

I used Woodland Scenics cinders as the base in my yard. While that was still damp from the glue/water mix, I dusted on some grout. After it was all dry, I dusted on more grout, and worked it around with a dry brush. Nothing needed to adhere the final layer.

Jim

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I have used it for roads and a scrap yard. I used a little white glue underneath to hold it in place, then I used a wetwater mist and the grout dried solid. You might want to reach out to @Ed Kapuscinski . He is a big fan of using grout and used it in his yard.

Here is his article on it http://conrail1285.com/n-scale-ballast-using-sanded-grout/

DfB explained what I'd have said. I use white glue and water. I haven't seen issues with the sheen, but I'm now gonna be looking for it.

I also agree about the dry dusting technique. I've that too with good luck.

[mmagliaro]

I painted the underlying surface with a shade of paint close to the grout.  (this was for a flat dirt area in a yard).
When the paint dried, I brushed thinned carpenter's glue over the area and dusted grout over the top.  After if dried, I vacuumed up the excess (which was minimal).  I think there were a few spots where I had to brush on some more thinned glue and dust more grout, but overall, it all came out well on the first application.  It has held great for over a year now (maybe 2?).  And because there's no glue or spray over the top of the grout, it has that bone-dry dirt look I was going for.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I painted the underlying surface with a shade of paint close to the grout.  (this was for a flat dirt area in a yard).
When the paint dried, I brushed thinned carpenter's glue over the area and dusted grout over the top.  After if dried, I vacuumed up the excess (which was minimal).  I think there were a few spots where I had to brush on some more thinned glue and dust more grout, but overall, it all came out well on the first application.  It has held great for over a year now (maybe 2?).  And because there's no glue or spray over the top of the grout, it has that bone-dry dirt look I was going for.

That's a good technique. I usually do something similar myself, but I use a brush instead of the vacuum, and reclaim the excess.
I've got some photos of the process, I guess I've never posted them.

[DeltaBravo]

This is not the best shot, but the yard and the road on the left are all grout

[kelleywpns]

Thanks all for the tips and advice.

Laying the glue down first makes sense--I was applying it like scenic cement with a pipette when I got the 'glossy' effect.  Misting on the alcohol/water mix after was much better.  However, I may forgo that if I attempt to sift on the grout afterwards--I'll try another test piece with thinned glue. 

Thanks again.

Mike

[fotoflojoe]

Grout looks like a terrific medium for roads and lots. I'm intrigued! Regarding its use ballast: when alcohol/water is applied, does the grout mix into a slurry, and end up looking like a solid mass, or does it retain an "aggregate-y" look? I suppose I could get off my intellectual a$$, and go read the article that Ed was kind enough to write.

-Joe

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Grout looks like a terrific medium for roads and lots. I'm intrigued! Regarding its use ballast: when alcohol/water is applied, does the grout mix into a slurry, and end up looking like a solid mass, or does it retain an "aggregate-y" look? I suppose I could get off my intellectual a$$, and go read the article that Ed was kind enough to write.

-Joe

It looks like, well grout. Which, given the scale involved, is about right.

One really important key, though, is to make sure to mix in different colors to provide the visual "texture" of real ballast.
My Conrail formula is in the article.

[chuck geiger]

Next layout I'm using it.