best item to use for modeling water

[railbuilderdave]

I wanted to try my hand at modeling water and I wanted to get thoughts on whats the best thing to use.
dave

[3rdrail]

I'd say it somewhat depends on the application. A rushing stream with rapids? A lake? The ocean? A drainage ditch?

[tom mann]

Yes, it depends on what type of water.

I like Magic Water.  It dries smooth, like a pond or lake with no wind.  I use gloss medium on top of it for rapids:

[Zox]

I'll put in my vote for fluorescent-light diffuser panels:

[railbuilderdave]

I've heard that majic water has a problem with it shrinking over time.  Have you noticed that to be true?
Dave

[tom mann]

I've heard that majic water has a problem with it shrinking over time.  Have you noticed that to be true?
Dave

No, you might be thinking of the woodland scenics water.

[Caleb Austin]

I've heard that majic water has a problem with it shrinking over time.  Have you noticed that to be true?
Dave

No, you might be thinking of the woodland scenics water.

The woodland scenics water definitely has a shrinking problem. I would stay away from it.

[tom mann]

The woodland scenics water definitely has a shrinking problem. I would stay away from it.

In addition to yellowing and cracking.

[railbuilderdave]

Thanks people, this is the info I'm after and I don't think you can find this in any magazine or other publications.  I must say you guys have been a great wealth of information that has saved my countless amounts of time and money.  I hope I can become as helpful as everyone here is very soon. 
dave

[wm3798]

I did this with acrylic gloss medium.  Makes a nice easy flowing river.

Lee

[railbuilderdave]

I did this with acrylic gloss medium.  Makes a nice easy flowing river.

Lee

Do you or should I say, has anyone had the bad side effects when using the acrylic gloss medium?  I wouldn't think it would yellow or shrink since its meant for paintings. 
dhd

[Ryan87]

Do you or should I say, has anyone had the bad side effects when using the acrylic gloss medium?  I wouldn't think it would yellow or shrink since its meant for paintings. 
dhd

I've had it lose it's gloss over time (after a couple years) but a good cleaning and another application brings it back.

[railbuilderdave]

What about a coat of polyurethane over the acrylic medium.  That would give a coat of gloss that may last longer, thoughts?

[railbuilderdave]

Yes, it depends on what type of water.

I like Magic Water.  It dries smooth, like a pond or lake with no wind.  I use gloss medium on top of it for rapids:

How did you create the rapids in the gloss medium?

[tom mann]

How did you create the rapids in the gloss medium?

I use a stiff bristled brush and dab it on, occasionally dabbing it while it dries.