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Not strictly for wargaming, but I'm making something for my niece for Xmas and her mum has requested I make the snow sparkly.

I can't use crushed glass as she's only a small thing and it probably wouldn't be safe.

Any suggestions Dakka?

Glitter!

I'd thought of that, but I'm trying to keep a level of realism.

I suppose a little of a white, mother of pearl effect type glitter may work.

Thanks!

White hobby sand is pretty sparkly, maybe use that instead of normal matte flock?

The pearl-glitter sounds about right, mixed in with your choice of snow material; finer grain is probably best.

Eh, go ahead with the crushed glass. She'll learn quickly enough.

Barring that (a wise decision ), there's some pretty finely cut/ground glitter, flock, etc. out there for the scrapbooking market. Head over to a craft store and see what they've got to offer (they're usually by the stamping/embossing stuff, in my experience), if none of the usual hobby supplies will do the trick.

I might also try using pearl-/opalescent medium added to/instead of your usual adhesive mix, as it would let you use standard snow flocks or DIY materials, like baking soda, while imparting a glittery effect. A thin coat of gloss varnish over the top would add extra gloss, if it seems to be lacking, while the medium would give a varied, glittery effect.

I once saw a model that did use crushed glass in the mix - specifically crush light bulb as it's very thin.
I'll try & look for the article & post the rest of the mix.

The model railroad company Noch offers great looking powdery snow ("Pulverschnee") that sparkles http://www.noch.de/en/produktkatalog/artikel_detail_neu.php?shop_artikelid=5231112&navi_Kategorie1=&navi_Kategorie2=&navi_Kategorie3=&navi_Kategorie4= . In itself, it is loose, so can be blown away (good for non-permanent application or static environment without wind). But Noch also offers a fixation spray # 61152 . Not to be mixed up with crystal snow by Noch, that is just like white plaster http://www.noch.de/en/produktkatalog/artikel_detail_neu.php?shop_artikelid=5232183&navi_Kategorie1=&navi_Kategorie2=&navi_Kategorie3=&navi_Kategorie4=




Not sure if normal starch is also sparkling, maybe if you add salt.

azreal13 wrote:I can't use crushed glass as she's only a small thing and it probably wouldn't be safe.

bubber wrote:I once saw a model that did use crushed glass in the mix - specifically crush light bulb as it's very thin.
I'll try & look for the article & post the rest of the mix.

Erm ... okay

That's an awesome suggestion Kroot, thanks.

I've ordered some fine glitter for now, but if that doesn't work that's a brilliant plan B.

Taken from harbinger magazine issue 15 (Jan 2005):
Ground up light bulb mixed with baking soda.
Apply PVA / white glue to base then sprinkle on mix:

see here for pictures:
http://www.jeremiebt.com/index.php?page=siteuk
by Jeremie Bonamant Teboul

Mayb try, silver glitter layer first, and then just a standard white flock layer. Hopefully not all the glitter will be covered and it will sporadically sparkle? just a thought! interested to see how this goes

The 'ordinary' glitter that's just 1mm squares of metalic plastic foil would look pretty crap, but I've seen far finer glitter (made from don't know what) which could look great - as others have suggested, experiment with mixes of white and pearl, I think you'll get what you're wanting.

Hmm, could also look good for a winter-themed Slaanesh army?