Making Ice

[bobaloo000]

I know, I know, just add water and place in freezer.

I want to make a frozen lake but can’t find any resources. Anyone who has done this and is willing to share, I'm willing to listen.

 

[Sempak]

What about using your favourite water making resin (envirotex etc) to make a normal lake and then using fine grain sandpaper to rough up the surface so that it does all opaque and frosted looking. You could also try painting the surface of the lake with some kind of paint that will get rid of the shiny transparent surface of the lake.

 

[Ralph]

Building on Chris' idea how about making the lake out of plexiglass and sanding it opaque?
Ralph

 

[SAL Comet]

I didn't know a lake could freeze! Ha Ralph, I heard it was -54 in Mn. this morning Seriously though, I read somewhere that sandblasted glass (aka obscured glass) makes a good "frozen lake".

 

[Ralph]

I hope that was a "windchill" temperature!!!! If it was actual air temp then it was probably up by International Falls or Warroad...towns that compete for the title "The Nations Ice Box". Only 12 below or so in St. Paul.
Ralph

 

[Muddy Creek]

Nothing gives the frozen look to a body of water better than a frosty finish and an ice fishing shed on top.

(Heading to 20 or 25 degrees F below tonight. 0 now.)
Wayne

 

[spitfire]

You can also get frosted acetate at art supply stores. I would put a layer of light blue or grey (could be printed paper from a photo) underneath to give it some "depth".

Val

 

[Will_annand]

I didn't know a lake could freeze! Ha Ralph, I heard it was -54 in Mn. this morning Seriously though, I read somewhere that sandblasted glass (aka obscured glass) makes a good "frozen lake".

Come up to Canada, Sal. They freeze thick enough to drive cars on.

Yesterday it was -30C here, that would be -22F

 

[spitfire]

I sure hope you're planning to have some kids playing hockey on that pond Boboloo.

Here's a shot I found online for reference.

Val

 

[CalFlash]

Got in late on this thread but the sandblasted plexiglass idea sounds great. I've "frosted" a few windows for O-scale passenger cars when I used to paint, and the effect is very good. Spread around a light dusting of your favorite for snow (I use baking soda), bring out the skaters, and I think it's time for a hot chocolate!