7 Best Static Grass Applicators for Railway Model

Buying a static grass applicator may be time-consuming and tedious, depending on how knowledgeable you are about static grass applicators. This article will make your life much easier by giving you different varieties of static applicators and broader know-how of their properties. Read along to make an informed decision before entering the online or physical store market.

Our Picks for the Best Static Grass Applicators

Best Overall: TruePower Static Grass Applicator

Best Premium Quality: Mini Electrostatic Flocking Machine

Best Versatile: Geevorks Flocking Kit Static Grass Applicator

Best Value for Money: Woodland Scenics FS639 Static King Black

Best Budget: Peco PPCPSG1 Pro Grass Micro Applicator

Best for Beginners: War World Scenics Pro Grass Precision Static Grass Applicator

Best for Pro Level: War World Scenics Pro Grass Static Grass Micro Applicator & Embankment Kit

FAQs

How to Choose the Best Static Grass Applicator?

Choosing the best grass applicator needs you to consider many factors. Among the top factors you need to check on are the following;

The static grass material range that it can work with

The different lengths that it can be able to attach

The type of mesh, an attached mesh for dispersing the grass fibers, is preferred

The amount of power that the grass applicator produces

Simplicity and portability of the applicator

The above factors are explained in a detailed manner in the section below.

• Grass Length Range Compatibility

Different generic grass on different models comes in different lengths. For instance, you can have some generic grass about 14mm long, while other brands could be up to 3mm long. Hence, when going for a static grass applicator, it is best to have one that can serve different lengths of fake grass or use it on different lengths. This comes in handy when working on different scales of models.

• Grass Material Range Compatibility

Different applicators work with different generic grass materials. Some materials compatible with your applicator, for instance, are Nylon and Rayon. It is, however, best to recheck and ensure that the applicator you are having works with different generic grass materials.

• Power Output Capabilities

To create a perfect and real-looking model, a static applicator has to use power to charge the static grass. Therefore, the efficiency of a static grass applicator is manifested by how fast or large an area it can charge. This means having a high-power applicator is more advantageous as you are assured of doing a perfect job in a large area. An applicator that can operate at different voltages is considered the best.

• Weight Factor

Heavy applicants might not be the best, but having a lightweight applicator is advantageous. Using a lightweight applicator is easier to maneuver or handle. Lightweight applicators are portable; hence you can use them for a number or a range of situations with minimal challenges.

• Manuals and Instructions

Having an applicator with a comprehensive instruction manual is recommended. However, be sure to have instructions that you can easily understand. The instructions should guide you in detail, especially on how to assemble the applicator. Also, check if you can get sketch demonstrations on your manual.

• Mode of Connectivity

Check how your applicator can be powered through a battery cell or a power cord. Going for an applicator with both options is advisable, which means you can use either to your liking or the prevailing power situation.

Finally, your applicator should be as simple as possible. This is to ensure total ease of use. There are several key contributors to these factors; check on your preferences..

What is Static Grass?

Static grass is a material that, as a modeler, you can use to reproduce or create grass that looks realistic in a model railroad scenery layout.

How do Static Grass Applicators Work?

Grass applicators use metal sieves connected to a power supply to produce an electrical charge, which in turn causes grass fibers to stand upright on a given model surface.

How Much is a Static Grass Applicator?

The prices of static grass applicators vary depending on the types. The normal applicators range between $22 – $36, whereas the premium ones cost about $52 – $155.

Tips for Laying Static Grass

These few simple tips that might come in handy when laying static grass include;

First, prepare the area where you will apply static grass well. This includes applying paint on the baseboard to give it the best look, just as you could desire your model to be.

Use good quality PVA glue. This will ensure your grass stands upright when an electric applicator applies a static charge.

Blend and mix different lengths/colors to increase the layout’s realism. The color choice or the length solely depends on your taste and preference. Before applying the static grass, it is best to ensure you have masked off all the vulnerable areas before you apply the static grass. Removing the grass fibers without following these instructions might seem more frustrating than you imagine.

Apply multiple layers using different lengths to improve the depth and look of your model.

When using the applicator, ground pointing is crucial. If the applicator is appropriately ground point, it is easy to build consistency when applying an electric current. Hence the grass fibers will stand desirably.

Conclusion

As much as laying static grass may seem time-consuming, it is one of the best ways to develop a model railway landscape. You can easily transform your scenery layout into stunning realism with the proper tools and techniques.