How to Model Oil Slicks

A while ago I was asked how to model an oil slick. After much experimenting, numerous different products and countless failures, I have finally found a method I am happy with!

The trick to any oil slick is to capture that iridescent shine and that is much harder than it might appear both because of the scale and products available. Most iridescent or pearlescent paints have too larger particles leading to a grainy look which just doesn’t work. I eventually chose a Daler Rowney ink that has a very fine particle and a nice sheen to it.

The oil slick takes a number of layers to fully capture the effect but I think it is worth it when you are done.

The Real World

This colourful marblescent look is what I am after:

Materials

Magic Water Epoxy Resin
Tamiya Clear Paint – variety of colours including red, orange, yellow, blue, green and smoke
Iridescent ink (I used Daler Rowney Shimmering Blue 711)
Woodland Scenics fine turf – burnt and yellow grass
Diorama materials – HO scale barrels from my scrap box, artists pastels, Mig Pigment – Vietnam Earth, static grass