How to Model Tarmac Roads

This is the first instalment in how to model a tarmac or asphalt road.

Roads are everywhere so it’s vital to get them right. They are in every country (well maybe not Antarctica) and there is every colour of tarmac under the sun from jet black to almost white. With the advent of cycle lanes and junction markings, there is even green and red.

It is important to look at real photos as the image we have in our mind does not always tie into reality.

My key ingredient is craft foam. It’s 2mm thick and easily found in shops like HobbyCraft – generally in the kids’ section. It has the perfect texture for tarmac so the key is not to smother it.

The Real World

Materials

Craft Foam – 2mm in black or grey
Artists’ acrylic paints – I used Natural and Payne’s grey for the road and Tamiya Rubber Black for the dark patches
Pigments – I used Mig – Industrial City Dirt, Ashes White and Smoke Black
Matt Varnish – I used Vallejo
Scriber but the back of an X-acto knife will do
Masking tape and white PVA glue