ModelCalcs.uk
Water Effect Calculator — Resin & Ripple Volumes
Calculate resin, water effect and ripple product volumes for ponds, streams, rivers and sea features on your diorama.
Include ripple gel for surface texture
How We Calculate This
The calculator computes the volume of water effect product needed from the area and depth of your water feature. Two-part resin behaves as a liquid, so 1 cm³ ≈ 1 ml.
Formula
- Resin (ml) = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Depth (cm)
- Pours needed = Total depth ÷ 3 mm per layer (rounded up) — resins should be poured in layers of 3 mm or less to avoid bubbles, heat and cracking
- Ripple gel (ml) = Surface area (cm²) × coverage rate — default ≈0.05 ml/cm² (a thin gel skim coat), adjustable under Advanced Options
- Sea / ocean adds a small surface allowance (≈0.1 ml/cm²) for raised wave modelling on top of the flat pour
The ripple-gel and sea-wave coverage figures are practical rules of thumb — no manufacturer publishes a ml/cm² coverage rate for surface gels, so treat them as starting estimates and adjust to your product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Two-part epoxy resin (like Woodland Scenics Deep Pour or AK Still Water) gives the clearest results for deep water. Acrylic water effects (Vallejo, AK) work well for shallow puddles and are easier to use. UV resin is fast-curing but expensive for large areas.
Most water effect resins should be poured in layers of 2-3mm maximum. Pouring too thick causes excessive heat, bubbles and potential cracking. Allow each layer to cure fully before the next pour.
Add tiny amounts of transparent paint or resin tint to the mix. Green-brown for rivers, blue-green for sea, dark brown for swamps. Always test on a spare piece first — a little tint goes a very long way.
Apply acrylic gel medium or specialist ripple gel to the cured resin surface. Stipple with a stiff brush for choppy water, or drag in one direction for flowing water. Build up multiple thin layers for waves.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.