<p>In model making, granulated cork is used for fake soil. That shouldn't mark, or at least not without a fair bit of effort. It also glues well, for example with PVA wood glue. Some may be dyed, and that might shed a little colour but natural cork should be a good colour.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-06-20T04:59:32.670Z
If you cannot find granulated cork for this project, "liquid cork" sealant from the home construction store might be an alternative.
Elmy
CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-06-19T10:24:42.547Z
2022-06-19T10:24:42.547Z
Chris H
<p>For our wedding we are going for a very light 'alice in wonderland' theme, which includes a 'down the rabbit hole' table where we would like guests to drop their well wishes in.
The table will be covered in astro turf for a grass effect. But that actual rabbit hole will be a charity/donation bucket with a sloped lid and slot, which will be sunken into the table.
<a href="https://i.sstatic.net/QBI5O.jpg" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/QBI5O.jpg" alt="purchased bucket" /></a></p>
<p>Now for my usual things like this i would cover the surface in silicone sealant, and press soil into it.
Which works wonders and looks amazing.
But I'm worried that if I use real soil, when people put the cards through the slot the soil will mark them as it rubs against it and we don't that.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any ideas on what we can use in place of soil that still looks realistic but would leave no marks on things rubbed against it?</p>

<material-selection>
How to make something look covered in soil, with out risk of staining/marking
Gareth Davies
# How to make something look covered in soil, with out risk of staining/marking

(Asked by: username_0 on 2022-06-19)

For our wedding we are going for a very light 'alice in wonderland' theme, which includes a 'down the rabbit hole' table where we would like guests to drop their well wishes in.
The table will be covered in astro turf for a grass effect. But that actual rabbit hole will be a charity/donation bucket with a sloped lid and slot, which will be sunken into the table.
[![purchased bucket](https://i.sstatic.net/QBI5O.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/QBI5O.jpg)

Now for my usual things like this i would cover the surface in silicone sealant, and press soil into it.
Which works wonders and looks amazing.
But I'm worried that if I use real soil, when people put the cards through the slot the soil will mark them as it rubs against it and we don't that.

Does anyone have any ideas on what we can use in place of soil that still looks realistic but would leave no marks on things rubbed against it?

**Tags:** material-selection


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2022-06-19. Score: 7 | Accepted answer

In model making, granulated cork is used for fake soil. That shouldn't mark, or at least not without a fair bit of effort. It also glues well, for example with PVA wood glue. Some may be dyed, and that might shed a little colour but natural cork should be a good colour.

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: If you cannot find granulated cork for this project, "liquid cork" sealant from the home construction store might be an alternative.  

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