Please see my INTRO post for a quick laugh on how much of a newbie I am. Then I ask kindly if you could please answer the following four modeler questions in as EASY of a way as you can (think “Plastic Modeling For Dummies” as that is where I am at right now but I am hungry to learn) - thanks!
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How does one add “scratches” and scuffs by using a dry brush? In other words what are the proper techniques and is there a video or two here at FSM showing how this is done?
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What is a “pin wash” and how SPECIFICALLY please do I apply it? Do I use a pin, toothpick, Bowie knife, etc.? What is the technique used to apply it? Is there a video or two here at FSM showing how this is done?
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How does one “dry brush” a model and still leave as FEW brush marks (if any) as possible? Is there a video or two here at FSM showing how this is done?
4.What does it mean when a modeler says, “For a finishing touch, I airbrushed the model with Testors Dullcote to seal everything. Preferring a dead-flat finish, before I mix it I remove 1/4” of carrier fluid from the bottle." Huh? I am TOTALLY lost on this one folks - please help!
Thlorian, Welcome to FSM and to modeling. You’ll get hours of enjoyment out of both. I’ll be glad to take a stab at your questions, and trust others who know more about these things to make any corrections. Here we go:
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How does one add “scratches” and scuffs by using a dry brush? In other words what are the proper techniques and is there a video or two here at FSM showing how this is done? This should help answer #3 as well. You get a paint that likely approximates the color lying under the surface color of your model or that is the color of scratches from trees or something. You dip your brush in the paint and then rub the brush on a clean cloth to remove most of the paint, so that the brush is practically “dry” of any paint. You then lightly pull the brush over the surface of the model so that any raised parts on the model protrude into the brush where some paint is likely still lingering. The result is that you leave some paint on those raised spots but not on other parts of the model that the brush touches. it really is an amazingly effective, simple technique. You will like the result. Usually, you will use some color of grey to give the appearance that the paint has been scraped off down to bare metal. In reality, you have added a layer of paint, not taken off a layer, but the eye sees it differently. There is also a technique for actually removing the top coat of paint but that’s more involved and not what you were asking about.
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What is a “pin wash” and how SPECIFICALLY please do I apply it? Do I use a pin, toothpick, Bowie knife, etc.? What is the technique used to apply it? Is there a video or two here at FSM showing how this is done? In a pin wash, you add color to certain recessed details on the model by applying a very thinned down color. The best thing to do is to Google “pin washes.” You’ll get all kinds of hits to help you.
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How does one “dry brush” a model and still leave as FEW brush marks (if any) as possible? Is there a video or two here at FSM showing how this is done? See #1, and do a Google search for “dry brushing.” You can use something other than a brush for this technique, then you don’t have to worry about the appearance of brush lines, like use a piece of cloth instead, and pull that over the surface detail.
4.What does it mean when a modeler says, “For a finishing touch, I airbrushed the model with Testors Dullcote to seal everything. Preferring a dead-flat finish, before I mix it I remove 1/4” of carrier fluid from the bottle." Dullcoat is a clear lacquer-based topcoat used as a final coat to seal the paint and other coatings and special effects. It consists of the coating material, i.e. the lacquer, and a carrier medium, i.e. some liquid in which the lacquer is suspended, likely a petroleum distillate of some sort, I suppose. Think of it as polyurethane for models. I think he means that he lets the bottle of Dullcoat sit for a while so that the coating material, i.e. the lacquer, separates from the “carrier” medium. The carrier/suspension medium is lighter than the suspended coating material, so if the solution sits a while, the coating material settles and you can pour/siphon off some of the suspension medium. Then he mixes it up. That would give him a thicker liquid and I suppose enable him to spray on a more concentrated coating. I’m not sure what effect this gives him. Maybe it assures better coverage, or maybe it gives him an even flatter finish.
I hope this helps. And I hope people with more experience jump in and correct any of my errors. Happy modeling. I look forward to getting your advice soon as you learn what has become a truly remarkable craft. Best wishes. Enjoy!
You can find lots of heplful modelling tricks by going on youtube. Just type in whatever you want to learn more about and it will bring up numerous clips.
Thanks very much! Greatly appreciate all your tips!!