two questions about paint chipping:
I heard a lot about the “sponge” technique, but i dont exactly know what sponges work best. any insight?
also, is it better to apply the chips over a glossy or matte surface? or does it not really matter… I will be using Vallejo acrylics.
Thanks!
Beltfed,
You can use natural sponges, artificial ones, heck I use that dark grey packing foam. Experiment with it and find what works for you.
When I do chipping I cut out small pieces of foam/sponge, grab it with some self closing tweezers, lightly dip it in paint, dab off the excess, and go to work. Keep in mind areas that will and will not get high traffic and or use. High traffic = more chipping.
I apply mine on a matte surface since I mostly work with acrylics and, there is not a need for a gloss coat. Here is a link for what I’m currently working on. Not to hijack your thread but, rather to give you an idea of what you can do. If you need clarification on it, feel free to drop me a line.
/forums/t/130574.aspx?PageIndex=5
Cheers
Dave
Dave said it all. Believe it or not I couldn’t find a good sponge that works well at Hobby Lobby or Michael. I tried them all… didn’t like the results. Then one day a package arrived with the right kind of foam and it has been the best for me so far. One more thing… I like to thin the paint a bit because if it is too thick, it will not look right on the kits if scratches and dents are on top of everything.
Ironically, I’ve just bought some make up sponges off Ebay for about £1, they’re very fine latex sponge so give a very fine ‘sponge effect’ better than ‘normal’ sponges, easy to cut/tear into shapes you want as well…give em a try.
But for chipping check this guys threads out, personally I think he does some of the finest work I’ve seen over on Planet Armor
You can also get some nice effects with chunks of green Scotchbrite type scourers.
As always when trying a new technique, practice on something disposable first, never on a live build.
I’ll have to give that one a try. I’ve got a couple of package of those. Thank you
Cheers
Dave
You´re ALL wrong !!! [:@]
This is the best sponge!!!
[:D][:D]
Jokes appart, the best sponge I´ve worked with is the sponge from my airbrush package
Yes, the blue one. In general, all the sponges employed for package are right, as they are very fine. I´ve tried sponges typical for having a pleasant bath and they do not work properly.
I cut it with my modelling knife in order to get the desired shape as sometime we need chipping in very specific places, some times, hard to reach.
If you´re using acrylic paints, or even enamel, the procedure is always the same.
1.- Study the palce where you want to add some chipping
2.- Cut with a cutter your sponge according step 1.
3.- Take it with your tweezers (I never use my fingers as I use to cut the sponge in little chuncks usually with just 5-10 mm as the maximum dimension)
4.- Soak the sponge in the paint (sometimes, I add some water to the Vallejo paints in order to get the desired effect, that is not always the same)
5.- On a tissue paper or similar, download the paint until it almost does not remain in the sponge.
6.- Apply the sponge on the desired surface. Do the chipping in several times, do not try to get the final result just at the firs time. repeat the procces.
Anyway, in my humble opinion, best results are achieved using the sponge AND the brush, not only the sponge (or the brush). Scratchs always with brush, polished surfaces (with bare metal), with sponge, for example. Try to mix this effects to get the best result.
Agreed!
Automotive gray & red work better for general modeling & ‘chipping’ as they are designed for sanding and more are abrasive than kitchen types.
For scratches try the edge of a piece of paper with appropriate color paint on the edge, draw it along the surface, front to back & use a new piece every scratch.