While perusing another forum, I came across a technique that I had not heard of before.
Pre-shading with dry pastels. Here’s the link to the topic:
Anyone ever tried this before?
Gary
Hello!
I tried to apply the pastels wet and dry, and it works - but all those weathering powders, pre-mixed washes and stuff work better (I suppose) - otherwise people wouldn’t buy them, would they? In a pinch you can always go to the art supply store or sometimes even a supermarket, buy dry pastels and give it a try! Good luck with you r modelling projects and have a nice day
Paweł
Why “suppose” they work better? I’ve tried them both and they work the same. I buy the cheap Alphacolor brand and they are much cheaper than the modeling stuff.
As to the original question, I wouldn’t use either for pre-shading. They would have to be sealed, which is an added step. Plus, it seems to me that the powder would have a texture, as opposed to a smooth layer of paint.
The author of the linked thread used pastels because the result was a “neater” more uniform shading than his attempt at airbrushing. Personally, I think his non-uniform “sloppy” shading would be more realistic. Things don’t weather uniformly in nature.
But I’m not one to poo-poo any technique that works. If you like the results and are more comfortable with the technique, then go for it.