What weathering affect/s do they give(what real life weathering do they replicate). How do I apply them and at what stages of construction/weathering do I apply them? And, given they are an artists’ tool, are they expensive.
You use chalk pastels to add dust effects, streaking, fading etc.
You can shave some off the stick with your hobby knife or rub the stick on sandpaper - both methods work.
Pick up a bit with a paintbrush and apply where you want it.
This is usually done as one of the last steps when weathering. If you apply a flat coat over them, they all but disappear. You can compensate for this by adding a bit more before you flat coat, but clear coating can sometimes have the effect of “flattening out” the pastels and some people feel it looks a bit unrealistic.
They can be bought as individual sticks from art supply stores, and can also be found in sets (cheaper). Brands vary, and some can be had much cheaper than others. I have a set of (12) earth tone pastels from an art supply store which cost about $12(AUD). I also have a set of (12) “general” colours from a newsagent, which cost $3.80(AUD). Shop around.
Cheers for that Phil. Where 'bouts you from in Oz?
Ditto what Phil has said. I use them all the time. I grind mine super fine with a mortar and pestle. Mixed with water and a few drops of liquid dish soap, it make a great wash for highlighting panels lines and weather all in one go. And it’s compatible with enamel, lacquer, acrylic… everything.
As far as the streaks, gun blast etc., this is dead last… after the final flat coat. When you use a stiff brush, the color is ground into the finish enough it usually won’t rub off. The trouble with over-application assuming the last clear coat will take it back a bit is what if it doesn’t? Then you are stuck with an over weathered model. I’d rather have it rub off from over handling and re-apply.
Ditto to what both of them said, I don’t use mine for washes, only for dry brushing after all the oil washes are complete and WELL dried.
If you get a brown, light brown and an orange you can make some amazing rust.
Besides very fine and small rust streaks I pretty much only use dry pastels other than oil washes for weathering. I use a rough emmory board (sp?) to get a fine dust then use a fine brush which I do not use for anything else.
I would stay away from the oily “wet” pastels mind you I find they don’t sand down to a fine dust.
I also use it by grinding it and mixing with water and a few drops of dish soap. I weathered my F-8 this way.
