I am currently at the phase of adding mud to my KVII build. I applied the MIG pigments and have added the Dark Mud pigment using a mixture of water and plaster of paris. The mixture has dried but it seems to light for me.
How can I darken it a bit. Can I just paint over it?
You can try to drop greatly diluted oil paint into it; that will not only seal it, but would also tint it as well.
If you’re looking for really dark pigment, get MIG’s “Russian Earth” --it’s almost a black-brown.
Stuart,
If by chance you can get a bottle of Russian Earth I believe that will be closer to the color you are looking for.
Rather than paint over the pigments, a better idea would be to mix some darker color paint into the pigments. If you are using an emamal paint, then mix the pigment, paint and thinner together then apply with a brush.
If using acrylics, then the same proceedure execpt substitute water for thinner.
I almost always apply my pigments wet, having first been disolved in some sort of liquid - usually thinner in my case. I try to get it to a consitancy near 1% milk, or even thinner, then I use a brush and carefully paint it onto the area that I wish. Wait for this to dry, then reapply and slowly expand the area to however large you wish. For instance, if I am working on fenders, then I first apply in the corners, wait, then reapply the corner and add a little extra coverage toward the center/edge.
Hope this helps,
Rick Lawler
MIG Productions
Thanks,I have russian earth…will give it a try
One more question.
I might have put on a little to much mud in some areas and other areas I need to take off the mud. Since I used plaster of paris and the mig resin, it now is hardened. Is there a way of removing this stuff once it is on without sanding.
Stuart,
I’m afraid that with the resin you are pretty permanant. You may be able to chip some off with your blade, but it’s going to be a in-percise method.
What’s the chance you can post a picture or two so that I can see what you’ve got and maybe offer some suggestions?
Good Luck
Rick
Here are some pics of where I am
After putting on the russian earth,it dried more grey than I expected…it looks like it is encased in concrete.
I was wondering if I could wash it with some brown colors…to give it the right look for wet/dry earth/mud look
If this is not salvagable,do you know if the Trumpeter KVI has the same hull as the KVII…I would imagine it does. May need a replacement and then less dose of mud/earth…
Stuart, I agree with Rick–that resin stuff is pretty much permanent.
I think it’s diorama time…?
Doog,I was thinking of a diorama…a very muddy one…but I am not much fan of that in my builds…
I may choke this up to experience and get a new hull of the KVI and switch…they should be the same. (cannot find the KVII in my area at the LHS).
I think I erred when I mixed the pigments and used to much…I the proceed to use all of it…next time make less and I won’t be so tempted to overdo it…
Stuart,
Honestly, if this were mine I’d be making a mental note that “less is more” and move on. I think that you’ve learned an important lesson in one fell swooop. I would suggest that your time and energy would be better spent creating rather than salvaging at this point.
Otherwise, I would seriously consider Doog’s photo inspiration, you’ve pretty much run out of options I’m afraid.
I will be more than happy to “coach” you along when/if you are ready on the next one…just give me a heads up.
Rick