I have finished my 1/16th Tiger in standard dark yellow, and am very happy with it. However, seeing all your experts builds, I am now tempted to have a go at weathering. I’ve had a look at Erocks Mig weathering powders on eBay, and they’re well within my budget. Thing is, I’ve never attempted weathering before, and I’m scared of making a complete hash of it with an expensive model ! I’d simply like to make it look muddy around wheels/lower hull, and worn/dusty around the rest.
Should I have a go ? How easy is it, bearing in mind I’m a modelling newbie ? Can anyone point me in the direction of a simple Web-based guide to doing it ? (I have a 1/16th Kubelwagen in dark yellow to practice on too).
Or should I leave well alone on the 1/16th and try a few others first ?
Bids, you might want to buy a cheap model to build and practice your weathering on before takling your Tiger or Kubel. That way if you mess up it don’t cost you too much!
Lots of threads in the techniques forum on weathering, washes, pastels, drybrushing, etc.
For the weathering on my Tiger, I used Pastel Chalks (you can find these at any craft-type store) Do not use oils chalks. They don’t sand down to a fine powder like the pastels do, they tend to get crayon like. As for the weathering powders, I have never used any of them myself.
I sand the pastel chalks until I have a pile of fine powder. I like to use, brown, tan and black. They can be rubbed on or “flicked” on (just dip a dry paintbrush in the powder and flick with your finger) I keep the flicked powder in place by giving the model a coat of Testors Dull Coat first. This way, it adheres the pastels to the model. If you use dull afterward, the pastels tend to disappear.
An example of this is in my pic below. Where the panels were removed, I wanted to show some heavier mud & dirt build-up. I shot the area with the dull coat and immediately flicked the pastel on. Once dry, you can dry brush the area if a rusty look is wanted. Be careful to mask off the areas you don’t want to weather. You want to keep the pastel in a certain spot.
Also, pastels can be easily wiped off (if not applied on top of dull)) For this reason, it is the very last step in weathering. You can use a brush, dipped in water to remove.
I would definately do a test on a spare kit if available, going slowly and adding little by little. This way, you would get an idea on how much to apply and what sort of effect you are going for.
Cheers lads - I’ve decided upon the cautious approach - I’m gonna have a go at a new build 1/35 Tiger, and try some of weathering techniques - it’ll probably look like an Andy Warhol Tiger, but if it breaks my teeth at weathering then hey-ho Once I’m happy eith my new-found skills I’ll turn to the 1/16th.
Once I’m happy eith my new-found skills I’ll turn to the 1/16th.