Hi all,
I jsut started getting into using dry weathering pigments (both Tamiya makeup style and now MIG dry blush style) and I’ve run into a bit of a problem, more with the MIG stuff I just started using… I have gotten the basic feel for a few simple techniques and, while I am thrilled with how they turn out, I cannot for the life of me find a way to permanently affix the pigments. I applyed the pigments to some brushed on thinner, and it turned paint-like while wet, and then dried exactly to the dusty finish I was after, but once dry, the pigments remain somewhat loose and come off on my fingertip. I have had mixed results applying clear spray sealer over Tamiya pigments, so I wanted to ask first about people’s experiences appying clear varnish over MIG pigments, or some other way to safely settle them without too much fading or loosing the dusty effect… the last thing I want is for them to dry still looking a bit muddy.
Any help is super-appreciated!
Ben
I just spray them with a “dull” coat, it does dimish the effect a little bit, but it seals the powders nicely. The powders will always be a little fragile to handle, even after they are sealed, so use surgical gloves or else you’ll leave finger prints.
Dullcote will take away the “texture” of the pigment [tdn]and darken the color a bit[sigh]. For me[soapbox],I wait until the piece is painted, etc[8-], give it a blast of dullcote[xx(], let that set up a day[zzz], then pigments[;)],then immediately put it under/in a glass case and Im done[:P]. The pigments should be the very last thing you do,literally,before you cover it up. HTH[#toast]
Turpentine help pigments to “stick” to the surface but like previously mentioned, it will always remain fragile. Pigments will adhere very well to a dead flat finish. I found it harder to remove if applied to a “completely dull” coat.
Thanks for the reponses… the reason i’m hoping to find a way to really seal them on is that putting them on dry, then immediately sticking the models under a case simply isn’t an option for me… they need to be sealed and durable bc/ I don’t have cases and my models get handled every now and then for various reasons…
Try this link, the article was written by Mig Jemenez. He started the company that makes the MIG powders. Its a great general introduction regarding the use of the powders and toward’s the end he talks about how to make dry or wet mud that sticks - this include using things like plaster & resin mixed in with the powder. Can’t wait to see your results in the GB!
http://www.missing-lynx.com/rare_world/rw05.htm
Hey, thanks so much for the link! It looks like it will be a great help… and yeah, I’m trying to finish the GB dio… the figures are almost done (just need to find a good pic of the circa1943 infantry shoulder patch things) and do the dusty road, grass, and trees. Lots of progress, but I don’ty want to show it until completed bc/ it;s such an involved learning process.[^]
Totally understand, but if you take some in progress photos, you can show it off when you are done. I learn a lot when I see how you got the effect that you did - those are always appreciated.