Chloe Zhang
Painting plastic models to resemble wood is a fundamental skill in modelling. The key is not only to paint realistic colours but also to incorporate a slight texture to highlight the details. Most plastic kits represent wood with flat, smooth surfaces, which lack realism. It is important to consider the scale of the model and the condition of the wood being replicated. While heavily distressed wood is easily noticeable, most wood only requires a subtle texture to bring out the details.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Paint colours | Tan, grey, brown, black |
| Paint type | Craft paints |
| Texture | Lightly textured to bring out detail |
| Breaks between planks | Add these for a sense of realism |
| Primer | Spray coat of grey primer |
| Varnish | Tester's Dulcote or Vallejo Matt Varnish |
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What You'll Learn
Use different colours of tan and grey craft paint
To make plastic look like wood, it is important to not only paint realistic colours but also add texture to bring out the detail. When using craft paint, it is a good idea to start with a base coat of grey primer. Then, you can hand-paint the individual "wooden" planks with different colours of tan and grey craft paint. This will create a light texture that will bring out the detail of the wood grain.
It is important to remember the scale you are modelling in and how battered the wood is supposed to look. For example, if you are modelling a ship, you might want to add breaks between the wood planks to create a sense of realism. You can do this by hand-painting each plank with a different shade of tan or grey.
After you have painted the base colours, you can follow up with applications of brown and black washes to create a weathered look. This will add depth and variation to the wood grain. You can also try using products like Mig Dark Wash P220, Ammo by Mig, or AK Interactive to create a dark wash, or Tamiya – Brown /JGSDF – XF-72 for a brown wash.
Finally, seal and protect your work with a coat of varnish, such as Tester's Dulcote or Vallejo Matt Varnish. This will give your model a realistic, matte finish that resembles wood.
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Apply brown and black washes
When painting plastic to look like wood, it is important to not only paint realistic colours but also to add texture to bring out the detail. To do this, you can apply brown and black washes.
Firstly, you will need to select the right paint colours. For the brown wash, you can use AK Interactive – Weathered Wood – AK 783 or Burnt Umber – AK 789. For the black wash, you can use Mig Dark Wash P220, or a similar product from Ammo by Mig or AK Interactive.
Before applying the washes, ensure that you have a suitable base coat. A spray coat of grey primer can work well as a base for the wood effect. You can then hand-paint the individual "wooden" pieces with different colours of tan and grey craft paint to create a light texture.
Once your base coat is dry, you can apply the brown and black washes. These will add depth and realism to the wood effect. Use a small brush to apply the washes, focusing on the areas that would naturally be shaded or have accumulated dirt and grime over time. For example, you might apply the washes to the crevices between the "wooden" planks or to any knots or grain patterns you have painted on.
You can adjust the intensity of the washes by diluting them with water or using a dry brush technique to create a more subtle effect. Experiment on a small area first to get a feel for how the washes will behave and how much you will need to apply to achieve the desired result.
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Add texture to bring out detail
Adding texture is an important step in making plastic look like wood. Most plastic kits tend to have flat, smooth surfaces, which are not very realistic. To make it look like wood, you need to add a light texture to bring out the detail. This can be done by hand-painting individual "wooden" sections with different colours, such as tan and grey, and then applying brown and black washes. You can also use products like AK Interactive – Weathered Wood, Burnt Umber, Mig Dark Wash P220, Tamiya – Brown /JGSDF, and Tester’s Dulcote or Vallejo Matt Varnish.
Another way to add texture is to use a spray coat of grey primer as a base. You can then add various shades of red, terracotta, sienna, and orange with sponges and a toothpick to create a brickwork effect. This will give the model a more natural, textured look.
When adding texture, it is important to consider the scale you are modelling and the condition of the wood you are trying to replicate. For example, if the wood is meant to look really distressed, then a heavier texture may be needed. However, for lightly weathered wood, a light texture will be sufficient.
Additionally, many kits do not include breaks between wood planks, so adding these can bring a sense of realism to your model. Remember that wood planks are not all the same length, so varying the length of your painted planks can enhance the overall realism of your model.
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Use a light grey primer
To make plastic look like wood, it is important to not only paint realistic colours but also add texture to bring out the detail. When using a light grey primer, follow these steps:
Firstly, select a light grey primer that is suitable for plastic surfaces. This will provide a good base for the wood grain effect. Spray the primer onto the plastic surface evenly, ensuring that you are working in a well-ventilated area. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
For the next step, you can use different colours of craft paint, such as tan and grey, to hand-paint individual "wood planks". You can also use a small brush or sponge to add texture and create the wood grain effect. Follow this by applying brown and black washes to enhance the depth and realism of the wood grain.
To add further detail, consider adding breaks between the wood planks, as most plastic kits represent wood with flat, smooth, and continuous surfaces, which are not very realistic. Remember to take into account the scale you are modelling in and the level of distress you want to achieve. For a highly distressed wood look, you can add more prominent scratches and marks, while for a more subtle effect, a light texture will suffice.
Finally, you can seal and protect your work by applying a coat of matte varnish. This will also help to enhance the wood-like appearance of your model.
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Use modelling scenery videos for reference
Modelling scenery videos can be a great reference point when painting a plastic model to look like wood. These videos often showcase the entire process, from start to finish, and can provide valuable insights and techniques that you may not find elsewhere.
One key aspect to consider when painting plastic to look like wood is adding texture to create a realistic wood-like appearance. Most plastic kits tend to have flat, smooth surfaces, which do not accurately represent the texture of wood. By using modelling scenery videos as a reference, you can learn different techniques to add texture and bring out the wood-like details in your model.
For example, some videos may demonstrate the use of specific tools or materials to create wood-grain patterns or add subtle imperfections that resemble natural wood. Additionally, these videos can provide guidance on how to create a sense of depth and dimension in your model, such as by adding breaks between wood planks to indicate individual boards.
When following modelling scenery videos, pay attention to the specific products and tools used by the presenter. They may recommend particular types of paint, washes, or varnishes that can enhance the wood-like appearance of your model. For instance, using different shades of tan and grey craft paints, followed by brown and black washes, can create a convincing wood-grain effect.
By utilising modelling scenery videos as a reference, you can gain a better understanding of the techniques and materials required to paint plastic models to look like wood. These videos offer a visual guide that can make the process more accessible and provide inspiration for creating realistic and detailed wood-like finishes.
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Frequently asked questions
The key is not just to paint realistic colours but also to add a little texture to bring out the detail.
Different colours of tan and grey craft paints, followed by brown and black washes, can be used to create a wooden look.
Remember the scale you are modelling in and how battered the wood is. Really distressed wood is clearly seen but most wood just needs a light texture to bring out the detail.
You can start with a spray coat of grey primer and use shades of red, terracotta, sienna, and orange craft paints, applied with sponges and a toothpick to create a wooden brickwork effect.
Yes, there are several products available on Amazon that can help you achieve the desired effect, such as AK Interactive – Weathered Wood, Mig Dark Wash P220, and Tamiya – Brown /JGSDF.
