Alexei Volkov
Whether you're crafting a model for Warhammer or another table-top game, you may want your shiny new model car to look old and rusty. There are a few ways to achieve this effect. You can use ready-mixed, multi-step products like Rustall, or you can use paint and simple techniques to create the look of rust. One way to do this is to use the wash and dry-brush techniques with paint colours like Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, and silver acrylic paint. You can also use products like Rust-Oleum, though some people say it's not ideal for model cars due to its thick recipe and nozzle pattern.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Techniques | "The Wash" and "The Dry-Brush" |
| Paint Colours | Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Silver Acrylic, Black Acrylic |
| Other Supplies | Spray Paint, Paper Towels, Brushes, Dish Soap, Isopropyl Alcohol, Powder, Chalk Pastels |
| Base Colour | Black or Dark Colours for Pronounced Rust |
| Base Coat Type | Flat Sheen or Glossy/Semi-Gloss |
| Ready-Mixed Products | Rustall |
| Airbrush Paint | Acrylics |
| Commercial Products | Rust-Oleum, Krylon |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
Firstly, it is recommended to use paints specifically designed for model kits. These paints have formulas that are tailored to work well with the plastic used in these kits, reducing the risk of melting or other unwanted reactions. Model paints offer a more consistent finish and are less likely to obscure fine details.
When it comes to brands, Testors is a popular choice for model paints. Their enamel paints, such as the Flat Black and Gloss Yellow, have a similar basic formula, ensuring consistency in your work. Krylon is another brand that offers a range of colours and formulations. However, it's important to exercise caution with certain colours, as some metallic finishes, such as Metallic Silver, have been known to melt plastic.
If you decide to use Rust-Oleum, it is advisable to stick to their entire system, including their primer, colour coat, and clear coat. Mixing Rust-Oleum primer with other brands of paint can lead to adverse reactions. While Rust-Oleum is a versatile option for various surfaces, it may not be the best choice for model kits due to its aggressive solvents. However, their ""Painter's Touch" line has been used successfully by some modellers.
To create a realistic rust effect, consider using Burnt Sienna and Burnt Umber colours. These shades can be dry-brushed onto the model to enhance the desired rusty appearance. Additionally, a flat sheen base coat can provide an even layer for the rust effect.
Always read the instructions on the spray paint to ensure compatibility with styrene model plastic. It is also recommended to test the paint on a small area or a spare model before proceeding with the entire project. This way, you can avoid potential disasters and achieve the desired result.
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Using the wash technique
To rust a plastic model car using the wash technique, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, decide on the base colour you want for your model car. Black is a good option if you want pronounced rust effects. Paint the model car with a spray paint that is not water-soluble, as you don't want the rust effects to remove the base coat. A flat sheen base coat will result in a more even layer of rust, while a glossy or semi-gloss base coat will cause the wash to wander into the deepest cracks and recesses, avoiding the high points.
Next, prepare your wash. A Burnt Sienna wash is a good first layer of weathering and can be applied liberally over the whole surface. You can also add in some Burnt Umber for a darker brownish type of rust. Cover the object with the wash and use a paper towel to sop away any puddle spots. If you want a more severe rusting in certain spots, apply the paint at full strength in those areas.
If you want to suggest the presence of metal, you can dry-brush a thin layer of silver acrylic across the surface. This will deposit metallic specs and create a subtle sheen. You can also use a black acrylic wash to dull down any shiny metallic parts and deepen the shadows. Apply the black wash in crevices and anywhere else you want to mute the shine. You can also add subtle streaks on door handles and other edges using black or one of your rust colours.
For a more comprehensive kit, you can purchase a set that includes a dark brown wash, a light rust wash, and dark streaking grime. The dark brown wash is ideal for creating an earthy, dirt-like effect on green vehicles. Apply the thinned wash using a brush, targeting the panel lines and raised details, and let it flow downwards with gravity. The light rust wash can be applied to areas where rust is likely to occur, such as handrails or around fuel tanks. Allow it to dry, then use a brush dampened with white spirit to streak it downwards, mimicking rust streaks.
You can also create your own rust wash by soaking steel wool with vinegar in a container for a few days. This method is used by woodworkers to create cheap stains for wood.
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Using the dry-brush technique
To achieve a realistic rusty effect on a plastic model car using the dry-brush technique, follow these steps:
Firstly, it is important to prepare the surface of your model car. Start by painting the model car with a base colour of your choice. A flat sheen base coat will result in a more even layer of rust. Black is a good option for a pronounced rust effect, as it mimics the colour of severely rusted metal. Alternatively, you can use a glossy or semi-gloss base coat if you want the wash to settle into the cracks and recesses. Ensure that the paint you use is not water-soluble, as you do not want the rust effects to remove the base coat.
Once the base coat is dry, you can begin the dry-brushing process. Dip a small, flat modelling paintbrush into your chosen rust colour. Burnt Umber is a good option for a darker brownish type of rust, while Burnt Sienna works well for a more orange-toned rust. Wipe the brush across a paper towel to remove most of the paint, ensuring that only a minimal amount of paint remains on the brush.
Then, using a light touch, apply the paint to the areas of the model car that you want to appear rusty. Focus on the interesting high spots and sharp edges, such as the running boards and the edges of panels. Use a circular motion on flat surfaces and a downward motion on edges. The key is to build up the effect slowly, so it is better to start with a small amount of paint and gradually add more as needed.
You can also use the dry-brush technique to add subtle streaks of rust on certain areas of the model car. For example, you can dry-brush thin rusty streaks flowing down from contact points, such as the door handles or the edges of the car body. Remember that subtlety is important when creating these streaks, as a little goes a long way.
Additionally, if you want to suggest that the model car has a metallic nature, you can dry-brush a thin layer of silver acrylic paint across its surface. This will give a subtle sheen to the model, indicating the presence of metal under the rust.
Finally, you can seal and protect your work by applying a coat of Testors' Dullcote spray. This will ensure that your plastic model car maintains its rusty appearance.
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Priming the model
Firstly, decide on the base colour for your model car. A black base coat is a good choice if you want pronounced rust effects. Alternatively, you can go for a glossy or semi-gloss base coat, which will allow the wash to settle into the cracks and recesses, creating a more subtle rusty look. You can even experiment with a flat sheen base coat for an even layer of rust.
Next, prepare the base coat mixture. If you want to simulate severe rusting in certain spots, consider using a stronger colour like Burnt Sienna or Burnt Umber. You can also prime the model in grey or a lighter, faded blue for a pre-weathered look. Apply the base coat evenly to the model car, ensuring complete coverage.
Once the base coat is dry, you can move on to creating the wash. Prepare a mixture of Burnt Sienna and thin it down to a consistency that can be easily applied. You can use a thinner wash, but keep in mind that you may need to repeat the process several times to build up the desired effect.
Now, carefully apply the wash to the model car. Use a brush to control where the wash goes, focusing on one section at a time. Use paper towels to sop away any excess wash or puddle spots. If your model has steep sides, work on one area at a time, allowing each section to dry before moving on. You can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process.
After the wash has dried, you can add further detail. If you want more intense rust spots, apply Burnt Sienna directly to those areas. You can also add Burnt Umber for a darker, brownish type of rust. Use a dry brush to apply these colours to any high spots or areas that need additional rust effects.
Finally, address any metallic parts on the model. Use a black acrylic wash to dull down shiny surfaces and add depth to the crevices. Apply subtle streaks of black or rust colours to areas like door handles or along the top edges of the model. This will enhance the overall realism of the rust effects.
By carefully following these priming steps, you'll create a convincing foundation for your rusty model car. Remember to take your time, experiment with different techniques, and build up the effects gradually to achieve the desired level of weathering.
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Applying the top coat
To apply the top coat and achieve a realistic rusty effect, you can use the techniques of "the wash" and "the dry-brush".
Firstly, paint your model car with a base colour. Black is a good choice for pronounced rust, but you can also use a grey primer or a faded blue for a more subtle effect. Ensure that the paint you use is not water-soluble, as you don't want the rust effects to remove the base coat.
Next, prepare a wash of Burnt Sienna. Cover the model car with it and use a paper towel to sop away any puddles. You may need to repeat this step several times, especially if you're using a thinner wash. This technique lets you slowly build up the rust effect to your desired level. If your model car has steep sides, work on one section at a time and let it dry before moving on to the next area.
For more severe rusting in specific spots, apply Burnt Sienna full strength to those areas. You can also add Burnt Umber, another excellent rust colour, for a darker, brownish type of rust.
Finally, use a dry brush to apply one of your rust colours to any interesting high spots on the surface, especially in areas that didn't take as much of the rust. In the running boards and the edge of the bed, for example, you can dry-brush a little Burnt Umber to create sharp edges.
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Frequently asked questions
First, paint your model car a base colour. Black is a good option for pronounced rust, but you can also use primer grey or a lighter, more faded blue.
Use a spray paint that is not water-soluble. You can use a glossy or semi-gloss base coat, but be aware that the wash will tend to wander into the deepest cracks and recesses and avoid the high points.
Prepare a wash of Burnt Sienna and cover the object with it. Use a paper towel to sop away any puddle spots. You may need to repeat this step several times with a thinner wash to build up the effect slowly.
Paint on the Burnt Sienna full strength in those areas. You can also add some Burnt Umber for a darker brownish type of rust.
Yes, you can use the "'wash" and "dry-brush" techniques. You can also use silver acrylic paint and powder in rust colours to enhance the effect.
