Maya Ellison
Weathering a plastic model tank is a fun and creative process that can make your model look realistic. Tanks are exposed to various elements and conditions, including sunlight, water, fire, smoke, mud, and wind, so weathering techniques can add an extra layer of authenticity to your model. From dusting with dry pigments to using oil paints for shadows and dirt, there are many ways to achieve a true-to-life appearance. You can also create scratches with coloured pencils and add chipped paint effects using sponges or brushes. The key is to be inventive and not be afraid to experiment with different tools and materials. With the right techniques and attention to detail, you can bring your plastic model tank to life and make it look like it's seen some action.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Xuron sprue cutters, nail clippers, putty, paint, masking tape, sandpaper, tweezers, dry brush, sponge, coloured pencils, toothpick, Vallejo Heavy Chipping solution |
| Techniques | Dry brushing, dusting, pinwashing, dark washing, filters, decals |
| Effects | Scratches, chipped paint, mechanical damage, bullet marks, ageing, dirt, rust, mud, dust, shadows |
| Safety | Wear protective equipment, especially a respirator when painting. Wash hands after handling |
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![TAMIYA Weathering Master 6-Sets(A,B,C,D,E,F) [Japan Import] Model:](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/712LYKQcZyL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Use oil paints to imitate shadows and dirt
Weathering is an essential step in making your model tank look realistic. One way to achieve this is by using oil paints to imitate shadows and dirt. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:
Choose the Right Paint
Select an oil paint in a dark brown shade to mimic dirt and shadows on your model tank. You can also use an oil-based enamel paint, which is commonly used by professional artists.
Apply the Paint
Liberally apply the dark brown oil paint to the areas of the model tank where you want to create shadows and dirt accumulation. You can use a brush or your fingers for application, depending on the effect you want to achieve.
Wipe Off Excess
Take a clean rag and gently wipe off the excess paint. By doing this, you will create a subtle, dirty appearance. Focus on areas that would naturally accumulate dirt and grime, such as the lower sections of the tank, the treads, and any nooks and crannies.
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a useful technique to add depth and create a worn-out, gritty effect. Dip a dry brush into your paint, and then wipe off most of the paint. Scrape the raised edges of your model tank, such as the tracks, to create micro-scratches and a dusty appearance.
Create Shadows
To enhance the sense of depth and dimension, use light and shadow to your advantage. Apply a darker shade of paint to recessed areas and around details to create shadows and define the model's features. You can also use a lighter shade to highlight raised areas, creating a natural-looking, earthy effect.
Final Touches
Once you are happy with the overall appearance, let the paint dry completely. You can then add a top coat, such as an acrylic gloss or matte finish, to protect your work and give it a professional shine. Remember to always wear protective equipment, including a respirator, when working with paints and models.
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Apply dry pigments or ground pastels for a dust effect
Weathering a plastic model tank can be done in several ways, one of which is by using dry pigments or ground pastels to create a dust effect. This technique can lend a realistic and authentic look to your model tank.
Firstly, it is important to wear proper protective equipment when working on your model, including a respirator to avoid inhaling any dust or odours.
One method for applying dry pigments is to use a brush with the bristles cut down, allowing you to pick up some pigment and gently scrub it onto the desired areas of the tank. You can also use a make-up sponge for application. This method creates a light dusting effect, so apply the pigments sparingly for a subtle finish. If you want to seal the pigments, you can use a very light coat of matte clear fixer, but be aware that this may dull the effect slightly.
Another technique is to use the "wet method", where you mix the dry pigments with an acrylic thinner or pigment fixer to create a liquid wash that can be applied with a brush. This method allows the pigments to settle and create a dust accumulation effect as the mixture dries.
For a more textured finish, you can create a paste by mixing the dry pigments with water and then dabbing it onto the model with a brush. This technique is ideal for creating mud or dirt effects, especially when combined with enamel or oil products.
When using ground pastels, opt for oil-based pastel chalks, which have a finer pigment than regular chalk and come in a wide range of colours. Apply the pastel pigments with a paintbrush, using a separate set of brushes specifically for this purpose to avoid contamination.
Remember to frequently check your work and reference photos to ensure you're happy with the effects and that they accurately reflect the real-world vehicle you're modelling.
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Create scratches with coloured pencils
To create scratches on a plastic model tank using coloured pencils, you can use the following techniques:
First, select the appropriate pencils. Prismacolor pencils are commonly used for this purpose, but other brands of coloured pencils or weathering pencils can also be effective. Experiment with different types to find what works best for you.
Next, you can try different ways of applying the pencil to the model. For more precise scratches, hold the pencil perpendicular to the model's surface and apply the colour in a "dotting" fashion. For larger chips, hold the pencil at a 45-degree angle and introduce a small "scrape" motion. You can also try "drumming" the pencil against the surface by holding it closer to the end, which will create a random, haphazard pattern.
For the edges of the model, such as the tank's tracks, use the side of the pencil to draw a single coloured line along the length of the edge. Then, use a "sawing" motion, varying the angle of the pencil to create varying degrees of chipping. Go back and add random dots and scratches to enhance the effect.
If you want to increase the colour intensity of the scratches, gently warm the pencil tip with a hairdryer before application. You can also dip the pencil in water to create different effects, using a paintbrush to manipulate the wet medium.
Remember to plan your application accordingly, as some pencils are affected by odourless enamel/turpenoid thinners. You can also overcoat them with a gloss coat to seal them against later weathering applications.
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Use a sponge to simulate chipped paint
Weathering is an essential step in making your plastic model tank look realistic. One popular technique to simulate chipped paint on armour models is using a sponge. This method, known as "spongering", involves dabbing small pieces of sponge in paint and applying it to the model to create a chipped paint effect. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use a sponge to achieve this effect:
Selecting the Right Sponge and Paint
The type of sponge you use can impact the final result. Avoid using a dense kitchen sponge, as it may create uniform markings that look unnatural. Instead, opt for a sponge with an uneven texture, such as the one used for padding in fruit boxes. You can also tear or cut the sponge into smaller pieces to fit into corners and other hard-to-reach areas.
Regarding paint choice, you can use one colour or experiment with multiple shades to add depth and variety to the chipped areas. It is recommended to start with a thicker, unthinned paint for better opacity and adhesion. However, you can also thin the paint for a more subtle, translucent effect, especially when building up layers of fine, subtle chips.
Preparing the Sponge
Before applying paint to your model, practice on a piece of paper towel or cardboard to get a feel for the technique and achieve the desired paint consistency. Lightly dab the sponge into the paint, then tap it next to the main paint blob to remove excess paint and create a secondary paint source for reloading. Repeat this process until you achieve a pattern that suits the desired chipping effect.
Applying Paint to the Model
Once you're happy with the sponge's paint distribution, it's time to apply it to your model. Start by focusing on areas where you want the heaviest chipping, as you'll have the most paint on the sponge during this stage. Use a tapping motion when applying paint to the model to ensure the chips retain their shape and don't turn into blobs. Remember to stop and examine your work periodically to maintain control over the process.
Fine-Tuning and Additional Steps
After creating the initial chipped effect, you can fine-tune it by using a toothpick soaked in water to scratch and adjust any large areas of semi-transparent chips. You can also add additional layers of weathering, such as dust, dirt, and mud, to enhance the overall realism.
Remember, this technique may require practice and experimentation to master, so don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't match your expectations. With patience and persistence, you'll be able to create convincing chipped paint effects on your plastic model tank.
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Apply decals with tweezers and leave to dry for a day
Applying decals to your model tank is a delicate process. First, use tweezers to pick up a decal. Dip the decal into a cup of water and let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds. Do not leave the decal in the water as the glue will disintegrate. Next, wet the area of the tank where you will apply the decal with a cotton bud soaked in water. Then, use tweezers to slide the decal off its paper backing and onto the tank. Use a dry cotton bud to gently roll over the decal, removing any air bubbles. Do not rub the decal as it may tear. Repeat this process for each decal, ensuring you only apply one decal at a time. Once you have applied all the decals, let them air dry for 24 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need paint, a paintbrush, putty, glue, sandpaper, masking tape, and decals.
To create a dirty and worn look, you can use dark brown oil paint, which can be easily rubbed off with a rag to create a dirty appearance. You can also use dry brushing, where you dip a dry brush into paint, wipe off most of it, and then scrape the raised edges to create micro-scratches and dust.
To create scratches, use a coloured pencil that matches your general colour scheme and gently draw the scratches onto the model. You can also use a toothpick to scratch the required area after applying a Vallejo Heavy Chipping solution and a top coat.
To create a dusty look, use dry pigments or ground pastels and AK Interactive Pigment Fixer. Apply the dry pigment to areas likely to gather dust, such as nooks or small details, and then dab the pigment with a brush dipped in the fixer.
