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Extreme novice needs advice on weathering!


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Hi there,

I purchased an X Wing model - http://alexeysmirnov1977.narod.ru/Images/Figures/X-Wing_Fighter__REK__FC.jpg

However it looks so plain, the model itself is quite nice with some good detail but I think some weathering will really make it stand out.

I think some rust notes, some dry brushing and general weathering would be awesome. I know I probably cant do this but this is the look i want - http://www.theforce.net/swtc/Pix/Xbrooklyn/Xwing2.jpg .

Now where do I start? What should I buy? If possible I want to avoid using an airbrush, I would like to stick to paintbrushes. The kit is already painted and just snaps together so its just the weathering bit I need help with!

Thank you for your time :).

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Good practice model there, Noni.

I' d start with a matt clear coating, so whatever you do has a chance of holding on. I like to use acrylic artists inks over enamels, but am currently dabbling with oils over acrylic finishes. Both have their place. Chalks and powdered pigments are good too, but fragile.

The key to weathering is following a prototype, photo or other reference. Re- watch the movie and gather photos, then start. When you think it needs a bit more, stop. :)

Have fun.

G

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I would go with pastels. They're very easy to use and you can get some very subtle effects. Take a look at the articles here:

http://www.arcair.com/TnT-archives/Washes-weathering/01.shtm

+1000

Get a cheap pastel chalk set from a craft store. Use a piece of sandpaper to rub the chalk onto to break it up. Get either an old stiff brush or buy a new stiff brush, cut the bristles very short, stab into the chalk and apply to model.

Greatest thing about pastels and chalks is that if you don't like it you get a wet cloth or napkin and wipe it all off and start over.

When applying to the subject dab/stab at the area with the brush then pull back swiftly in the direction of flow and it will drag some of the chalk across the surface.

Hard to explain but ridiculously easy to do.

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Hi there,

The pastel idea sounds great, however how would I make this permanent on the model itself? I'm guessing after doing pastel work it will be easy to rub off. Does that mean I will have to put a matt clear coat over the top? I don't have an airbrush for that which is the only problem.

Thanks for your help thus far :).

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Hi there,

The pastel idea sounds great, however how would I make this permanent on the model itself? I'm guessing after doing pastel work it will be easy to rub off. Does that mean I will have to put a matt clear coat over the top? I don't have an airbrush for that which is the only problem.

Thanks for your help thus far :).

TES1260-250.jpg

This is what you need to seal in your Pastels without an Airbrush, if you follow the methods explained in THIS thread there should be no problem with blowing the Pastel off the model. (I think the guy in the tutorial uses allot of pastel chalk, I could do 4 models with the amount he used for the demo)

If you want to use the Pastel dry then you just need to get a bit further away from the subject when spraying, note that you do not have to put this Dull Cote on heavy, just a light mist will flatten your paint.

I like to use it on my piston engined exhaust, just scrape a bit of black, red-brown, and a brown over the exhaust then spray the D/C and it will give a nice rusted look to the exhaust, also if using your Pastel dry, and sealing with D/C go a bit heavy with the pastel, as once sealed the affect will be reduced buy roughly 20%.

Curt

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The first thing I would do is a wash. Something like Promodeller is really easy to use and can be corrected if it looks off. After a dark gray wash I would dry-brush the engines/wings/aft cockpit area. Then I would use pastels and/or oil paints to simulate carbon scoring, leaks, etc. A flat coat will also help improve the look.

Brian

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