Hi and Welcome to my Guide on How to create a Weathering effect on your model .....

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Applying a wash to create a weathering effect...

Weathering looks can be a great addition to any model, especially those that aircraft / models that were around decades ago, or have just come back from the heat of battle.

Applying a wash helps create a weathered / used look. It creates the impression of dust or dirty grease which has collected in recesses. The technique can also be used to create shadowed areas such as with panel lines, entrances to vehicles or even gaps between bricks and tiles on buildings.

All you need to do is mix an appropriate dark paint - depending on the desired affect - with a largeramount of thinner.

Then brush it on to the surface with a large flat brush. The ratio should be around 1 part paint to 4 – 5 parts thinners. When you apply the wash, don’t worry it naturally runs and collects in the recesses of the model, (this is what you want) where it dries leaving the raised parts of the model untouched. Do not apply so much wash that liquid pours off the model (making a mess everywhere) and also remember to let it dry thoroughly before further painting. Storing in a warm dry place or even using a hair dryer can speed up this process.

Please note, any wash that ruins on an undesired part of the model can be wiped off easily and quickly.

Extreme Weathering...

Late in WWII Japanese aircraft paint was of very poor quality. With the heat of the Pacific area, plus sea air, monsoon rain, coral dust, etc. the unprimed surface soon wore off, leaving bare metal showing through in a very patchy way. This is a great effect!

Painting

Leave off the canopy, undercart, props, guns, etc. until after the weathering is completed.

1. Mask off the cockpit and engine. Spray acrylic grey primer over all surfaces of the airframe and prop.

2. When dry, spray the above with Silver Grey and leave for 48hrs to harden.

3. Paint over all surfaces to be weathered with Johnsons Klear (Future). 2 coats are best.

4. I use enamels for this method and paint the prop and all surfaces the correct colours. Leave until safe to handle.

Now the fun starts, because of the barrier of Klear the paint will chip off easily with a blunt blade, leaving the silver showing through. If possible, copy photos of the real aircraft to see where the wearwas. Work slowly and carefully. If you accidentally over do it you can repaint and area and start again.

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