Tip O' The Day

Category:

   Weathering

Submitted By:

   Randy Stradley

Tip:

   This quick way to produce areas of chipped paint on a hull, or weathering the leading edges of fins, wings, etc.

At stores that sell molding supplies, and at some hobby stores, you can buy liquid latex molding compound. You can also substitute liquid latex theatrical make-up.

First, determine the areas on you model where you want a base coat, bare metal, or rust to appear. Paint the general area (going a bit beyond the actual space where you want the color to show through) the color you desire (silver, rust brown, etc.). Once the paint has dried, paint just the parts where you actually wan the base color to show with a single coat of the liquid latex.

Once the latex has dried, paint your model as you would normally, including any dry-brushing or other weathering and shading techniques you usually use. When the painting is completed, rub your finger along the areas where you painted the latex. The latex will peel off and roll into little balls, revealing the undercolor.

By dabbing or "streaking" the latex on, you can create different weathering and chipping effects to reflect areas of constant abraision, impact marks, or heavier scoring.