Hi folks
My latest little project is a Tamiya Mini Cooper in 1/24 scale, not really a remarkable model but the recipient of a new weathering technique. Invented by me!!
Okay not really, some guy named Marc Reusser did something very similar a few months ago, I liked it and stole it. So there.
The result is a much softer edge and finer pattern than the hairspray technique, plus multiple layers of colour can be exposed with relative ease. I think it's good for replicating very old deteriorated paint, sun damaged or oxidised, so that rust or primer has been able to break through the failing top coat. Like here for example:
Here is the model so far, after using the technique:
All paints used are Tamiya acrylics thinned with Tamiya lacquer thinner.
First I airbrushed a coat of dark rust, which was then protected with a good layer of dullcote. This was allowed to cure for a couple of days.
Then lighter rust tones were airbrushed one over the other, then a layer of white, then finally yellow and blue. This was allowed to cure for at least 3 hours.
Then one part water was mixed with one part windex; this mix was carefully scrubbed over parts of the paint with a paint brush. Some water was kept handy to douse the paint in case the eating of the surface got away from me. Windex is a glass and window cleaner, containing Isopropanal, 2-Butoxethanol, Ethylene, Water, and Ammonia, available here and in the US. I'm not sure about other countries.
Some scratches were carefully added with a scalpel or some fine sandpaper.
While focusing on the sun damaged paint on upper surfaces I neglected to add areas of rust in lower spots, from trapped water and gunk. This will be added in further stages.
So that's how it stands at present, cheers!
JT
