Tips & Techniques
Surface Preparation & Finishing :
PREPARATION PanPastel can be applied directly to most surfaces . If extra “ tooth ” is needed to grab the color ( e . g . on pre-painted or decaled cars ) SPRAY a clear flat ( matt ) finish before weathering . Allow to dry fully before applying PanPastel Color .
FINISHING If the model will be handled frequently : “ lock in ” the color , if desired , by spraying with a clear flat finish - any modeler ’ s flat finish ( e . g . Dullcote or similar ) or pastel fixative / varnish in a spray can or airbrush . If airbrushing - recommended thinning is about 50 / 50 or thinner , it should have the viscosity of 2 % milk . ( A flat over-coat is not always needed e . g . on buildings & models less handled .) Note : spraying does not cause the color to disappear .
Compatible with ( spray ) flat finishes
ERASABLE !
Easy , Quick & Clean
Apply to almost any surface
Removing or Changing Colors : Use a clean Sofft Tool , any artist ’ s eraser , or a dry paper towel to remove or tone down the color ( prior to using flat finish , if used ).
Lettering / decals can be cleaned up with an eraser such as a Papermate Tuff Stuff eraser pen .
Techniques to Try
Tips & techniques suggested by prototype modeler Rob Manley .
• To draw lines or highlight indents : Use the side of a Sofft Tool . Twist the tip of the sponge to fill in tight areas . Also great for highlighting rods & brake lines . Try Burnt Sienna 740.5 or Red Iron Oxide Shade 380.3 .
• On the lower edges of ribs or frame rails : use
ModelingColors Burnt Sienna Tint 740.8 and . com Raw Umber Tint 780.8 . Military modelers use white on panel edges to bring out details or accent wear . White ( 100.5 ) is useful to tint colors because PanPastel Colors are mixable on the model .
• Brush paint truck side frames : with a # 2 artist watercolor brush . It ’ s faster than masking and airbrushing . Mix PolyScale ( or similar ) Roof Brown with Loco Black . Put a few drops on a recycled lid and partially mix the paint . This gives a more random color . Don ’ t sandblast the trucks , just wash in mild detergent . ( The PolyScale levels quite well and doesn ’ t obscure details ).
• To accent recessed panel lines : try Black 800.5 PanPastel . The residue is easier to polish off a shiny finish .
• Add ladders , running boards and B end details : after applying the colors if possible .
Note : Do not apply wet tools , fluids or mediums to pan surfaces . Liquids should only be applied to color on the model / working surface . For PanPastel wash techniques with water add 25-50 % rubbing alcohol for best results .
• Masking for lines & more precise work : use Post- It notes , styrene shields or masking tape .
• For large vertical streaks along the panels between ribs : Burnt Sienna Shade 740.3 , Burnt Sienna Extra Dark 740.1 , Burnt Sienna 740.5 or Red Iron Oxide Shade 380.3 are great . Raw Umber Tint 780.8 is useful for streaking the lettering . Running boards can be attacked with any of the greys .
• For unpainted galvanized roofs : brush PolyScale ( or similar ) New Gravel or Milwaukee Road Gray between the ribs and tone it rusty with any or all of the earth / rust colors . Leave the ribs a dark or darker brown as they were steel and not galvanized . ( I don ’ t start with a weathered silver painted roof because it doesn ’ t scale down to the look of a true galvanized finish ). You can also tone the BCR roof with greys to show some paint fade rather than patches .
• When weathering wood running boards : use an old business card to fit under the boards . You can get the narrow sides without getting unwanted grey on the roof .
• To apply color in tight places on a fully built car : try an artist ’ s quality oil paint brush . It should be a small # 1 or # 2 natural bristle . Scrub color into the tight places .
Visit WeatheringTechniques . com for more techniques & tutorials by Rob Manley .