Model builders apply weathering techniques to transform a pristine model into a convincing, damaged, or aged version. This technique improves a model’s narrative depth and visual appeal, creating a more realistic appearance.
Weathering products from brands like Vallejo, AMMO by Mig Jimenez, and AK Interactive deliver specialised products for anyone to achieve outstanding results. This guide examines the process of weathering scale models with these brands’ specialised products. For more information on how to use the products in-depth, visit the manufacturer’s website.
1. Understanding Weathering
Weathering describes the surface ageing techniques used to depict model deterioration from use and environmental factors. Common weathering effects include:
- Chipping and scratches
- Rust and corrosion
- Dirt and mud
- Dust and grime
- Oil and fuel stains
- Faded paint and discolouration
2. Preparing Your Model
Ensure your model is completely assembled and painted before weathering, and apply a gloss or satin varnish. A gloss varnish shields base paint from damage while enhancing the management of weathering effects when using oil—or enamel-based products.
3. Using Vallejo for Weathering
Vallejo manufactures water-based acrylic paints, wash solutions, and pigment products. Its weathering products are easy to use for both novice and veteran modellers.
Vallejo Techniques:
Washes (Vallejo Model Wash): Water-based pre-mixed washes, such as Dark Brown Wash for Green Vehicles or Black Wash, can enhance model panel lines and recesses. Apply the product with a fine brush and then eliminate any surplus with a wet brush or cotton swab.
Pigments: Natural Umber, Light Sienna, and Burnt Umber from Vallejo create effects resembling dust, mud, and rust. You can use the product dry or combine it with acrylic thinner to achieve wet effects. To ensure pigments stay put, use Pigment Binder or Matt Varnish.
Chipping Effects: Simulate paint wear by dabbing edges with a sponge soaked in Vallejo Model Color, such as German Camo Black Brown. Vallejo’s Chipping Medium can be sprayed between paint layers and then moistened to be scrubbed off for realistic peeling effects.
4. Using AMMO by Mig Jimenez
AMMO by Mig Jimenez produces weathering products comprised of enamels, oils, filters, and pigments. The products deliver excellent results while providing customers with numerous realistic colour options.
AMMO Techniques:
Enamel Washes and Filters: Dark Wash for Green Vehicles and Track Wash from AMMO’s enamel range perfectly enhance panel lines and recesses. Brush on a gloss coat and wait 5–10 minutes before using a soft brush moistened with odourless thinner to wipe off the surplus.
Oilbrushers: Brush-tipped bottles hold these oil paints, which have been pre-thinned to achieve perfect blending and fading and streaking effects. With Dusty Earth, Starship Filth, or Ochre colours, you can simulate sun fading and dirt. Apply the colour to the model and blend with a brush moistened with thinner.
Streaking Effects: AMMO’s Streaking Grime, Rust Streaks, and Streaking for DAK products create realistic rain marks and grime. Create realistic streaks by applying vertical lines and blending them downward with a flat brush and thinner.
Mud and Dust Effects: Dry Earth, Wet Mud and Loose Ground textures can be applied using dabbing or stippling methods to running gear and lower hulls to create realistic terrain effects.
5. Using AK Interactive
AK Interactive provides a professional range of weathering tools that share similarities with AMMO products but feature unique formulas and outcomes. AK Interactive produces specific how-to guides and sets tailored for different vehicle models.
AK Interactive Techniques:
Streaking and Rust: Achieve precise weathering effects with AK enamel products such as Streaking Grime, Rust Streaks, or Winter Streaking Grime. The application process for these products mirrors that of AMMOs, which involves drawing fine lines before blending using thinner.
Dust and Dirt Deposits: You can apply AK’s Dust Effects and Earth Effects enamel products to wheels and lower hulls. After drying, allow a slight blend for soft transitions that mimic dust.
Fuel and Oil Stains: Apply fuel stains or engine grime products to simulate engine leaks and hatch spills. Use small amounts of the product and apply it with a fine brush or a toothpick.
Weathering Pencils: Weathering pencils dissolve in water, enabling modellers to precisely apply chipped, rusted, and dirty effects. To create scratches, apply dry, while streaks require wet application. The colours Chipping Colour, Smoke, and Dust prove to be particularly beneficial.
6. Finishing Touches
After you verify that all weathering effects, including enamels that need 24–48 hours to dry completely, have dried completely, you should apply a final protective layer of matte varnish. The matte varnish creates a uniform finish, reducing shine and safeguarding weathering effects.
You can also enhance realism further with:
- Create realistic broken glass or bullet holes by shaping clear plastic with fine tools.
- Black pigments are used with an airbrushed black-brown mixture to achieve burned effects.
- Achieve paint fading through dry brushing, lighter tones, or oil blending methods.
7. Tips for Success
Layer slowly: Build up weathering effects gradually. Rushing through the application process will break the illusion of realism.
Use references: Study photographs of authentic tanks, planes, and vehicles to gather creative ideas.
Test first: Always practice using a disposable model or plastic card before applying new products to your main project.
Mix brands: All brands provide complete product ranges, which lets you combine Vallejo acrylics with AMMO enamels or AK pigments based on your project requirements and personal preference.
Weathering is part art, part technique. When you practice using Vallejo, AMMO, and AK Interactive products, you will achieve museum-quality scale models that tell a story through their details.
