One of the main
advantages of using this method for weathering is that it can be used over
any color with similar results.
The most important
step in this weathering process is to mix a few drops of flat white
into the Dullcote. You will have to experiment with the percentage of flat white
to Dullcote judging by your own results.
For future reference
this mixture of Dullcote and flat white paint will be referred to as Dullcote/w.
The wings in photo
# 1 show a variety of finishes you can achieve by using this method of
weathering.
Step 1;
photo # 2, The wings are painted in their base colors for this
demonstration. These base colors have been faded by mixing 10 to 50% flat white
into the Model Master colors. This percentage is determined by the amount of
fading that you want to start with.
Colors used for this demonstration;
-
ANA 603 SEA
GRAY, MM1723
-
ANA 607 SEA
BLUE, MM1718
-
ANA 612 MEDIUM
GREEN, MM1764
-
ANA 613 OLIVE
DRAB, MM1711
Step 2;
the wings are painted with clear lacquer before the decals are applied.
Step 3;
photo # 3, the wings have the decals applied and a second coat of clear lacquer
has been applied to cover all of the decals.
Step 4;
photos # 4, 5, and 6, In most cases the fabric covered areas will fade
faster then the rest of the aircraft. These areas are masked off and are
spayed with a few coats of Dullcote/w. These areas can then be lightly sanded to
vary the thickness of the Dullcote/w, thus giving varying shades of color. These
effects are seen in the photos of the Corsair's elevators, rudder, fabric wing
panels, and flap, and the P400's ailerons, rudder. and elevators.
Click on
images below to see larger images
Step 5;
photos # 7 and 8, Different areas of the aircraft, or even the whole aircraft
can be given multiple coats of Dullcote/w to lighten parts of, or the entire
aircraft as seen in the before and after photos of the 883 Corsair.
Step 6;
photo # 9, The entire model then receives a wash of Floquil Polly Steam Power
Black, This is applied in a small section at a time and wiped dry with a paper
towel in the direction of the air flow.
For heavier
applications this wash is rubbed back and forth with a finger until it is almost
dry, this will leave darker streaks on the painted surface.
After this step, or
any of the next steps, lightly sand the surface in the direction of air flow.
This will blend the colors together and give it a more natural appearance.
600 to 1000 grit
sand paper is used for this depending how distressed you want the finish.
Step 7; photo #
10, This step is optional. To give an area a mottled appearance, the
selected area is coated with water, then table salt is sprinkled on and allowed
to dry.
This area is then sprayed with
the Dullcote/w in varying patterns and number of coats. Some areas can be
sprayed with a thin wash of black where the surface would be dirtier.
After the paint has dried the
salt is removed by rinsing in warm water and brushing off with a soft
brush.
Photo #11, The salt will leave
stains in the paint when it is removed.
Photo # 12, If you want to remove
the salt stains and only have the mottling visible, spray the area with pure
lacquer thinner.
Step 7 can be repeated several
times to give a heavier mottling.
Photo #13, 14, 15, show the
mottling results on a Dauntless, Helldiver, and Catalina.
Step 8; photo #
16, Each separate panel or area of the aircraft is painted with Dullcote/w.
Starting from the center of each panel, or area, and working out towards the
panel lines in an uneven or jerky motion. Each panel should vary depending on
how each area of the aircraft is faded.
The more coats of Dullcote/w
that you apply the lighter the colors become.
After the aircraft has dried it
can be lightly sanded to blend all the coats of paint together, or to show
highlights.
Photo # 17 shows these highlights
on the British Corsair's wing ribs.
Step 9; photo #
18, A very thin wash of black lacquer is sprayed over each panel line or rib to
highlight it. This will vary in darkness depending on how dirty the aircraft is.
Photo # 19 shows the wings after
a light sanding.
Step 10; photo #
1 the entire aircraft is painted with Dullcote to even out the sheen of the
model.
Photo # 20, and 21, Any of these
steps can be repeated or mixed up to create different effects.
Photo # 22, This method of
weathering can be applied at it's minimum as shown on the wings of this P 47.
David Rapasi
Click on
images below to see larger images
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