Weathering with "DULLCOTE"

TnT Article by David Rapasi on Dec 13 2010

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.

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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

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Photos and text © by David Rapasi