Part 4: Weathering

Today, however, we will focus on two simple and fast techniques that can immediately make your models look more realistic and help eliminate the appearance of a freshly painted scale model. We will cover dry brushing and take a quick look at using pigments to create subtle dust effects.

Method 1: Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a technique used to enhance details and add visual depth to a model. When applied correctly, it helps a model look less like a painted miniature and more like a real vehicle, especially in photographs.

Step 1: Preparing The Paint

For this example, I use Vallejo 70.990 “Light Grey”. There are many suitable alternatives, and the choice largely comes down to personal preference. AMMO MIG also offers dedicated dry-brush paints, but I still prefer standard Vallejo paints for this technique.

Apply a small amount of undiluted paint to your brush. Then use a piece of paper towel to wipe away approximately 99% of the paint. Continue wiping until you are convinced that almost no paint remains on the brush. While doing so, rotate the brush to ensure no paint is left hidden on the sides of the bristles.

You now have a true “dry brush”.

Step 2: Dry Brushing

Using your nearly empty brush, quickly sweep across edges, corners, and raised details. Focus on areas such as cab edges, storage boxes, logos, wheel details, tread patterns, and other raised features.

You will notice that the edges begin to pick up a very thin grey highlight, making the details stand out much more clearly and giving the model greater visual depth.

And that's it! A simple but highly effective way to enhance the details of any model.

Step 2: Applying The Pigment

Using a relatively small brush, apply the pigment to areas where dust would naturally accumulate. Think about horizontal surfaces, fenders, wheel arches, wheels, and other exposed areas.

Apply only a small amount at first. Rub it lightly into the surface and gently blow away any excess pigment. It is very easy to overdo pigment effects, so start conservatively and gradually build up the effect until you achieve the look you want.

Step 3: Fixing The Pigments

The final step is securing the pigment so it remains in place.

For this, I use A.MIG-3000 Pigment Fixer from AMMO MIG. Simply place a small drop onto your brush and allow it to flow naturally into the areas where the dust effect has been applied.

You can also seal the pigments using a clear coat. However, do not apply clear varnish with an airbrush if you have already created the windows using Microscale Kristal Klear. The varnish will cause the windows to become cloudy, and this effect cannot be reversed.

And that's it!

We now have a fully completed MAN KAT1A1 Patriot model that we have built together throughout this series. We painted it, created the windows, applied decals, and added subtle weathering effects to enhance the realism.

From here, you can continue refining each technique to suit your own style and preferences, but I believe these methods provide an excellent starting point for anyone interested in model finishing.

Have fun, and we would love to see the results of your work! Feel free to share your finished models with us via Facebook or by email at info@panzer-shop.nl.

Thank you for following along, and hopefully we'll see each other again soon in another how-to guide!

Kevin Boogaard
Founder of Panzer-Shop.nl