Distressing armor

[duditz72]

Does anyone have any good tips on how to distress armor kits so they look more realistic?

[Texman]

There are as many tips as there are models and modelers. Could you be a little more specific as to what your looking to do? Do you mean simple weathering, or something as drastic as battle damage?

[duditz72]

Oh yeah I should have been a little more specific. Basic weathering is what I meant. Like grime and rust.

[Phil]

If you move this thread to the armor section, it is bound to receive more replies. Many have hidden the lounge from their view...

[Texman]

Good call Phil. I use pastel chalks for my weathering. If you look at my MT-LB build thread, you can
see some of how I did it. If your not going to add the extra details, I would recommend using a lighter
color in the middle of panels. This would simulate light paint fading.

Then, using another light color (such as a light gray) very carefully highligt all of the edges, such as where
you would have a "mountaing fold". Then of course, some exhaust and mud/dirt placed around.

Always consult reference pictures of your particular armor in whatever particular area of the earth
your weathering for.

[Tim Crowe]

There have been a few builds in armour section that show weathering in its various forms.

In the past I have given models a very gentle dry-brushing to tone down the colours a bit.

Moving up a level. I have also used washes to simulate dirt and wear & tear. Only on a painted and varnished model though.

Plastic modellers are also a good source of help for weathering.

Tim

[murphyaa]

I usually distress paper models by holding a squirt bottle full of water over their heads. Although water balloons work as well. :-P

[Texman]

Originally Posted by murphyaa

I usually distress paper models by holding a squirt bottle full of water over their heads. Although water balloons work as well. :-P

So would that be water "card"boarding?

[duditz72]

Nice! Thanks guys did not think of putting this in the armory didn't realise people hide the Lounge from view thanks for the heads up

[cdavenport]

You should get one of Shep Paine's books. They are written for the plastic modeler, but the techniques are applicable to any medium.