Please help me with techniques for weathering

Rangatron

Hi

Im the type of modeler who does not like to overdo my weathering and keep it simple. I only want to stick with the Tamiya paint I own.

How can I apply very subtle rust effects with Tamiya Paint? What do I do to apply subtle mud effects? How do I do subtle chipping with a brush/sponge? Can I use my panel accent line colour for a subtle wash? How do I do very subtle streak effects?

I want effects that are very subtle and do not pop out too much to the eye (little bits here and there)

It would mean the world to me if you guys helped with what I need and answer every question in detail, but keeping the method simple within my limitations 

Thank you so much

 

A little ball from a sponge brush mounted at the end

of tweezers and just dab the chip and rust effect in.

For rust streaks put a little bit of rust color paint

on the model then use a dry brush or dry fan brush

and stroke down. Use a white plastic spoon for practice.

Note, use chipping on corners and right angles where

wear would occur. Hope this helps.

Dash

Less is more. In a word - don't overdo it. Too much weathering can ruin a good kit.

Keep in mind that most subtle effects are done with very thin paint, ecpecially the rust streaking. Start with a dot of paint applied with a toothpick, then streak it down with a brush dipped in thinner only. The plastic spoon practice is your best friend.

When doing a wash to enhance panel lines etc. it must be a different kind of paint than your base coat ie. oils over acrylic.  If you use the same kind of paint for a wash, it will have a tendancy to eat through your base coat making it very hard to remove the excess. Also before a wash, you must use gloss clear coat over the base coat so the wash flows into the panel lines and around the details. I hope this helps.  Model on.