weather modern jets...

For graphite, i brush it on sometimes, and the blow off the excess. SOmetimes, when the graphite won't stick, i dabb a little on mai finger and lightly brush the model with it. Its easy to overdo so watch out!

I use a short stubby brush; just take an old brush and cut it down to between 1/8-1/4" length; use it for applying your pastel dust. Don't worry about rubbing too hard, just don't rub the paint with the metal collar the brush hair is attached to. I also use artists' blending sticks which are nothing more than paper rolled up to a point. Artists use them to blend charcoal drawings; you can find them at an art supply store or make your own from paper shopping bags. Any pastels will do, I have never used anything special. I take a pastel chalk stick and rub it on a scrap piece of sandpaper, then apply with blending stick or stubby brush onto desired areas. I blow off excess with my breath or can of compressed air, then seal with clear coat once you're satisfied. If it's not to your liking, clean up with soap and water and try again!

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Thanks a lot for the info. One other question; how do you brush graphite onto a surface for weathering? I tried it with a dry brush, but of course the graphite didn't stick any. Also, can you use any brand or type of pastels, or a specific one? Thx again!

For wear and tear on Navy/Marine aircraft I would do a wash on exterior and wheel wells to bring out panel lines and details; dry brush raised details on exterior and interior surfaces. Remember access panels where mechs put dirty and greasy hands, and surfaces where boots and tool boxes will scuff. I remember having booties to wear before climbing on an F-18 hornet but that was an exception and not a rule.

A wash is a color darker than the surface you want to bring out detail in; very watery. When the excess water is brushed off and the remaining pigment dries the panel lines/details stand out. Dry brushing is where you take a brush and load it with a bit of paint, brush off the excess and apply the nearly dry brush to raised details such as cockpit knobs, switches and dials. To simulate gun exhaust stains or boot/hand marks and scuffs try pastel chalk dust and brush on affected areas. For hyd/oil leaks do the wash with reddish or brownish paints and be sure to brush/wipe in direction of airflow for realistic look. Always seal after your weathering; remember to go easy on weathering. You can always add more but sometimes you can overdo it! Good luck!