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Whats the trick to MiG?

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  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Kings Mountain, NC
Whats the trick to MiG?
Posted by modelbuilder on Thursday, August 18, 2011 6:49 PM

Guys

I have just started using MiG pigments and love the effects you can get but I have one question, how do you keep the pigment on the model? I tried fixing it in place with clear flat but it just disappeared.

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Currently Moscow, Russia
Posted by Coldsteel6d on Thursday, August 18, 2011 7:27 PM

Haven't tried MiG but with other powdered pigments I usually mix them with iso alcohol and paint them on. When the alcohol dries the pigments are left behind and adhere well.  Depending on how diluted you make them with the alcohol you can get a dusty effect like a wash or thicker like caked on mud. The stuff stays on so well I don't even bother to seal it. All of the sealing is done prior to the dry pigments.

  • Member since
    October 2009
Posted by Kentucky Colonel on Thursday, August 18, 2011 7:42 PM

I use Mig's Pigment Fixer. about 90% of the pigments stay on.

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Friday, August 19, 2011 6:39 AM

even when they are fixed with thinner or alcohol,you must avoid over-handling or must pick up your build in  stategic places

  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: Austin, TX
Posted by DoogsATX on Friday, August 19, 2011 7:59 AM

Mona Lisa Odorless Thinner. I just dab it in places, it spreads well on its own, and the pigment sticks.

Honestly, I've had ZERO handling issues. Maybe it's that I get the pigments good and into the surface first? Or that I'm using them over dull coats? I don't know, but I've never had a problem with the stuff coming off from handling once dabbed with the MLO thinner.

On the Bench: 1/32 Trumpeter P-47 | 1/32 Hasegawa Bf 109G | 1/144 Eduard MiG-21MF x2

On Deck:  1/350 HMS Dreadnought

Blog/Completed Builds: doogsmodels.com

 

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Currently Moscow, Russia
Posted by Coldsteel6d on Friday, August 19, 2011 1:20 PM

In my experience the pigments only come off when handling if they are on thick, like a heavy mud coat. If they are used more as a dust or light weathering coat they wont. I actually over did it on one model once. Took me two days to remove enough of the pigment to get the effect I was after, and that was using the same iso alcohol I used to put the pigments on, combined with running water from the sink and a tooth brush. So in my case they stayed put. But again it wasn't MiG brand.

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Dublin Rep Of Ireland
Posted by terry35 on Saturday, August 20, 2011 5:48 PM

I don't have anything to add here but I must just say it is an interesting thread in so far as how different people approach pigments.

Terry.

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Kings Mountain, NC
Posted by modelbuilder on Sunday, August 21, 2011 6:20 PM

OK, So do you apply the fixer before or after applying MiG pigments?

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Currently Moscow, Russia
Posted by Coldsteel6d on Monday, August 22, 2011 7:14 AM

When I use alcohol its mixed together. I put the pigments in a cup and add the amount of alcohol I want. A soggy paste makes heavy mud. A cloudy watery mix makes lighter effects. Once you paint on the stuff the alcohol evaporates and leaves the pigment behind. It will have a dried on look to it when done.

  • Member since
    October 2009
Posted by Kentucky Colonel on Monday, August 22, 2011 7:42 AM

modelbuilder

OK, So do you apply the fixer before or after applying MiG pigments?

 

Both. For most pigments I'll put the pigments on first then dip them with fixer with a brush. Sometimes when I want the pigments to just lay on the model I'll put the fixer onm first then sprinkle a little bit of pigments on that and let it dry. You don't have to use much fixer, a littlle goes a long way.

Remember the Fixer is not thinner and cannot be used as turpentine. It's made to fix the pigments on the model.

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