Applying Weathering Pigments

Never thought of doing that nor heard of anyone trying.  But it sounds pretty interesting.  Wondering if a dry pigment would "flow" through an AB.  I like that idea.  Let us know how it goes of you try it.  I would use the thinner instead of the fixer so you can get off if you don't like it.

I never tried that but have read that it will not work as good.

I just build an M1A1 Abrams in Iraq and I covered it in Mig's Gulf War Sand. All I did was brush on Mig Fixer and then brushed on dry pigments. It came out great.

Another way to use an airbrush is to brush on the fixer then dip a dry brush into the pigment and hold it over the place you want it to go. You then get your airbrush and blow off the pigments off the brush on to the model.

Sorry for the delay in responding.  I tried the method I described and the results were less than hoped.  The pigment came out unevenly requiring a brush to smooth it out.

The airbrush though should be an asset though in applying pigments and believe I'll try the method described using a brush to pick up the pigment and then blowing it onto the model. 

Thanks for the support and alternatives, folks!

Carl

I seem to remember seeing smallish sand blasters at Harbor Freight.  Looked like detail guns.  Might look into something like that?

http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-abrasive-blaster-kit-37025.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/gravity-feed-blaster-gun-93221.html

HA!  here it is:  http://www.micromark.com/paasche-air-eraser-mini-sandblast-gun-set,9117.html

Reid

Not sure exactly what effect you're going for but if you're wanting a thick build up of pigment you can lay them down heavy (dry) and then gently drop some thinner on them to set it. I use this quite a bit on running gear to make dried and wet mud. This is what I am doing here. The model was layed over and pigments piled into place. Thinner (not fixer) was dribbled on gently and left to dry. The clumps stay put for the most part but can be adjusted once dry.

The other option is to mix up a wet slurry of pigment and thinner and basically paint the areas you want very dusty on your model. Once it drys it won't be pretty but you can take a dry brush and start working the pigments and moving them around where you want, leaving more in the protected areas. The good thing about using thinner first is that it's not completely permanent. Once you get it how you like gently blow on some fixer with the air brush to set it if you choose.

Hope this is helpful.

K-Dawg,

What is that?  Looks like an amphib of some sort.

Reid

Soviet BTR-50PK (in Egyptian colors)

This may be off subject a little.  I just returned to modeling armor after 25 years.  I use a technique to simulate dust/dirt.  I apply clear flat with a small brush and before it dries, but still tacky, I sprinkle powered pastels on the areas that would normally get filthy.  Looks great and simple to do.  Don't over do it.  Finally I airbrush clear flat and Voila, done. 

Bignuggets

Greetings,

This topic is discussed on another popular web site.  Several posters claim they spray pigments with their airbrush using alcohol.  I did a search and there is at least one u tube video explaining how to do this.  I posted the same question as you several months ago.  I was looking to achieve a overall fine dusty effect.  At that time the opinion was no but it seems that may have changed.

cbreeze