Weathering order-Washes/pigments/sealing

Don, most of my metal effects (like for gunmetals or to depict wear) are done with drybrushing, usually a mix of Testors silver and an oil, like burnt umber.  No other method has worked as well for me in these areas.

The mention of dry brushing catches my eye. It is an old technique, and doesn't get the press or comments of newer things like dot filters and such.  But well done dry brushing  sure can give a lot of nice weathering effects. I also use dry brush to get steel color for bare steel.  You can get a lot of different metal patinas with dry brush.

well this reply will raise some eyebrows but i prime, paint with acrylics, gloss just the areas where i am putting the decals, may dulcoat the results if silvering, usually don't with newer kits. apply artist oil washes then pastels. no final coat.

Gloss, decals, gloss, wash, flat, pigments.- Don't seal the pigments.

Things like pigments are a fairly advanced technique.  There are so many combinations that it is hard to give general guidelines.  Best bet is to make up a few sample test surfaces and try different techniques and order and see what works best for you.