paint chips

Have you thought of trying the salt technique. Michealvk has a very good description of it here: http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6184

Prime the model in silver or alluminum paint. Once dry apply the main paint scheme. Once the paint looks dry, get masking tape, apply it on the area u want to chip, and dem quickly rip the tape off. i think thats how u do it

I used to have the same trouble when drybrushing silver or aluminum. They looked too bright and clean. Try drybrushing Testors Dark Anodonic Gray Buffing Metalizer. This looks especially good on the cockpit floor, rudder pedals, and leading edges. You don't have to buff this, I never have for fear of transferring some of metalizer to the surrounding painted areas.

Pete

I have checked out all those tecniques and like them, but the problem is, I have already put the final color and decals on (along with a clear coat), tried using a brush, but just looked like silver paint. any ideas on other tools?

Silver Prismacolor pencil.

It'll cost you about a dollar at an art supply store.

madda

The silver artists pencil does work, but it's better doen before you put on the clear coat.
Try taking a small brush, mix up some matt aluminium with a touch of gunmetal. drybrush a little onto to leading edges, fasteners, access panel lines and near the cockpit (single seat fighters). it's easy to overdo it so be subtle, less is more!
Pete