Painting--Fading & Weathering: Which color first?

When painting a camo scheme, painting the light colors first is the way to go. The dark colors will cover better than light ones.  For example on a Spitfire, I paint the gray color first, then mask and paint the green on top of that.

But, when it comes to fading a base color, the lighter shades don't need to cover the base color. The shades are the same color, just different tints. So it is ok, often desireable, for the base coat to show through.

Thus, I paint the lighter shades after the base coat (option 1 in the OP). I honestly rarely see anyone use option 2 for fading or shading. The color modulation guys (Mike Rinaldi, Mig Jiminez) invariably use option 1.

Oops, I made a mistake in my post above. I spray light colors first and then dark colors.

I have always done light to dark as dark colors will cover light colors much easier.  If you are doing a mask with a hard edge it really won't matter, but a soft edge or free handed camo scheme I always want any over spray to cover.

As far a pre-shading goes, it is still a preference.  For light colored paints it helps add some depth to panels and the like.  Search on some Bf-109 threads and you will see some good applications of pre-shading.

John

There's no right answer.  You just have to take it one model at a time and do whatever works.  I've done it all and in every order.  I think the only thing that really has to be done in the correct order is pastel weathering.  Otherwise, do it however you like.

It's contradictory because everyone has a method that works for that individual but may not work for you. The best advise is to experiment on cheap models and see what works for you.

I for example, shoot the light colors first then the darker ones. Pre shading for me depends on what look I want to have on my model. Same thing for weathering. I may go back and shoot center panels in a lighter shade to enhance the texture.

Washes and filters also will also further weather the paint. For example, I pre shaded the bottom of this Stuka only cause most of the pre shading on top would have been covered by the three tone scheme. A wash of Yellow Ochre artists oils and turpentine gave the paint a sun beaten faded and weathered dusty look.

I don't pre-shade. As for your question, I spray darks colors first followed by lighter colors.

Edited to correct: I spray LIGHT colors first and then dark colors.