Filters: Techniques and Advice

The only time I have used a filter was with armor and trying to get an overall 'dirty' look.  My filter was a drop of earth color in about 10 drops of clear coat, to make the tank look lightly dusty.  It did work, but I think there's a time and place. 

I am not bothered by how anyone wants to build their models. For me, I know what I like and I try to achieve it. I don't think people are doing things because they feel like they have to, I think they see something they like and try to emulate it.

Jay

Bish

 

 

Moff

 

Bish

 

 

Moff

I can kind of see what they mean about adding depth, but I'll have to mess around with filters more before I can form an opinion. I have to say that I disagree with you about the color modulation though. Done well, it really adds something to the finish. But to each his own. From what I've seen of your builds, you've done a great job without modulation. 

 

 

 

 

The issue i have with modulation isn't that people do it, everyone builds to their own tastes. Its the reason why people use it. It has almost become expection that it should be done and those that don't seem looked down upon. I do feel that modulated builds get much more attention than those that are not.

 But my main concern is that people use it because they believe it is realistic, when it isn't. As long as people know that its for artistic effect, then at least they can decide for themselves which road they wish to go down.

 

 

 

 

Again, it's very much an objective thing. Even the terms "realistic" and "artistic" could be construed different ways. And I can't say that I see a total monopoly over the modeling media (allliteration not intended) by color modulators. For example, what about Bill Plunk or Cookie Sewell? 

 

 

 

 

 

I agree its not a monopoly, i am just going off my experiance on line and the number of times it has been suggested i do this or that and the response one form get over another.

I can't say i have seen much of Cookie's work, but i have seen plenty of Bill's and after several yeras of trying diffeant approachs i have largely adopted his when it comes to weathering as i love the realistic results. But almost on a regular basis i see people, especially thoise new or just back into the hobby, asking about modulation. And again, thats fine, but i wounder if they know why they are doing it. I just get the feeling its because its expected.

 

One thing that bothers me is how many modelers build to achieve what they think the real thing looks like versus actually looking at the subjects.  I admit it may be hard to get on military bases (at least close to the planes or tanks), but even for civil subjects I see models built this way.  If you can't get to see the actual thing, at least do a good picture search.  I have yet to build a model in recent years where I didn't find at least a couple of photos of even the most obscure subject.  For many subjects a google image search will yield hundreds!

Hokey

Thanks for that post. So in your last comment, you applied a "filter" - as in "dot filter"? Or something else?

 

Moff

 

Bish

 

 

Moff

I can kind of see what they mean about adding depth, but I'll have to mess around with filters more before I can form an opinion. I have to say that I disagree with you about the color modulation though. Done well, it really adds something to the finish. But to each his own. From what I've seen of your builds, you've done a great job without modulation. 

 

 

 

 

The issue i have with modulation isn't that people do it, everyone builds to their own tastes. Its the reason why people use it. It has almost become expection that it should be done and those that don't seem looked down upon. I do feel that modulated builds get much more attention than those that are not.

 But my main concern is that people use it because they believe it is realistic, when it isn't. As long as people know that its for artistic effect, then at least they can decide for themselves which road they wish to go down.

 

 

 

 

Again, it's very much an objective thing. Even the terms "realistic" and "artistic" could be construed different ways. And I can't say that I see a total monopoly over the modeling media (allliteration not intended) by color modulators. For example, what about Bill Plunk or Cookie Sewell? 

 

 

I agree its not a monopoly, i am just going off my experiance on line and the number of times it has been suggested i do this or that and the response one form get over another.

I can't say i have seen much of Cookie's work, but i have seen plenty of Bill's and after several yeras of trying diffeant approachs i have largely adopted his when it comes to weathering as i love the realistic results. But almost on a regular basis i see people, especially thoise new or just back into the hobby, asking about modulation. And again, thats fine, but i wounder if they know why they are doing it. I just get the feeling its because its expected.

Thanks for that post. So in your last comment, you applied a "filter" - as in "dot filter"? Or something else?

Update: I actually tried using a filter on the JS-3 and I did notice an additional depth afterwards. Then I decided to apply streaking grime without sealing the filter 

Hokey

Can you elaborate on dot filtering too? Also, what is a pin wash?

And can someone kinda put together and EZ Guide?

Maybe like this:

Pin wash: What:How:Why

Dot filter: What:How:Why

Oil wash: What:How:Why

Modulation: What:How:Why

Etc...

 

Glad you asked! I'll put on my smart hat and do my best at explaining. 

• Pin Washes: Basically an ordinary wash (maybe darker than usual) which is very carefully and selectively applied to panel lines and recesses using capillary action. Pin washes are very popular in aircraft modeling, but have made significant inroads in the armor community also. Search the internet for tutorials, there are plenty.
• Dot Filters: Small dots of oil or enamel paint which is polka-dotted onto the model's surface, then brushed downwards with an enamel spirits-moistened brush. This can accomplish several different effects, such as streaking grime, color fading, and filtering depending on colors used and how much of the paint you remove. The first part of this video has some good stuff on color modulation: https://youtu.be/tsyFDsdQi-0?list=PLfi0E6wbmp_7EaIJsOpBBsnRb9WxpSlcl
  
• Oil Wash: A homemade wash using oil paints. Other people can correct me if I'm wrong, but I've never heard pre-made washes referred to as such. 
• Pre-Made Washes: Washes commercially available from companies such as Mig Productions, AK Interactive, Ammo, etc.
• Modulation, Zenithal Highlighting, etc: Summed up well by this picture. Though don't get the idea that modulation or panel lighting are inferior techniques to zenithal highlighting: 

Anything else?

Bish

 

 

Moff

I can kind of see what they mean about adding depth, but I'll have to mess around with filters more before I can form an opinion. I have to say that I disagree with you about the color modulation though. Done well, it really adds something to the finish. But to each his own. From what I've seen of your builds, you've done a great job without modulation. 

 

 

 

 

The issue i have with modulation isn't that people do it, everyone builds to their own tastes. Its the reason why people use it. It has almost become expection that it should be done and those that don't seem looked down upon. I do feel that modulated builds get much more attention than those that are not.

 But my main concern is that people use it because they believe it is realistic, when it isn't. As long as people know that its for artistic effect, then at least they can decide for themselves which road they wish to go down.

 

I would be the first to admit I like the artistic side of finishing.

Jay

Moff

I can kind of see what they mean about adding depth, but I'll have to mess around with filters more before I can form an opinion. I have to say that I disagree with you about the color modulation though. Done well, it really adds something to the finish. But to each his own. From what I've seen of your builds, you've done a great job without modulation. 

 

The issue i have with modulation isn't that people do it, everyone builds to their own tastes. Its the reason why people use it. It has almost become expection that it should be done and those that don't seem looked down upon. I do feel that modulated builds get much more attention than those that are not.

 But my main concern is that people use it because they believe it is realistic, when it isn't. As long as people know that its for artistic effect, then at least they can decide for themselves which road they wish to go down.

Tucohoward

 

 

Moff

So in other words, you use the wash as both a wash and a filter, correct? Add Quote to your Post

 

 

Yes, that is exactly how I use it. I think it makes a big difference.

Jay

 

Moff

So in other words, you use the wash as both a wash and a filter, correct? Add Quote to your Post

Yes, that is exactly how I use it. I think it makes a big difference.

Jay

I can kind of see what they mean about adding depth, but I'll have to mess around with filters more before I can form an opinion. I have to say that I disagree with you about the color modulation though. Done well, it really adds something to the finish. But to each his own. From what I've seen of your builds, you've done a great job without modulation. 

Moff

 

Bish

My understanding is that filters add depth. But despite trying them a few times i just don't see it. I don't go for modulation as i prefer a realistic finish, but i think just like that method, many use filters because they think they should. I only used the ready made filters a few times and now largely stick to dot filtering.

 

 

 

 

Exactly! Why use filters unless you actually need to tone down contrast? It seems that a lot of people do just use filters because it's what they are "supposed" to do.

 

 

Thats the impression i get, same goes for modulation.

As i mentioned, i have had filters explained, but i just don't see the result others seem to see i.e. adding depth. I have not use my existing AK filters for a long time, i guess i'll get round to useing them up and not get any more.

Bish

My understanding is that filters add depth. But despite trying them a few times i just don't see it. I don't go for modulation as i prefer a realistic finish, but i think just like that method, many use filters because they think they should. I only used the ready made filters a few times and now largely stick to dot filtering.

 

Can you elaborate on dot filtering too? Also, what is a pin wash?

And can someone kinda put together and EZ Guide?

Maybe like this:

Pin wash: What:How:Why

Dot filter: What:How:Why

Oil wash: What:How:Why

Modulation: What:How:Why

Etc...

Tucohoward

I use use a raw umber oil wash/filter. I apply it over a flat coat because I want the subtle staining over the whole thing which is the filter, plus I want the wash in the panel lines, rivets, etc. If you do this over a gloss coat you really only get the wash effect because the rest just wipes off.

Jay

 

My understanding is that filters add depth. But despite trying them a few times i just don't see it. I don't go for modulation as i prefer a realistic finish, but i think just like that method, many use filters because they think they should. I only used the ready made filters a few times and now largely stick to dot filtering.

I use use a raw umber oil wash/filter. I apply it over a flat coat because I want the subtle staining over the whole thing which is the filter, plus I want the wash in the panel lines, rivets, etc. If you do this over a gloss coat you really only get the wash effect because the rest just wipes off.

Jay