Thinner for oil paint weathering???

I'm just finishing my ZIS-5 truck with an oil paint weathering. I'm fading the Russian Armor Green with a olive green mix. I'm using a combination of about 10 parts mineral spirits to 1 part Boiled Linseed oil. Some folks use a 50/50 mix, but I see no reason to use that much Linseed oil, it just takes too long to dry and makes the model very glossy. Any ordinary paint thinner from the hardware store will do. The Linseed oil slows down the drying time and makes it easier to move the oil paint around. You can either brush or spray the model with the thinner mix, then apply small spots of paint and blend them in. Make sure you seal the model's base-coat with a clear coat first. Let dry for several days before top-coating to get rid of any glossy areas.

Mineral spirits or Turpentine will work just fine. From my experience, go real easy on Linseed oil. I rarely use it anymore.

Regards, Rick

I use mineral spirits, it works fine.

I use regular *orderless mineral spirits as well for oil washes. Mineral spirits is not as agressive as say Naptha and lighterfluid and others (less stinky too!). It blends my MM enamels great and I have gotten great results. As others have mentioned, make sure to put a clear coat on to protect the surface prior to application. Future floor polish makes a great clear glossy protective layer for subsequent weathering with oils. Happy modeling!

I have been using lighter fluid and it works great. I found it readily avalilable at my local drug store.

I use turpenoid. It's a low odor (not non-toxic!) thinner available with the oil paints.

Dan