How To Weather Your Model Tank

have just assembled several model tanks and youseveral layers to build up to the level of opacity that
have been looking for a way to work them into ayou are trying to achieve. One thing you will not want
great looking diorama then you might want to tryto do is to leave to much paint behind or it will
weathering your tanks. This can make them look likecompletely cover up your base coat. Dip your brush
they have been out in the field for awhile and haveinto the paint that you wish to begin with and then dip it
taken a pounding in battle. While it is not difficult to do itinto a small container of water. Let the ink wash off
can take a little imagination and some forethought.into the water completely. You will want to repeat this
When they are finished, however, they will look greatprocess until the water is more than a little cloudy.
rather than looking like they just rolled off of someThis wash can then be applied to the tanks after they
assembly line.have thoroughly dried. Draw a small amount of the
The first thing you will need to do is to gather yourwash into a brush and lay it onto the spot you are
supplies. Some of these include a few different earthtrying to make look rusted. Do not let the brush release
tone paints (browns, dark reds, greens, etc), a coupletoo much of the wash or you will end up with it all over
soft brushes and some water. Begin by painting youryour model. Start out with a darker wash for the
tanks as you normally would. Make sure, however, thatcenter of the rusted area and allow each layer to dry.
you do not need to do is to cover every spot. If youAs you add each additional layer add more water to
miss spots here and there or let the paint go on a bitthe wash to lighten and thin it and work your way
thin it will help to achieve the weathering effect. Thisoutward.
will help any rust spots that you add to stand out fromThe more rusting you add the more weathered your
the rest of the paint. Once you have the tanks paintedtanks can look. If the tanks are any color other than a
you can set them to the side and get your other paintsprimer gray when you begin you might consider adding
ready.this primer. This can make it look as if the steel of the
You will now need to prepare a wash. This is a verytank is showing through the paint job.
thin paint that goes on almost clear and can take