weathering products

[DeadheadGreg]

hey, i just wanted to get your opinions on these three weathering products, as they seem the easiest to get started with:

Tamiya's A, B, C, and D weathering sets

Bar Mills weathering powder

Sierra Scale Modes instant weathering powders

 

i really like the Sierra Scale Models colors, and it says that brushing them on activates the adhesive that is built into these powders. 

thoughts?  thanks a lot guys

 

[jecorbett]

I just acquired the Sierra powders and think they give great results. I start with a light coating and just add more until it looks right. The only negative I've notice is with the gray powder, I'll occasionally get a black streak. I'm guessing it is because the powder formed a small clump that didn't get dyed all the way through and when I brushed it on, I crushed the clump which left a black streak instead of a gray one. It's not a big deal if I take care of it immediately. I just wet a fingertip and rub it out, then reapply the powder.  

[fireman216]

Bragdon Enterprises makes good weathering powders very similiar to the Bar Mills stuff....but I think you get more colors with the Bragdon powders...

[aav]

     do you guys dullcoat over your powders or do they stay on pretty good themselves?

[EspeeEngineer]

I dullcoat over my powders. The only thing to remember when doing that is the amount of powder you put on the model will decrease when you spray the dullcoat.

[fireman216]

I have found that if you do not use something...you can leave fingerprints on things....I had a couple of pieces of rolling stock with big thumb prints on them....and yes...the dullcote will fade it a little.....but still a very easy product to use and make things look truly weathered...my best adviCe is do what i do...try everything until you find what works for YOU and ONLY YOU.....

[DeadheadGreg]

is Dullcoat available in a spray can, or is it something that must be airbrushed on? 

[fireman216]

I use the dullcoat in spray cans...Testors and I believe some other paint vendors also make it....I use the testors...

[dand200]

Greg, check out the Bragdons if you can get your hands on them.  This was recently discussed in a thread but the Bragdons has adhesive mixed into the powder.  I was very intimidated the first time I weathered a structure but it turned out to be easier than I thought.  I am very pleased with the results.  Also, I don't want to sound lazy by adding this, but I don't seal anything that I weather with Bragdons.  I haven't had any problems with the structures either after almost 3 years in place for some of them.

www.bragdonent.com/weather.htm

Just an old brush with the bristles trimmed is all you need for this method, it's worth checking out.  Good luck.

Dan

[Medina1128]

I found that makeup brushes and sponge wands work GREAT for weathering with chalks. I found a pack of chalk sticks at Wal-Mart. I use the blade of a hobby knife to scrape the chalk into a pile of powder.

[bogp40]

is Dullcoat available in a spray can, or is it something that must be airbrushed on? 

It can be done either wasy. Most using Dulcoat, however , are using the small spray can.

I actually prefer to airbrush Floequil flat finish. In a pinch, I'll shoot a model w/ testor's spray. It usually goes on in a fairly decent layer but nothing compared to airbrushing especially the Floequil flat. Once Testor's is dry the flat finish will hide any imperfction in a sometimes heavy or rough coat. I may just be too picky as many have no problem using Testor's can all the time. Your choice.