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Sign weathering

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  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Sign weathering
Posted by BigDaddy on Saturday, December 22, 2018 1:20 PM

I was so pleased with myself at creating my own decals for a sign, that I totally forgot about weathering.  I had not really thought about it, but signs weather differently than rolling stock.  I am thinking about airbrushing grimey black and dust.  Any different thoughts?

In the link, about 1/3 of the way down is the inspiration for this sign and building, which no longer exist.  Unforturnately, the pics aren't of the best quality.  Some interesting cars and engines in the yard, one of which became one of the Freedom Train locos. 

http://www.railfanguides.us/baltimore/striegel/index.htm

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: California
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Posted by HO-Velo on Saturday, December 22, 2018 1:43 PM

I've had some sucess weathering cardstock and paper signs with Pan Pastels and or pigment powders, but a shot of Dullcote is usually necessary before and after.

Regards,  Peter

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
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Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, December 22, 2018 2:03 PM

HO-Velo
I've had some sucess weathering cardstock and paper signs with Pan Pastels and or pigment powders,

Precicely the method I used here:

 IMG_1346_fix_sm by Edmund, on Flickr

I'll try to find a closer photo if I can. I did Smile

 Ruminski_crop1 by Edmund, on Flickr

I went a little heavier on the weathering than intended but not so much that I'm going to redo it anytime soon.

Good Luck, Ed

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • From: California
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Posted by HO-Velo on Saturday, December 22, 2018 4:48 PM

gmpullman
heavier on the weathering than intended

Ed, Lookin' good.  Before sealing and depending on surface texture and pressure of application I've found that some amount of overzealousness can be reversed with the Pan Pastels using a damp make-up sponge, soft cloth or even a digit.

Regards, Peter   

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Saturday, December 22, 2018 5:03 PM

In my case, this is a styrene sign.  I've got pastels.  Part of the fun of modeling it to try something techniques you haven't used a lot.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Saturday, December 22, 2018 5:19 PM

Thanks, Peter Yes I printed several spare signs on various media so I have the luxury of playing around with other methods. I find a high gloss photo paper represents a porcelain sign very nicely.

BigDaddy
In my case, this is a styrene sign.

Still, a coat of Testor's dullcote should give it enough tooth to accept weathering powders. You may only need a dusting of very light gray to give the sign a bit of sun fade.

Good Luck, Ed

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Sunday, December 23, 2018 10:26 AM

I've put decal signs on a number of rough surfaces, like brick walls or wood fences.  The buildings have already been weathered, and putting the decals on gives them "instant weathering."  They look painted on years ago, the way I remember such signs from my childhood.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Sunday, December 23, 2018 10:55 AM

Pastels turned out to be a good way to weather the all black roof, too

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: ARCH CITY
  • 1,769 posts
Posted by tomkat-13 on Thursday, December 27, 2018 10:02 AM
I model MKT & CB&Q in Missouri. A MUST SEE LINK: Great photographs from glassplate negatives of St Louis 1914-1917!!!! http://www.usgennet.org/usa/mo/county/stlouis/kempland/glassplate.htm Boeing Employee RR Club-St Louis http://www.berrc-stl.com/

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