Painting Bricks & Mortar (Pics)

[Animal]

I just paint it straight on wait for it to dry then use a wide chisel hobby knife to scrape the top layer of paint off, this only works for buildings that are molded in colours like the walthers cornerstone series stuff.

I find that this technique removes the sheen that kits like the walthers have

[Medina1128]

 I use the diluted wash method, except I omit the water. Just mix the alcohol and color. The alcohol helps fill in the nooks and crannies, and it evaporates much faster. Once dry, wipe off the excess.

[Tom Bryant_MR]

Thank you for the encouragement.  It is interesting. I spent almost 4 years very immersed in the model train hobby and knew a lot of details.  I had to look up how to do a mortar wash - proves - what one does not use, one looses.

Again, thanks

-Tom

[GRAMRR]

Good looking job, Tom.  That is one impressive looking building.  I can't wait to see it when you've got it finished and on the layout.

[Tom Bryant_MR]

It has been almost two years since I was on this forum.  I am back working on a new layout.  I have benchwork up and a layout plan.  Working mostly weekends on construction and during the week after work fiddling with the structures that will go on it.

 I have the Walter's Consolidated Dairy started.  This method of mortar wash worked really well.  Was simple and easy to follow.  I like the results so far and will extend this with some powdered weathering with chalks.

 

Like I said, it has been a long time. I hope I have this post with picture correct. 

Thanks 

-Tom

[Doc in CT]

I tend to use a wash of 5:4:1 alcohol:water:paint for my brick walls; liberally swabbing it on with a soft brush and then wiping down with a rag after the paint begins to dry to expose more brick.

The picture is of the wall treatment of the Bachmann Ambassador Hotel I am in the process of assembling [link to construction narrative]. Another example of mortar is also on that page.

[nbrodar]

 Thanks guys.

My process is simple.  I brush on full strength craft paint, using a jabby rather then swishy motion.  Here I used Delta Creamcoat Maple Sugar Tan. 

Then I wipe it off using a paper towel. 

By varying how long you let the paint set and how often you change the towel, you can simulate differing amounts of weathering.

Here we go with all the walls done and windows installed.

Nick

[richhotrain]

I did not think that was humanly possible to do the mortar like that.   Awesome job as my kids would say.  Yes, just like the other responses, tell us how to do that?

[Phoebe Vet]

I, too, would like more details on the process.  I have one of those buildings that I will be assembling in the next few days.

[RDG1519]

Nick,

Great work and very credible. As was already asked what is your motar mix and how did you apply it? Thanks!!!

Chris

[GRAMRR]

Nick - The finished wall section looks great.  It's impressive how such a relatively simple technique can make such an improvement.  What is your mortar "mix" and trim color?

[nbrodar]

 I'm working on a Walthers Commisary building.  This pic shows the progression of painting the mortar and trim:

Left: raw building
Center: just the mortar wash
Right: mortar wash and trim painted

Normally, I also paint the structure a basic brick color first, but the Walther's kit has a nice brick color already.  The mortar wash significantly dulls the raw plastic, but I still may hit it with a coat of matte finish.

Nick