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Dirty Windows

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WPA
  • Member since
    April 2018
  • 140 posts
Dirty Windows
Posted by WPA on Thursday, February 20, 2020 7:48 PM

While waiting 6 months for the row boat to bring the Atlas switches I need to market, that I am probably too far down the list to get, I put my efforts into modifying two DPM Gripps kits into a multi-building China company.  Was looking at ideas for window blinds and dirty windows technics and was experimenting.  Being N scale a little harder to really add the details but wanted to give it a go.  This may be old news but I stumbled onto something I thought I would share.  I brushed a thin coat of Woodland scenics scenery cement on the back of the clear window material.  After drying it was fairly transparent and added a subtle dirty look.  With a very light touch you can rub off areas to give the center of the window a clear look leaving a slightly fogged edging.  Looks like the effect can add even more impact to HO size.  I compared a dull coat sprayed and a glue coated pane and the glue one looks much more realistic.  If you want to make it dirtier to block the view in just add a second light coat.  

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Posted by AntonioFP45 on Thursday, February 20, 2020 7:59 PM

Hi WPA,

your technique sounds worth trying out. YesCool

Do you have photos that you can post on this thread?

 

"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"

 


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Posted by PC101 on Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:08 PM

Thanks, I love dirt.Embarrassed

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, February 20, 2020 9:59 PM

This sounds like a good idea. I would also like to see a picture of what you have accomplished.

.

-Kevin

.

Living the dream.

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Posted by mbinsewi on Friday, February 21, 2020 7:04 AM

I've heard of techniques like that.  I forget the last vidoe or tuorial I've seen, but your idea seems good!

You might even be able to smear it a little, or scratch a mark in it to simulate a cracked window paine.

Of course your in N scale, so I don't know just how much is seen, unless this building is right up front on your layout.

Mike.

WPA
  • Member since
    April 2018
  • 140 posts
Posted by WPA on Friday, February 21, 2020 8:31 PM

I tested it on a few panes and next chunk of structure time will go all in on the buildings details.  Have never posted pics on here but will give it a go once I finish. I did use an Xacto to scribe lines in a few panes for a nice cracked look and boarded up a few.  The film rubs of very easily so if you don’t like the look you can clean off and redo.  Happy to say I made the cut on the batch of Atlas curved code 55 turnouts that landed today on Hobbylinc so may shift focus for a little bit.  

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Posted by jjdamnit on Saturday, February 22, 2020 11:26 AM

Hello All,

Check out this thread...

Frosted Window Glazing

Hope this helps.

"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"

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    January 2009
  • From: Maryland
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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Saturday, February 22, 2020 1:22 PM

I have a question, are we talking about old industrial building dirty windows? Or just ordinary dirty windows? 

I must admit, it is not a feature I ever gave much thought to, or ever notice much in real life.

And in N scale no less, wow.

Sheldon

    

WPA
  • Member since
    April 2018
  • 140 posts
Posted by WPA on Saturday, February 22, 2020 6:18 PM

Was not going for super dirty look, was looking for something to dull the crystal clear pane that is very hard to even see.  I wanted a subtle effect to give the windows some depth. I have been out of the hobby for a few decades and this is my biggest structure project since getting back into it so learning some new things I missed first go around. 

  • Member since
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  • From: West Australia
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Posted by John Busby on Monday, February 24, 2020 5:05 AM

Hi all

Get some betadine an Iodine based disinfectant paste or liquid mix with PVA glue and a little water mix put on window inside, get a cotton bud or a rolled up piece of kitchen towel rub in circular motion.

This will look like someone wiped the window with a rag.

You could also use an earth tone wash and PVA glue.

While on windows a spray of flat varnish will create frosted window for bathrooms etc.

regards John

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