How to paint / weather Realistic Corrugated Steel?

[simon1966]

My JL kit construction has gone well and I am pleased with the results. The back of the structure is covered with a metal foil made to look like corrugated steel. I have tried weathering it with ink wash and powders, but frankly am not particularly happy with it. For a start it it too shiny.

Anyone like to share their techniques for getting realistic looking metal currugated sheeting?

Thanks
Simon

[AggroJones]

If your going heavy, I suggest you mix a large dose of rust colored chalks with some Polly S flat finish, Polly S new gravel gray, rubbing alcohol, and india ink in a jar. Mix it well. Apply it all over the corregated metal. Let it dry for a few hours. Then come in with a small, soft brush and dust various shades of rust pastels on different parts. Work them into the surface. The flat finish should hold on to the powders, it shouldn't need fixative as long as you don't touch it.

[Jetrock]

One old hint I have heard but not tried: Bru***he corrugated foil with olive oil and hold it above a flame (from a gas stove or camp stove, but maybe a candle or lighter would work.) The olive oil will discolor and darken the aluminum a reddish-brown color--held longer or with repeated coats it blackens. It also roughens the surface which will then take paint better.

[simon1966]

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't think I will try the olive oil suggestion as the model is assembled and I dont want to burn my house down. (One thing for sure if I do, nobody will be dicussing saving Simon's Q locomotives in 30 years time[:)][(-D]

I was reading RMC last night (Always read MR cover to cover first and then move on to RMC) and in the scratch building article on the small lineside structure they describe painting and weathering corrugated sheets! So I think I have the information I need to make this work.
Thanks again

[Anonymous]

Simon, try a concetrated spray of good ol Vinegar. If you have a spray bottle use that to cover the foil and then just wait a few minutes and wipe off the excess using a paper towel. I would try it on a scrap peice of foil first to see if it gives you the look you are seeking. Make sure you time the test. Once the vinegar has turned the foil black use a stiff plastic brush (old toothbrush) to remove the oxidation you do not want. once you have the dark color you are looking for us a fine bristle brush and some rust colored paint to finish detailing at the proper locations. With a little practice you will get better at knowing where to put the 'rust'.

[Jetrock]

I'll have to try that vinegar trick! I'm building a corrugated steel building too, and was a little hesitant about the olive oil/flame trick myself...but the vinegar trick sounds nice and simple.