Buildings

[Fergmiester]

There was an excellent article in MR back in May/June of last year, which talked about detailing bricks. I've experimented a bit I am getting better all the time.

You can go one of two ways. First you can spray bomb the whole this in flat white and build up from there or you can spray paint the all the pieces with a clear matt finish.

I like the clear flat finish as this allows some of the original colour to remain but provides a coat of flat that will allow paint to adhere to and not bead.

I use water based tole paints, which can be picked up at a craft store. You'll find colours like mudstone, Sandstone, Lichen grey, etc. These are all good colours for mortar.

If you want to add a bit of grime, then Stain with India ink (highly diluted).

Bricks can be done by the use of make-up sponges. use this lightly using a stippling method. The paint should be a bit thicker.

This is not a one night affair as it will take several coats over several days to achieve the needed results.

Hope this helps

Fergie

The trik to mortar is to use a thin mix, which can be applied several times

[Anonymous]

First paint the entire piece the color of mortar you want then let it dry. Then go to a local walmart or some other store that sells ladies cosmetics. Buy a bag of those cosmetic sponges, they are usually about .99 cents a bag. Take a sponge a glue it to a hard backing such as a small piece of wood. Now depending on the color of the brick you want, take some paint and dab it on the sponge, you don't want much on the sponge. Then dab it on the brick. The structure of the sponge keeps the brick color on the surface of the wall while leaving the mortar alone. Just don't dab too hard. I find this works very well!!

[Javern]

I make a wash of white or grey hobby paint and water, mix according to how grey or white you want the grout lines, then I brush is onto the building letting it seep into the grooves. Then I lightly take a rag and rub flat across the structure to absorb the excess. The wash stays in the grooves and dries. Then I use a flat clear coat to seal it all.

[LLStater]

What is the best way to get mortar lines on brick buildings. I have used joint compooound that has been mixed with water 50/50. Not very satisfied with this method. What are other options that others have used.