The following painting instructions are based on how we painted the model that was photographed and appears in these pages, and box wrap, plus some general weathering tips that might be helpful.
TYPES OF PAINTS— We will refer to Americana acrylics as “AMER”. (acrylic or water based).
METHOD OF PAINTING—-We use Dupli-Color spray cans for larger surfaces and brush for smaller details.
WEATHERING—
# WASH—We use the wash process often. We think of the process as “layering of weathered surfaces”. It is also the process that ties the final model together. It blends colors together that create a realism that is necessary for an authentic looking model. A wash is a small amount of pigment, (paint, ink, etc.) mixed with a larger amount of thinner. Examples:
Americana paint and water
India ink and denatured alcohol
These mixtures are literally applied to the painted surfaces with a paintbrush or cotton swab. Do Not agitate the surface just lay it on and let it dry. Excess amounts can be removed with a cotton swab.
In the case of ink, we found that 1 ounce of alcohol to 30-35 drops of India ink is a good starting point. On the other wash mixtures, it is entirely up to you, however, we strongly recommend light pigment mixtures. You can always make it darker, but it is difficult to make it lighter.
#CHALKS—(usually done after paint & wash process) Take desired chalk and rub onto a piece of sandpaper. Use a paintbrush (dry brush) to transfer the pigment from the sandpaper to the desired surface. MODERATION is the key word here.
#DULL COAT—Final step in the finishing process is to apply Testor’s dull coat spray. This aids in blending and sealing the finished surfaces.
#Dry Brush—This is a process we use frequently to add a little color influence over another color. Take a paintbrush and dip it into your paint source as you normally would. Before applying the paint to a surface, dry the brush on a piece of paper or paper towel and remove most of the paint. Take the remaining amount and lightly apply it to the desired surface. Repeat this process until the desired effect is found.