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Weathering Model Aircraft

by David W. Aungst
Special Cases
The above process can simulate a wide spectrum of weathering types. By varying the amount of thinner used, I can darken or lighten the effects. By varying the colors of paint, I can tailor the look and feel of the weathering. There are some special cases, though, that require different techniques. The following items deal directly with each special case.

Off-Color Paint
Touch-Ups This is not that hard, provided the modeler can control their air brush enough to paint fine spots. I create the touch-ups the same way they are created on the actual subject, one spot at a time. The artistic point to this process is not to over-do the spots in either quantity, size, or color. I carefully study pictures of the real aircraft to find the common places where paint touch-ups occur. I also make note what colors are most often used for the touch-ups. Then I mix up the appropriate colors and start painting.

As the off-color touch-ups were accumulated over time on the real aircraft, I intersperse the painting of them throughout the whole weathering process. That way, they are both under and over some of the weathering layers and better capture the look of the touch-ups.

Note that the gloss and flat coating I use to finish the model do tend to slightly change the original colors painted in the camouflage. By simply using the exact same colors in which I already painted the camouflage, I can achieve very subtle touch-ups that are real eye-catchers for the people that really get in and scrutinize the models. A lot of times I can achieve a change in the "feel" of the finish that does not really even show up without a very careful study of the paint.

About the Author

About David W. Aungst (DWAungst)


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