Tutorial: Weathering Your Armor
Sunday, April 16 2006
Source:
http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/davin/replica_weathering.htm
Posted By:
Adam
Learn how to weather your armor to make it look like it just came out of a battle, and not like you just are a crappy painter.
Realistic weathering can be achieved using Woodland Scenics' Earth Colors Liquid Pigments. We recommend purchasing 4 oz. bottles of Raw Umber (mfg. part # C1221), Yellow Ocher (mfg. part # C1223), and Burnt Umber (mfg. part # C1222). We recommend you buy pigments directly from Woodland Scenics.
The pigment goes on as a liquid and dries, within minutes, to a dust that sticks to plastic. However, it can be removed without hassle and it won't damage ABS or styrene! Even after prolonged exposure the pigment can be wiped from the armor with a damp cloth.
You will also need Fuller's earth in natural color (a dusty tan color) and gray. A 3lb container of each color will weather several suits of armor. A little fuller's earth will go a very long way. We recommend you buy fuller's earth from the Cine' Shoppe.
STEP ONE:
Choose a piece of armor to be weathered. Make sure it is clean. For this example, we used the breast plate.
STEP TWO:
The first layer we apply is Raw Umber as it is the darkest color we will use and we want it to be toned down by the layers that go over it. Dab pigment over the surface of the armor using the tip of the sponge.
STEP THREE:
Pat the pigment with a piece of crumpled paper towel to spread the color out, blend it together and give it a random appearance.
STEP FOUR:
This step may seem odd, but it is VERY important! Allow the pigment to dry and then take a second crumpled paper towel and gently wipe of most of the weathering. The pigment will naturally stick better in some areas than others. Make sure very little is left. We have a lot of layers to go, and this is the darkest color so we do not want very much of it. As you can see, the pigment REALLY brings out any scratches in the armor.
STEP FIVE:
The second layer used is Burnt Umber which is more red in color and lighter. While we covered the entire breast plate with the first coat, we apply the Burnt Umber a bit more sparsely. Spread the pigment with a piece of crumpled paper towel.
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