By Terry Ashley
Drybrushing is another
technique used to add weathering to models. Again I stress as with other techniques
there is no “right” way of doing anything in modelling. While I use drybrushing
to achieve the final weathered effect, other’s use pastels with success, the choice
is what ever works for you.
Drybrushing is
usually the final step, done after all painting, decals and washes
have been added. If a wash is used make sure this has dried completely before
drybrushing.
A soft flat good quality brush is best for this job. Don’t throw away those
old half dried up tins of paint, they come in real handy for this purpose, in
fact thick gluggy paint is probably better than thin paint.
 |
 |
| Model with Wash added |
Final Drybrushed Model |
Firstly lightly dip
the brush to pick up a small amount of paint, wipe any excess on a tissue and
then brush on a scrap piece of paper until there is very little paint left on
the brush (hence the name ‘drybrush’). To apply to the model, lightly brush with
long strokes over the model so the paint catches on the raised detail only, repeat
this until all detail is picked out. Usually this is done with a lighter colour
to that of the model, but not always, you can use a darker colour if that is the
effect needed.
I also use this technique to add dust and other weathering effects by drybrushing
over the flat surfaces as well. One rule here is take your time, never try to
add too much paint at one time, if you want to add a fairly heavy coat of dust
and dirt, apply one coating, let dry and then apply more until you have the effect
wanted. If you add more paint over half dried paint you will only remove the first
coating the same as happens with normal painting if you paint over paint not yet
dry. By adding progressivly lighter colour you can further highlight the detail.
Practice this technique and you can achieve good results, I prefer this technique
above pastels as it gives me better control over the final result, but as I said,
this may not work for everyone as I have seen some very good weathering done with
pastels.
