Weathering natural metal?
 
Posted By: Dave Pluth <info@j-aircraft.com>
Date: Friday, 8 October 1999, at 6:31 a.m.
 
Hi all,
 
I was having a bit of a dangerous moment the other day and began pondering doing a natural metal Ki-84. The thing is, how do you weather a natural metal bird? The best I could come up with is a bit of chaulk for some staining and doing a wash to bring out the panel lines and give it something of a dirty look. Any other suggestions?
 
Also, how do you weather hinomaru decals without tearing them to bits?
 
-Dave
 
Re: Weathering natural metal?
 
Posted By: Jim Kaltenhauser <kaltenhauser@yahoo.com>
Date: Friday, 8 October 1999, at 10:54 a.m.
 
In Response To: Weathering natural metal? (Dave Pluth)
 
Dave... with regaurds to the hinomaru's I find myself using SNJ aluminum powder and a Micro brush/applicator. Dave, if I recall correctly there was a company who used to make powdered rust and exhaust, but that was about 5-6 yrs ago. wish I could be of more help....I'll look into that for yah.
Jim
 
Re: Weathering natural metal?
 
Posted By: Rob Graham <rgraham111@aol.com>
Date: Friday, 8 October 1999, at 2:57 p.m.
 
In Response To: Weathering natural metal? (Dave Pluth)
 
Dave:
 
I saw somewhere that a guy used aluminum paint mixed with flat white to get his oxidized aluminum just right for his Tony. It was on the www, but don't recall where.
 
--Rob
 
Re: Weathering natural metal?
 
Posted By: Dan Salamone <dano@rust.net>
Date: Friday, 8 October 1999, at 4:08 p.m.
 
In Response To: Weathering natural metal? (Dave Pluth)
 
Hi Dave,
 
Hmmm... you can actually tint some of the NMF paints like SNJ or Floquil Old Silver with enamels. A batch with some blue, another with black(small amounts) and another with brown will give some variety to the basic finish by applying to different panels.
 
I also agree with Rob about the grey or even white to tone it down. Also, chalks will work, but of course sealing the chalks with a clear coat will affect the NMF. If the paint is allowed to cure sufficently you can use an oil wash for panel lines.
 
As for the hinomaru, try painting them like I did on the Frank. Some frisket paper, a circular template available at art supply and a steady hand give you markings that can be weathered with the rest of the model, IMHO it also looks much more realistic than decals. Hope the above ideas are helpful!
 
Dan
 
Re: Weathering natural metal?
 
Posted By: Brent Theobald <btheobald@enersyt.com>
Date: Friday, 8 October 1999, at 5:24 p.m.
 
In Response To: Weathering natural metal? (Dave Pluth)
 
Dave, it is probably too late for this but....
 
I like to use Bare Metal Foil. Then scuff it up with 0000 steel wool or ultra fine sandpaper. It dulls it up really well and gives it grain. It doesn't really give it that chalky white oxidized look though. I can take a picture of my Pacific Theater P-51 if you would like an example of how it looks.
 
The steel wool also is nice for making rust. Leave some in a jar with a little water. Instant rust. Thin with alcohol and paint it on like a wash.
 
Brent

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