Having some free time without a new kit before me, my idle hands and mind began to wander to my top display shelf. I noticed the Trumpeter KV2 that I had completed some time ago and decided it would be the perfect victim to try the "new" technique....the hairspray method.
This techniquie was developed by Phil Stutcinskas which he won Best of Show at 2006 Euromilitare with his Pz IVJ. I had the opportunity to see it in person, it was truly unbelieveable.
So, lets see what happens as I try this:
My KV1 as it sat unsuspecting.
The Hairspray that I used.
The collection of the materials that I think that I'll be using. My first step is to spray a coat of Future acrylic to seal the original finish. After that has dried, I spray two light coats of the hair spray on the model. Again I let that dry.
For the Whitewash, I have Game Color White. I first gave a overall spray of the white with my airbrush. As I wanted to achieve a Worn whitewash, I came back over the spray with a wide brush and more white paint. This left a very uneven effect, something that I was looking for.
Then, I dirtied it up a bit with a spray of Vallejo US Tan Earth and German Camo Black Brown. I wasn't too concerned with neatness because I'd be scrubbing it off later, but I did want to simulate surface dirt/mud
And now for the scrubbing. I began thinking that water alone would be enough to lift the whitewash off, but I found that rubbing alchohol really worked much better.
I found that working in a small area is best. I begin by moistening my brush in the alchohol, then wet the area to be scrubbed. I then just begin to rub or scrub with my brush until the white paint begins to soften and lift.
And some progress shots. I was quite surprised by the amount of control that you really have over the process. As the paint lifts, it's important to continue to clean off the area - I produce quite a bit of "soup", even while working a small area. And also, I found that water kind-of acts as an inhibiting agent to the process - ie. dip you brush in clean water and go over the area and the paint doesn't want to continue to disolve. Wipe off the "soup" with a dry brush or paper towel and continue work.
I'll keep working on this and post some more progress.
Until next time.
Rick
Threaded Mode
