Weathering with Artist Acrylics

[Ryan87]

Hi all,

I've started weathering with acrylics (up till now its just been chalk...)
I thought I'd show some of my progress in hopes of getting some guidance

So here it is! What am I doing right/wrong and how can I improve?

Cheers,
Ryan

[CoalPorter]

Looks like expert weathering to me !
They only think I would do next is tone down
the gloss black lettering...maybe drybrush with
the base grey color to give a more fadded look.

[scootbird]

I think the rusts stains are great!  In fact, what did you use to apply the paint in this case?

Keep up the great work!

[Ryan87]

Thanks guys for the comments...

After a bit of time to think about it, I've noticed a few things that are really bugging me.
My rust patterns are too symmetrical especially around the bottom of the ribs (looks like
The same pattern over and over) also some of my rust streaks are not vertical or they curve...

I'm missing texture, I'm not quite sure how to achieve convincing texture in N, anyone have any
suggestions?

The wash I used to fade the car didn't work. The gray turned out much better but (as CoalPorter pointed out) the black was unaffected.

However I am happy with my progress (my first car with tube paints will not be mentioned :-[)
And since this car was for practice and has about a snowballs chance of being in my roster I will probably strip the car down and try some other techniques on it...

Scottbird, I used a number of brushes mostly a 10/0 blotter and a 1/8 angled brush and drybrushed the lines...

Cheers
Ryan

[scootbird]

Suggestion for texture...I found that using a product  made by Tile Guard - Tile Grout Coating (small liquid applicator used to coat grout between tiles - I use white)- has texture in it and mixes well with pigments (dry and acrylic), mix with some alcohol depending on how much opacity you wish....and it "grits" your application really well.  Practice alot.  I use this combo mostly low on rolling stock to simulate dirt splashing upward and dab sometimes on trucks.

[Diesel]

Ryan87 a product that is available called Gouache can be very useful
in regards to texture. When dry it has the appearance of a rough surface
It is water based and can be manipulated quite well with a damp brush.
As for the rust on the ribs most of them are open on the bottom which
in the case of rust being at everyone is normal. For repeating rust patterns
on the same car study the prototype and you will be amazed at what is
really there, curving streaks in particular are more common than one might
think.
For the lettering best to try and ''fade'' them down first by sanding or with
70% alcohol be careful as some prints/paints are easily removed.
 

[tom mann]

You can get a good texture with just dabbing on acrylic paints.  If you want more of a texture, mix in a little chalk.  A little goes a long, long, way.

[ednadolski]

Automotive sandpaper (grits 600 to 1000) can be used to wear down lettering.  Results can vary, since it depends on how light a touch you use, and how heavy the mfr's printing inks were applied.   Rich's & Tom's airbrushed 'fade coat' technique is probably faster & more uniform.

You can also scrape off edges/corners from the lettering with a curved X-acto blade -- again, use a light touch.

HTH,
Ed