¹⁄35

Eine kleine Krieger

the base colors

All base colors are applied using the air brush and acrylic paints. The application of base colors must be done with some consideration for how we will finish painting and weathering the subject. We can use filters to alter the colors that we airbrush, these filters can change tones, darken areas and lighten other areas. Also, choice of chipping colors, streaking effects, and the effects of dust, dirt, & mud will affect the appearance of our base colors. With these ideas in mind, careful consideration must be taken when we choose our base colors because they will be altered considerably by the time the model is complete. In the case of the 38(t) , the base colors were specially mixed with each area of the vehicle in mind. For example, the upper lighter areas were painted with a mixture of lighter grey shades mixed with a small amount of lighter blues and dirty whites. The mix was made progressively lighter towards the very top & leading edges of panels. For the lower & darker areas, a mixture of darker grey shades mixed with the same blue shades used for the lighter areas. In some cases, lighter and darker panels are placed directly next to each other not for any specific logical reason, but rather to create contrast and visual interest.

All base colors were applied in thin layers progressively built up to create the correct color density. I was very careful to allow these transparent layers to let the pre-shaded primers to do their job of suggesting light and shadow. If we apply the base colors in thick coats, they will completely cover and remove the subtle effect of pre-shading. Masking tape was used to isolate specific plates, hatches, and other features of the vehicle throughout the application of base colors. Using masking tape or index cards to isolate specific panels, seems, hatches etc. will enable us to create color contrast across the entire vehicle. A small pointer brush was used to pick out small details such as bolt heads, rivets, hinges, and edges of panels using contrasting shades of the base colors.

All markings were applied using dry transfers and then the model was treated to one general very thin enamel based filter, in this case a thinned down version of AK Interactive’s Filter for Early Panzers to help blend the transitions and unify the surface while the base acrylic colors are still matt in appearance. Many other localized filters are applied to smaller specific areas that need direct attention. For example, we can use a filter on a specific access hatch in order to make it contrast with the surrounding surface. We can also for example, use a darker filter for the lower glacis plate & areas shadowed by the turret in order to darken their appearance in contrast with surfaces exposed to direct light.