A few thoughts on using the Hairspray technique:

1) It is a useful technique for any model that requires the outer layer of paint to be chipped in rough fashion, not just winter schemes.

2) Both the intensity and size of the chips can be controlled by how much hairspray is applied and how opaque the outer layer of paint is.

3) It is advisable to use a fine mist, non-fragrance type of hairspray. For winter schemes two even coats are adequate to allow the white to be chipped effectively. A hairdryer on low heat will help speed up the drying process. A single coat of hairspray will make it more resistant to chipping, but used properly this can create a more subtle effect for other camo schemes.

4) If you completely make the outer paint layer opaque, then some sort of mark or nick down to the undercoat is going to be required to let the water attack the hairspray. Water will not dissolve the paint itself, so it needs some way to get to the hairspray.

5) It works best with acrylic paintjobs. If you feel it worthwhile you can protect the base layer with a varnish, however I have not found it a necessity to achieve good results.

6) I strongly recommend doing a test sample first to see how the process works. Large chips are easily made and this is not always a good thing. Not all hairsprays are the same and depending on how much water you use will also make a difference to how quickly the hairspray is removed and thus the outer layer of paint along with it.

7) You can use other devices besides brushes to make the chips. Toothpicks, plastic stir sticks, anything similar can help recreate interesting chips and scratches in the outer layer of paint.

HTH,

Mike

Thanks for that tip now a small question when you say varnish do you mean like a dull coat ? to protect the paint ..now the model is painted with Humbrol Panzer grey and that is an enamel so it will be safe from the water that i use. correct

I must be doing something wrong as I didn't see my last post show up. I'll say again that Mike Rianaldi would be a terrific model maker if he would STOP SOONER. Now he is just good. Case in point: a Land Rover featured in MMIR. First, paint wears off more then chipped off. They paint over primer. not grease. This model looked like a few madmen went to work with paint scrapers. Not very realistic. This might be for the judges, but to slow your true talent, SLOW DOWN ON THE EXCESSIVE CHIPPING AND WEATHERING

I think the question is quite obvious. Why do first class modelers overdo the chipping and weathering???

I think the question is quite obvious. Why do first class modelers overdo the chipping and weathering???

What is the best brand of hairspray to use?