Hey guys, I'm doing a diorama with a Panther (Ausf A.), and it's going to be abandoned. Sooooo, my question is: How do you make it look extremely weathered? I mean, how do you make it look rusty, worn-out, you know, abandoned? Thanks for your time.

M.E.K. (Home Depot), Baking soda, Celluclay and acrylic paint.

RUST: I paint the M.E.K. on to exhaust, exposed metal like fenders, drizzle it between exposed edges and liberally sprinkle on baking soda… Once dry, I brush off he excess, apply a wash of black and dry brush with burnt sienna once dry. Great rust.

Mud & MireI then mix a small batch of “goop” with Celluclay and mix in my base ground color the dab stab and stipple my way under the fender, wheel, lower hull and w2here every appropriate… and then a few flick with a goop loaded toothbrush and instant splatters. Let it all dry and then dry brush or semi gloss depending on how wet or dry you want it to look.

John
www.johnneill.com

wow the tiger looks great the rust looks so realistic

John,

What is MEK? I would like to try this method out but I don't know what it is...

Thanks in advance,

Shaun

methyl ethyl ketone

MIG in his book "Rarities" has some interesting methods and dio's for well-used or abandoned equipment.
capnjock

M.E.K. - methyl ethyl ketone -Solvent and I use it as Plastic glue - use just like liquid cement.

it is highly flamalbe, but safe if used with common sense. Also Cheap! Quart is 5-6 Buck at Home Depot compare that to the cost of the typical plastic cenment in a 1-2 ounce bottle.

John
www.johnneill.com

wow the sniper dio looks great

One comment about the 'mud and mire' tip.

I do pretty mnuch the same thing but also add a liberal amount of white glue and also some sand or real fine dirt. It helps to make it stick forever and also gives a bit more texture.

Steve

Yup forgot the white glue... thanks for covering my six. Sand/Dirt is a great addition to the "Mud & Mire" Goop.

John
www.johnneill.com