I was just wondering if someone could give me an overview of the hairspray technique. From my understanding, I put a "primer" then hairspray, then basecoat and then chip away at the basecoat? Thanks for any help.

-Joe

Joe, try this.
http://www.network54.com/Forum/527528/message/1176229975/Whitewash

Bob

Bob, thank you very much for that. I will be doing a whitewash on my Panther soon and that article is very useful. However, I was looking more for something like this (see how the red primer is exposed from chipped paint? That is what I was trying to use the hairspray technique for. Or is that the incorect technique?) Thank you so much for your help.
-Joe
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.missing-lynx.com/gallery/48/images/tigeri48rd_1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.missing-lynx.com/gallery/48/tigeri48rd_1.html&usg=__mKt-MEgmpUR56lKzoynRfihlNx8=&h=469&w=700&sz=79&hl=en&start=7&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=Hy0QBHMJpRXYNM:&tbnh=94&tbnw=140&prev=/search%3Fq%3DTiger%2BI%2Bmodel%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1T4GGLL_enUS398US399%26tbm%3Disch&ei=d17oTfuuIIPbgQfI8riiAQ

You should be able to use the same tech. just practice on an old hull first.

Bob

This link from Missing Lynx is the correct way.
You would prime your model, then lay down the color you would like to show under the chip. Next would be to put a protective layer between your base coat and then ahirspray and then apply your hairsparay. Next youw ould apply your base color.
Next, use warm water, alcohol, or a combination of both along with a stiff brush to work away your hairspray layer and top color along with it. This will give you the effect you are looking for. It will require a bit of practice to get the timing and technique correct. I would suggest using acrylics for paint colors and an enamel based protective layer between your base color and your top coat.
Take a look at the "Left For Dead M41 in the featured articles here on Armorama. Here you will find photos and more specific guide for the hairspray technique. Also, look for Phil Stutsinska's article in TMMI from 2007. This model is incredible white wash finish using hairspray.