Hi folks, I am looking for some simple beginner tips for finishing my tank. I started this Tiger I project with my son, but now I've become obsessed with doing a decent paint job.

I started with a flat back undercoat. We then applied a Panzer gray coat. I wanted to apply a thin coat to give it texture. But we applied it a little too thick as the effect was very subtle and the color choice was wrong as it ended far too dark (a very dark gray). The next round I mixed up a lighter batch of gray, and again started to apply it too thick but got it thinned out more to my liking for the important parts.

Now I'm thinking, hey that's not bad, but it really needs a wash. I'd appreciate tips from some competent modelers. I don't want make a mess of it at this stage.

Welcome to Armorama. If you're satisfied with the base paint, then seal the model with a clear gloss finish like Pledge/Acrylic or Glosscoat/Lacquer based. Now apply your decals. The gloss again. Now you're ready for weathering.

I strongly recommend following Mat Toms procedure posted here in the painting forums. As for the what and how's there are many specific articles right here at Armorama on how to do washes, pin washes, dry brushing, etc.

Good luck with finishing your 1st tank. Just remember that less is more, and it's easier to add then try to subtract.

Hi,

I agree with Joel. One warning to prevent a lot of frustration is to watch out with washes since they sometimes can dissolve the paint. So if you use acylic paint it is safest to use a wash thinned by white spirit or a similar product but not with water and when you have used enamel paint do not use white spirit. I am not saying it always goes wrong, but It would be sad if it would damage your project with your son.

about the dark colour, this could be right. German panzer gray was actually quite dark but when applied to a scale model it can look too dark (this is called the "scale effect")

Good luck!

Matthijs