Hi
could someone please explain to me what these words mean:
Weathering, Washing, Shading, Thinning, Primer and anything else that I didn't metion.
Thanks.

Shalom, Joey:

Weathering is a technique modelers use to make the model look more real. Uusually when we finish model kits, they all appear brand new, as if they just came out of the factory. Modelers like to create an effect of what the model would appear similar to the real thing when exposed to the elements.

For example, a tank is likely to be caked in dust, especially Israeli tanks given the environment it is in. Treads would get sand, dust and mud in them.

Warplanes, especially WW2 a/c, will have oil leaks here and there and exhaust marks in the engines and guns.

These are weathering.

Washes is one form of weathering where you would like to accentuate lines to bring out details in a model. This is usually done by dabbing heavily thinned paint (usually dark-colored) on lines

Thinning if I understand correctly, refers to putting thinner in your paint.

Primer is the practice of putting a coat of paint (not the actual paint) on the model. Priming serves 2 purposes:

1. The provide a base coat for the actual paint so it can stick well on the model without getting chipped off (especially acrylics).
2. It is also used to expose any flaws in the model like gaps, seam lines, scratches, etc.

Usually, primers are light-colored. You do not exactly have to buy primer. White or light gray paints will do the trick.

Ron

Thanks, now I'm beginning to understand some of the things I'm reading on the site :-)