Hi, this is my first topic.

I'm not new to making models, but I am new to weathering--I've never attempted it and I look forward to trying it soon.

I came across this beast:
http://bbs.xiaot.com/thread-323591-1-1.html



This is the same kit I plan on doing soon. My question is: How would I achieve the weathered effect seen on the dark metal areas (such as the chest and fingers)? Would applying an aluminum coat of paint, then a sealant, then a dark grey and scratching it off work? And if so, How would I get the "mottled," worn metal look? I also like the scratched look on the axe at the mobile suit's waist.

Does anybody know?

EDIT: If anyone's wondering, this is what it looks like unpainted:

Looks like a razor blade or file (or both) was used to create the battered armor. A surface treatment, like Mr. Surfacer was applied to create the stippled armor effect. The worn metal look could be applied with dry brushing or detail painting over the primary paint coat, similar to aluminum patches done on aircraft wings.

Lay down your base coats in acrylic. Seal this with your clear gloss the some dark oil washes for the grime in the cracks and crevices. Next some lighter washes with yellow ocher and maybe some white mixed in to lighten it up and make it more dusty looking. Seal the with your clear flat then work on dry brushing your metallics on. Woe your brush on a paper towel really well then on a tissue, I keep both right next to men when doing this, till there is no paint showing up on the tissue. Then gently drag it across the area. A light touch is best and add it in layers, building up slowly the effect or colour you want.
I would use Tamiya gun metal, flat aluminum and even chrome silver as well S the gunze line of acrylic metals, iron, dark iron and stainless steel. Lay the gunze down first then the Tamiya over the top. You could even finish with some metallic powders and graphite. Just make sure that your sealant is layered on well prior to your washes and again prior to your dry brushing. Good luck

Thanks a lot for the help guys! I will definitely try these techniques when I'm ready to take the plunge. I wouldn't have guessed the aluminum was brushed on--it really looks like the dark gray is chipped/scratched away.

As for doing chips and scratches on the green surface, should I go with a very fine-tipped brush? I keep worrying that I won't get a very realistic scratch look with a brush.