I have a few questions on these since they are new to me. Please answer any you can or would like to.

1. What tool do you use to apply them?
2. Do you seal them with anything? If so, what product do you use to do this?
3. In what way do you use them, what effect are you creating with them?
4. What do I NOT want to do, what are some possible problems to keep my eye open for?
5. Please let me know anything that you feel a beginner could use?

I am going to attempt to create dust and dirt in certain areas (My project is a M-41 bulldog). That’s about the extent of my plans right now. The tools I have for it right now are some makeup brushes and eye makeup applicators as well as regular brushes. Thanks in advance for the help.

Okee Doke.
1. What tool do you use to apply them? Use a soft bristled paint brush. Anything around an "0" in size will work fine. Swirl the tip of the brush in the pastel dust and apply to the area(s) you would like to weather.
2. Do you seal them with anything? If so, what product do you use to do this?Yes. I use Model Master's Dull Cote. I spray it on (because brushing will wipe out the paste's dust) in light, misting coats. A very little at a time!
3. In what way do you use them, what effect are you creating with them? You apply like you would paint. Almost. With the pastel dust, you have to rub them on with the brush. A little at a time. Depending on the colors you have available, you are trying to achieve the effects of dust, dirt, worn paint, spills and stains, and or rust.
4. What do I NOT want to do, what are some possible problems to keep my eye open for?[b] There is not much of anything to watch out for. If you do like a certain area or the [b]whole effect for that matter, a simple washing under a soft running faucet will take it right off so you can start again.
5. Please let me know anything that you feel a beginner could use? The ole adage "Little is more" is true here too. Just have fun with it. Experiment. Use "earth tone" colors. Using a couple colors of browns and tans works best for "dirty" effects. Use your knowledge of physics and ask yourself "Where would dirt and dust naturally land on the vehicle?" Enjoy. Remember, if you do not like your fisrt run with them, wash and start again.

It doesn't look like we have an article on using pastels on this site. I'm not sure I'm the most qualified, but I'd be happy to write one. It wouldn't be very long. What do you guys think? Would it be worth it, or too small to be of any use?

Nic

I've always used a cut off stiff bristled brush to apply pastel. It might just be the grade of pastel that I'm useing, but it works for me. I use black for gun smoke stains and oil on aircraft; black and earth tones on armor for muzzle scorching, smoke stains, oil stains and dust all sealed with Testors dull cote.

I have an article from FSM that goes into detailing with pastels from Tony on the tiger I you want it? But Ken hit it right on the nose. One thing I might add when you apply Dullcoat sometimes everything gets a little darker after applying so you might want to shade a little lighter.

Ps I like that Tony and tiger

I use Pastels a great deal on all areas of dio's and kits.
Kencelot hit it right on the mark. All I can do is agree with his posting.

Kencelot covers all the bases!

You can use a wider brush for applying pastels as dust. I use about a cm wide brush for that.

If you don't plan on handling the model, you don't need a sealer coat. You do neet a matt finish for the pastels to really stick to the kit.

You can mix ground up pastels with water to make a kind of dirty paint. You can mix them into oils too for a textured finish. Experiment on something you don't care about first! (not the dog!!!!)

Andy

I would say yes on this. The more content the better if you ask me. I am sure you could do a great job on it also.

Thanks for the info guys. I used this to finish my M-41 bulldog last night. I am going to take some pictures outside tommarow and I will get some pics up of it. Great advice as always guys. The pastel work on my Bulldog is pretty light, but you can still se it. One thing I was affraid of was going overboard on it. Also I didn't dull coat it because I like the color and didn't want it to change so I will have to be real carefull about handling it.