I'm researching all things with oil paints for use with modeling. Are any of you guys using them? For weathering? I know most use for figures, but how about armor? Not the "pros" in the mags, but just the average Joes out there.

Check out the building on my Somalia diorama. I did the stains with oils. I sometimes use oils for washes on armor, but I havn't tried to weather with them. I saw an article somewhere a couple of days ago about a guy using them for streaks and stains on a Sherman, but I cant remember where. :-)

Hello! Kencelot,
If you´re interested here goes an interesting article that I read at Missing Links, the author uses mainly oil to paint and weather a SU-100, the effects are terrific, check it at:
Missing Link article
HTH

Hi Ken. Hows that Awesome M18 of yours?
I can't wait to start mine.
With oils, aside using them for 1/35 faces, they are unequalled as far as washes & drybrushing.
I just see a big difference in the application of an oil wash to that of enamel. I'm not saying that I don't use enamels for washes, it's just that the pigment of the oil when mixed with the solvent, makes a smooth transition, giving the wash a nice even flow in, around, & over surface detail. And it goes just about the same for dry-brushing, seeing that oil is in pigmented form, it's all the better for dry-brushing. In my opinion, I actually see the difference if I use an oil wash or an enamel wash .
- ralph

I used oils to weather the Emhar British Mark IV. It looked real good (at the time, didn't survive a move). I didn't have much problem using it and it wiped well since it doesn't dry as quickly enamels or acrylics.

I have used oils for both weathering and for figures. I find oils work best for facial features, hands, etc. I am speaking of 1:35 scale figures.

For weathering I like to use a very thinned darker base color with some clear turpentine added to the seams. The thinned color then flows into the nooks and crannies riding on the clear turp.

Lucas Freeman
Brunswick, Maine

I just bought some oils yesterday to try out on washing, dry brushing, and weathering. If anyone has some specifics on the best way to do this or what not to do that would be great. I got black, white, brown, green, and yellow along with some terpenoid to thin it. I also have some future to put down before I use it.

Hi Andrew. In most cases it is better to apply oils directly from their paste form without the use of thinner. I find its less messy & makes for a more controlled application, and it's a recommended method.. For washes , obviously you need to add thinner - I prefer using Distilled English Turpentine.
- ralph

I use oils for engine grills (solid ones) and stains. I use the burnt siennas for replicating wood grains and tones on boxes and pioneer tools. I don't perform the wash technique on my models, but oils would work in that application too.

Jim
San Jose, California
http://www.guntruck.com

I use oils only to weather, I have a German refuling truck that i weathered quite nicly and it was not a hassle you'll see it in my pics when i finish my diorama. but oils are easier to greate a weathered affect on vehicles.