Hello. I am adding some wood (balsa) planks to my diorama. And the wood planks of course are not painted. My question is this: what is the painting process of making these planks look real? Please help... thanks

I've only ever used acrylic for painting wood but i do know that its better with artist oils.

For acylic, i maily do the following:

- Base coat of Tamiya Buff
- A wash of Tamiya Red Brown
- Dry brush with Tamiya Buff
- Dry Brush with Tamiya Red Brown.

I use this technique mainly on 1:35 tool handles etc. Dry brushing with acrylics tricks the eye into thinking there is texture when really there isnt.

There is an article on this that would help you. Try this one:

Easy Wood Grain Effects

Thank you my friend I will give it a try. Take care!

hi mate the method i use is to first paint with tamiya acrylic flesh then when dry apply burnt umber oil paint
as the oil paint dry,s streak down with a brush wiping the brush after each stroke you should see streaks and grain effect appearing on the part if you remove to much oil simply apply more and wait longer before streaking hope this helps

I will try that as well! Thanks for your input! Take Care

Howdy plasticman,

The base question here should be..."what particular type of "wood" are you trying to duplicate, and further, in what scale?

Simulated plywood is somewhat different from lumber, as is the difference betwix painted wood and natural wood.
Especially since you mentioned "balsa". A wood that is very responsive to water-based paints such as Acrylic....

Tread.

Hello!

First - 1/35th scale. I am trying to simulate planks that are from a ruined building. Nothing special. Just want to add "debri" into the rubble. I only chose the balso because it came in the size that I was looking for. I did however tried the techniques mentioned prior and liked the results. But, if you have any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it!. Thanks, take care!