Hi,

Could anyone give a quick rundown on how to do this? I mean, I know that there are different techniques I can try but could there be one consistent method that normally yields good results. At this point, I am thinking two methods. One using white chalk pastel with some sort of thinner, or another one I learned through the Stockholm (sorry, spelling) site about using paint and then using laundry detergent (powder) to casue the paint to "melt" a bit.

Anyway, any method would be considered as I have no idea where to start and wha to exactly use (the materials) for either.

Thank much for your advice,

RobC

Hi Rob. A bit of an impossible question, in my opinion.
It all depends on your own preferences, your own skill level and what you are willing to try.
Take for the example the IPMS Stockholm detergent method by Fredrick Lundbeck that you mentioned. I bought Tamiyas old panzer II (quick build and cheap) just to try it. It looked like quite an attemptable method. Instead of white wash, I used a DAK yellow over the enamel grey base. Yes it works, no it wasn´t perfect ... but it was a first attempt and I still could make it into a reasonable model with an effect I liked.
I believe white wash would be easier as it would depend on the weather and on how much is washed away. But I learnt a lot from trying, at no big cost. Ive seen the KV2 in question personally, as Im also a member of IPMS Stockholm, and it looked great.

There loads of methods to replicate the white wash effect... this one ... salt chipping method .... maskol chipping method...painting the model white and painting the washed off effect .. the tape method as described by Phil Stutcinskas in MMI issue 2 ... spraying on very thinned white and building up in layers, letting the undercoat show through ... or see the recent description by Robert (Faust) Blokker on his Miniart T70.

There are no fool proof methods ... but Ive seen all the above with fantastic results. I suggest you try them all on some scrap sprue/leftover parts in your scrap box, or buy a cheap kit thats quick to build and experiment on, without fear of cost or loss. Even old kits that you started out on, and dont like anymore will do perfectly. But you cant get away from experimenting and practise ... always remember though .. you will learn more from your mistakes than you will when it all goes well!

Choose a method that you have a full description of and follow it, step by step .. and ask questions or for advise when needed. Show your progress images. You´ll surprise yourself what you can end up with!

In my previous post I mentioned the maskol method.
See this post by Jurgen and this white wash mehtod on the JSII
CLICK HERE

As previously stated, there are no really fool proof methiods of doing a whitewash. One way I experimented with on an SDKFZ 251 AUSF C was to grind up some white pastel chalk, mix it with rubbing alcohol, and then brush it onto the half track where I wanted to depict the whitewash. The chalk tends to stick very well when mixed with alcohol, and it dries very matt. Also, you have to remember that most whitewashes were applied with a brush in theater by the troops by using a thinned mixture of white paint. So applying a whitewash in the same manner produces a similair effect. Also, if you dont like the effect, you can always wash off the chalk by using clean alcohol or water. One note however on this method....if your base color is acrylic, dont mix the chalk with alcohol, mix it with turpentine or such. If the base is Enamel, its OK to mix your chalk with alcohol. The reason being is that rubbing alcohol tends to attack acrylic paint and remove it.

Gday Rob
There has been some good info posted here from Frank, and Gary's point (above) is worth noting... Depends on certain things.. ie. probably most US vehicles for example would not have been airbrushed in the field, but had whitewash applied with bucket and brush, mop, rags, whatever...Apparently during the Ardennes offensive, they would often use lime, which was more prone to rusting of the surface...
What I'm saying is that if you think like a 1/35 scale tanker, try to produce the finish they would, to scale :-)
Cheers
Brad

This is a bit late but thanks to all you guys who answered. I'll try different techniques on this and see what I like.

Thanks again,

Rob