introduction

Vallejo Acrylics are well known for their Model Color range, but the company offers so much more. So much, in fact, that I was unsure what some of the products were used for until watching this video. From primers to pigments, glazes to washes, modelers can paint and weather their projects using Vallejo’s water soluble products exclusively, and that’s what this DVD is all about.

the dvd

This DVD uses the PAL system which will work on any personal computer DVD reader, and for those areas that use the NTSC system this will be the only way to view this video. I used VLC to view this on my PC with no issues.

The video is 56 minutes in length, narrated in English with Spanish subtitles. The background music is pleasant and the narration is clear and very understandable. Professionally done, there are no off camera noises such as running air compressors to interrupt the flow of the video.

Mig Jimenez performs the artistry using the Tasca 1/24 Pz.II as his canvas, transforming a ‘naked’ model into a finished masterpiece while walking us through the steps. Remember, this tutorial is specifically for Vallejo products, and some techniques and products may not be applicable or compatible with other brands. Much can be learned just by watching Mig’s brush strokes, both bristle and air, along with his application methods, one of the reasons why videos are such an excellent compliment to printed material.

The video is broken down into chapters to facilitate navigation if you wish to concentrate on certain areas, although it is recommended to view the entire DVD initially. The included eight page Basic Guide booklet makes a handy reference to use at the workbench as a refresher course.

The chapters covered are as follows:

• Intro:
  This is an introduction stating that the finishing and weathering of a model can be completed using acrylic products and that different techniques are required. During the narration, the finished model is showcased.
  
• Base Color:
  This is an excellent chapter which covers priming, base color, highlighting, adding camouflage and decals. Of note, the ‘normal’ sequence of decal application with Vallejo’s Decal Medium and Decal Fix is using the medium first and the fix second as is shown in the video. Some modelers reverse that sequence, using the fix and then the medium, with excellent results.
  
• Pin Washes:
  Using acrylic washes is a whole different ball game compared to oil products due to their very quick drying times, and this chapter cleared up any questions and problems that I was having using these acrylic wash products.
  
• Chipping:
  Mig heavily chips his subject, providing us with a good walk through of the process using a brush, the ‘sponge’ technique is mentioned, and used, although not taught here.
  
• Fading and Rust:
  Fading is accomplished by using an airbrush to start, and an overall filter/wash to finish. Rust streaks follow showing both small and large areas done. What is not shown are complete rust areas such as is commonly portrayed on exhausts, as this usually requires multiple techniques to accomplish such as chipping, painting and pigments. By combining multiple techniques shown in the video many other effects can be accomplished, experimentation is always a key to success.
  
• Dust and Dry Mud:
  Here we get into using pigments to portray dry dust and mud. This can be adjusted to suit the individual modeler, and Mig provides us with a few different applications to use. Other pigment techniques can be used here to achieve the desired effect.
  
• Tracks:
  A simple and effective way to finish tracks using paint and pigments, no more worrying if an oil based product will eat through your ModelKasten tracks!
  
• Oil, Tools and Details:
  An easy way to achieve oil spills that look very realistic. On vehicle equipment is covered briefly as many of these items use the same techniques as the vehicle itself. A good point is brought up here about painting a wood finish, that it’s more akin to figure painting, which these super fine details are. Still, this area is touched upon lightly to get you started, and further reading into acrylic figure painting would be beneficial. This chapter ends with the addition of leaves and grass, virtually the only non-Vallejo products used.
  
• Remember:
  This chapter serves to give an overview of the products used.
  
• The Panzer II:
  A preserved Pz.II in motion, with a quick video walk-around of the tank provides a nice finale to this DVD.

conclusion

A model can be completely finished using Vallejo acrylic products following Mig’s step-by-step, and using the information contained in this DVD provides the basis for even further experimentation. There are still a few blanks to fill in which I wish were gone into more detail, such as the streaking that is evident on the model, but more than enough is included here. And possibly these areas are completed during the process, (maybe streaking is complete in the fading and rust section?), but without finishing a complete model using these techniques I cannot say for sure. I have tried a few of these techniques with very pleasing results and will soon pick up the Tasca 1/24 Pz.II to compare ‘apples to apples’ results between a pro and novice.