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Multimedia Review
Video Review included
Washes, Fading and Oils
Enamel Weathering Techniques: Washes, Fading and Oils by Mig Jimenez
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by: Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]

An introduction to AK Interactive
AK Interactive is a new company brought to us by the folks at Vallejo and Mig Studios (Mig Jimenez). Their initial offerings include weathering products, a how-to video by Mig on enamel weathering techniques, a book on Diorama building by Justo Mira, and several wood bases.

Washes, Fading and Oils - The DVD
The DVD by Mig Jimenez is 60 minutes in length and formatted as a PAL DVD. What this means is that unless you live in Europe you will probably have to use your computers DVD player to view it. It is broken down into the following chapters:

  1. Intro
  2. The Differences
  3. Filters
  4. Washes
  5. Fading
  6. Streaking Effects
  7. Mud with Enamels
  8. Oil Effects

There is also a 6 page insert included with the video that outlines many of the techniques that are covered in the DVD.

Video Quality
This video is very well produced and editing. I would say that the quality is excellent with the possible exception being it seemed to be limited in overall resolution. I am guessing since it was formatted for PAL DVD systems that it was 720 x 596 pixels in resolution. This was notably less clear when looking at it on my PC monitor with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. Since many of the places this video would be used do not use PAL (or would view it on their computers in any case), I would recommend to companies putting out these DVD’s that they utilize a higher resolution. When dealing with subjects talking about details in scale modeling, etc. it would benefit them greatly to deliver the best video images possible. That said, the video on the DVD was typical for traditional DVD (pre-bluray). And the editing of the video is done in a manner very easy to follow from each technique to the next. The audio narration on this video is in English and very easy to understand (no accent). There is also sub-titled text in traditional Spanish (Castellano) as well. The insert pages also include both English and Castellano text.

The Techniques
As noted above this video covers a range of techniques and methods of creating washes and paint mixtures. While the video obviously attempts to promote the use of their product line, Mig also mentions how to mix your own washes, filters, and stains. He goes over the best proportions for the mixtures and why some work better than others. His technique for doing mud is very clever. Perhaps he has shared it elsewhere but that technique alone will probably make most modelers happy to own the video. I won’t mention it here as a professional modeler’s techniques are like trade secrets. He obviously shares them in this video, but it would be unfair of me to disclose them without his permission.

Each technique is covered in good detail. But simply enough that any modeler could follow along themselves while running the video. Certainly none of the tricks demonstrated on the DVD looked ‘too complicated’ for the average modeler. Most are done with a brush alone. Some required the aid of an airbrush.

Conclusions
This is a very well made and information packed DVD. Experienced modelers may find some of the techniques similar to those they already use, or they may find a better way to do weathering. At a cost of 13 euros this video in their library will probably be welcomed by most modelers. I did note that AK Interactive’s web site seemed to have a potential malware issue (or at least Google thinks there is a problem). Hopefully this is something they can resolve soon as AK products are not yet widely available internationally. I will certainly be putting this video in a convenient location so I can start trying some of these tricks in future.
SUMMARY
Highs: Easy to watch and follow. Excellent editing and composition.
Lows: Video quality limited to PAL standard for DVD.
Verdict: Overall this is an excellent tutorial for weathering AFV's.
Percentage Rating
94%
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: AK000DVD
  Suggested Retail: 13€
  PUBLISHED: Sep 11, 2010
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 89.91%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.83%

Our Thanks to AK Interactive!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Jim Starkweather (staff_Jim)
FROM: NEW HAMPSHIRE, UNITED STATES

I started building models in 1971 when I was 6. My first model was a 1/32 P-40 Warhawk. Revell I believe. From there I moved onto the standard cars, Apollo spacecraft, and other kid orientated kits. I don't know what got me started on Armor. I must have seen a Monogram tank kit one day and said "Mom...

Copyright ©2021 text by Jim Starkweather [ STAFF_JIM ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

Great review, while I don't use the enamels at all, and prefer acrylics, I wouldn't mind picking up this DVD to have a look. One thing about the written review. I have talked to Alex Vallejo (one of the brothers that owns the Vallejo Paint company, and asked him when and why they decided to add enamel products to their acrylic lines. He told me that they weren't, and that the Fernando Vallejo that is partnered with Mig Jimenez in AK Interactive, has nothing to do with the Vallejo Paint company at all, and in fact is not related to the Vallejo brothers (at least immediate relations anyway, apparently Vallejo is a common last name in Spain), Alex also told me that Vallejo in no way has anything to do with this video, and that they did the Acrylic Video (also done my Mig, which may be where alot of the confusion lies) to showcase their acrylic model products.
SEP 14, 2010 - 05:14 PM
Thanks for reviewing this Jim, I was hoping that somebody would post a review here soon Scott: No confusion at all, not a bit...
SEP 14, 2010 - 06:49 PM
Excellent review, though I am amazed they would not release this in NTSC format for sale in the US.
SEP 15, 2010 - 02:14 AM
I have been saying that since Mig Productions put theirs out. The excuse I got at the time from Mig Productions was that it would cost to much to have it re-encoded to NTSC, which I think is a crock. Personally I think they would sell many more DVDs in the US, Canada and Japan if they did, or if nothing else, go the route of the Compendum Videos and make the DVDs region free, so they play everywhere. I had asked Alex Vallejo about theirs and he said that he didn't see a problem with it, but didn't know if it would really increase sales that much to warrant having 2 different encoded DVDs out there.
SEP 15, 2010 - 04:08 AM
This is an excellent DVD and all these products are compatible to be used OVER your acrylic paints and clear coats. So if you use Vallejo paints, while not affiliated, these products will give you excellent results. A person in my club showed me the DVD and the booklet inside is very informative also. In it, Mig shows you how to mix your own washes and filters (cheap!) and takes you step by step through the dot method, with illustrations. Also, anything you can do with enamels, you can do with oils, so the methods have a wide range.
SEP 15, 2010 - 06:50 AM
Heads Up: The A.K. DVD will soon be available in N.T.S.C. format for those of us in North America, Japan, etc. This is in the works as we speak and will soon be available in North America through A.K. Interactive U.S.A. Watch for us in November 2010.
SEP 15, 2010 - 09:28 AM
i like the video review aspect. Hopefully we will se more of them. I think i might get this video
SEP 15, 2010 - 10:14 AM
I finally got around to ordering this DVD this past weekend. It arrived in the mail last night, and I watched it as soon as the kids went to bed. It's well done and will be very helpful as I begin trying out the new AK Interactive products. I'd also like to add that my experience with AK Interactive USA has been exceptional. Communication and customer service is top-notch! My items arrived three days after I hit the order button!
FEB 17, 2011 - 05:40 AM
I realize the topic about the formatting is now dated, but I do not see the problem. At this point in time, who does not have access to a computer with a DVD player at home? I realize the modeling population is older than most other hobbies, but for anyone who's interested enough in the hobby to purchase a DVD, I think they can handle watching it on a computer rather than their TV. disclaimer, I have both of the AK Interactive DVDs, and they're both very helpful.
FEB 17, 2011 - 09:25 AM
   
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