Weathering Dry Pigments

Weathering Dry Pigments - dry pigments from AK interactive

A pigment is a finely ground dry powder, not a liquid paint and not a wash. It is applied with a brush onto a finished, preferably matte surface and works purely mechanically: it settles in the microscopic relief of the finish and gives the model a convincing layer of dust, earth or rubble. That is exactly why it looks different from any sprayed coat - dust on a real machine also lies on the surface rather than covering it. The particular shades, the number of packages and the volume are not stated here; check them on the packaging.

Use

• Work only on a finished model, after the base coat and any washes, preferably on a matte surface - pigment will not stay on gloss.
• Pick it up with a dry, soft brush and apply it a little at a time. Surplus is easier to remove than to add.
• It looks most convincing where dust would settle in reality too: wheel arches, undersides, horizontal surfaces, the area around the exhaust, panel gaps and riveted seams.
• It can be sealed with a pigment fixer or with mineral spirits, which are allowed to wick in from underneath. After sealing the pigment goes darker - allow for that and try it on a scrap part first.
• Build up several shades: a single uniform dust color looks artificial, whereas a mix of a lighter and a darker tone looks natural.

Who it is for

For modelers of vehicles, dioramas and figures who want to move from a clean model to a model with a story. Dry pigments are a rewarding place to start - until you seal them, they can largely be wiped off the surface, so a mistake is not irreversible.

A fine powder. Do not breathe it in, work in a well-ventilated space, do not eat or drink while working and keep out of the reach of children. Close the container carefully after use.