Weathering a Tank Model

• 1). Seal your painted tank model with a flat- or satin-finish spray sealant before weathering.
  
  
• 2). Create a filter, also known as a "wash," by mixing a heavily diluted concoction of 5 percent oil paint to 95 percent paint thinner. Earth tones and light grays are favored colors.
  
  
• 3). Brush or airbrush the filter over the entire surface of the tank evenly and allow to dry.
  
  
• 4). Mark scratches on the surface of the tank randomly using colored pencils that are a shade or two lighter than the color scheme. Light gray pencils will work well on almost any tank. Make sure the pencils are very sharp and apply lightly.
  
  
• 5). Add rust-colored paint with the tip of a small brush along areas most likely to be paint chipped such as wheels, areas where external tools are stored and protruding edges. A silver leaded pencil also may be used for areas where paint has chipped away.
  
  
• 6). Add the appearance of caked mud by applying irregular globs of modeler's putty or finely mashed papier-mâché and paint when dry. Plaster works well for snow in small quantities.
  
  
• 7). Take a flat-tip paint brush and dip the tip into a light color of acrylic paint, preferably the shade of dried mud, sand or dust.
  
  
• 8). Pull as much of the paint off as possible with a clean rag or paper towel until none is visible, then lightly pull the brush over the surface of the tank. This is called "dry brushing" and will simulate a layer of dust or dirt.
  
  
• 9). Mix a solution of flat black paint and paint thinner in approximately 50/50 proportions and brush on around the end of the gun barrel to simulate soot from firing. Go heaviest around the mouth but do not overdo it.
  
  
• 10
  
  Apply a flat sealant coat and allow to fully cure for at least an hour; overnight is recommended.
  
  
• 11
  
  Mix a solution of 20 percent black, dark gray or dark rust-colored oil paint and 80 percent paint thinner to create a final wash and apply to the entire surface of the tank to get a uniform look and shade the crevices. Dab away pools of excess wash with a clean cotton cloth.
  
  
• 12
  
  Seal the final product with a flat sealer.