SpongeBob Weathering Technique

[Honda]

Hello there!

 

Summary:

 

This tutorial is for those modelers, who like me, wish to apply chipping and battle damage to their figures, but sometimes struggle with getting the chips to look "right". By that, I mean, when I used to try and create random sized chips, they always seemed...non-random, not realistic looking to me. So I settled on using a material that is easily accessible to all, affordable, and is able to be duplicatable across multiple models for those (like me) who prefer a consistent look across their models.

 

Create Tool

 

1. First off, you need a tool. I settled on the foam inserts that you find in figure cases or blisters. Depending on the figure the technique will be applied to, use scissors to create a foam column approximately an inch long.

 

2. Next pick one end and using tweezers or your fingers, pull bits and pieces off until you have a raggedy end. This torn up end is your paint applicator and should look like the image below.

 

Applicator

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Apocalypse%20Lords/Tacticals/070409006.jpg

 

Apply Paint

 

3. The next step is rather important as it involves using some judgement on which colors to use. In general, I like to start off with lighter colors on dark painted surfaces, and darker colors on lighter colored surfaces.

 

In the example to follow, the chips were to be applied on a deeper red surface. I opted to paint the base of the chip color a light grey so that it would stand out against the red, then follow up with a darker grey.

 

4. Once you have identified the colors to be used, you are now ready to begin.

 

4a. Take the raggedy end of the applicator and dip it into the paint

4b. VERY IMPORTANT - Do not immediately apply this to the model. There is too much paint on the applicator

4c. Dab off the paint onto a paper napkin, as if you were preparing a paint brush for dry brushing. You want the texture of the applicator to work for you

4d. Now dab the color onto the painted surface in a random fashion. Always feel free to practice on a test figure or surface

 

1st color Applied

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Apocalypse%20Lords/Tacticals/070409009.jpg

 

5. Apply the second color

 

Once you are satisfied with the number and placing of chips, it is time to follow up with a second color. The reason you want a second color on your chips is to soften the starkness that the first color introduces to the model, but to also add depth to the chips.

 

Sometimes the first color will create a series of small chips and you want to preserve that pattern. Using an applicator on those chips would mostl likely blot out that cool looking pattern you've developed, so instead, use a small detail brush to add the second color. It's Ok. :wacko:

 

2nd color Applied

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Apocalypse%20Lords/Tacticals/070409012.jpg

 

At this point, if you are happy with how the figure looks, then you are done. I usually like to add just a little metallic to the chip to give it a little more depth.

 

6. Apply metallic color

 

At this point, I usually prefer to apply the metal chips with a detail brush. I like the control it gives me better than another foam applicator. I will say that if you are working on larger surfaces, e.g. a building, then you may decide to continue with another foam applicator.

 

Metallic Applied

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Apocalypse%20Lords/Tacticals/070409015.jpg

 

And then you're done.

 

Complete figure

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Apocalypse%20Lords/Tacticals/070409016.jpg

 

 

Other uses:

 

I use this same method for apply mud and chipping to vehicles, I just use larger applicators.

 

Vindis with dusty and chipped blades

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Apocalypse%20Lords/Vehicles/022409014.jpg

 

Landraider with mud

 

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/hkowabunga/Apocalypse%20Lords/Vehicles/022409002.jpg

Edited July 4, 2009 by Honda

[JMcL63]

I like the look of this, and intend to try it out just as soon as I have a test-piece available. Congratulations on an interesting idea Honda. ;)

[Lestat]

That is such a bloody simple idea!

It's exactly what I'm sure a lot of us did as a kid - using sponge shapes dipped in paint to print pictures (or, if like me, you had "cheaper" parents, using cut potato shapes :tu: ) It's just taken one step further into our hobby.

 

Will try as soon as possible - those three drop-pods don't look quite so daunting now!

[spectre312]

I'm stunned. I stare at my dreadnaught daily wanting to make it look weathered..... Man, this is amazing! I'm going to try it soon!

[Hetacondries]

Thanks for the awesome tip! :D

[ShotgunFacelift]

Fan-Dam Tastic Idea!!!