If you have just assembled several model tanks and you have been looking for a way to work them into a great looking diorama then you might want to try weathering your tanks. This can make them look like they have been out in the field for awhile and have taken a pounding in battle. While it is not difficult to do it can take a little imagination and some forethought. When they are finished, however, they will look great rather than looking like they just rolled off of some assembly line.



The first thing you will need to do is to gather your supplies. Some of these include a few different earth tone paints (browns, dark reds, greens, etc), a couple soft brushes and some water. Begin by painting your tanks as you normally would. Make sure, however, that you do not need to do is to cover every spot. If you miss spots here and there or let the paint go on a bit thin it will help to achieve the weathering effect. This will help any rust spots that you add to stand out from the rest of the paint. Once you have the tanks painted you can set them to the side and get your other paints ready.

You will now need to prepare a wash. This is a very thin paint that goes on almost clear and can take several layers to build up to the level of opacity that you are trying to achieve. One thing you will not want to do is to leave to much paint behind or it will completely cover up your base coat. Dip your brush into the paint that you wish to begin with and then dip it into a small container of water. Let the ink wash off into the water completely. You will want to repeat this process until the water is more than a little cloudy.

This wash can then be applied to the tanks after they have thoroughly dried. Draw a small amount of the wash into a brush and lay it onto the spot you are trying to make look rusted. Do not let the brush release too much of the wash or you will end up with it all over your model. Start out with a darker wash for the center of the rusted area and allow each layer to dry. As you add each additional layer add more water to the wash to lighten and thin it and work your way outward.

The more rusting you add the more weathered your tanks can look. If the tanks are any color other than a primer gray when you begin you might consider adding this primer. This can make it look as if the steel of the tank is showing through the paint job.