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Gorilla Tutorial: Worn effects & chipping painting technique

By David

One of the best things about scale modelling and miniature painting these days is that a whole host of advanced techniques and realistic effects are being made more approachable and achievable as new specialized products are released.

In this Gorilla Tutorial I'll take you through how to achieve realistic worn effects and paint chipping using AK Interactive's or Vallejo's chipping fluids.

One of the best techniques used by scale modelers and wargamers to produce chipping effects is the hairspray technique, aptly called because it originally called for the use of hairspray. Now before you run off to the bathroom to grab your mother's/wife's/own can of Pantene, top modeling brands now produce specialised acrylic fluids which are safer and more effective.

  • Step 1: Paint Base Colour.

After priming start by painting the colour which you want to be exposed by the worn and chipped areas. This could be a bare or rusted metal or a base colour underneath a camouflage pattern. Then protect this base colour with a quick coat of varnish otherwise it may rub off at later stages.

  • Step 2: Apply Chipping Fluid.

Both AK Interactive and Vallejo's chipping fluids are formulated for airbrushing and this is definitely the quickest and easiest method for application but brushing will also work, especially on smaller areas such as the shields on gaming miniatures. Apply a couple of thin coats to the areas you want weathered, the thicker the chipping fluid coat the larger the resulting paint chips.

  • Step 3: Apply Top Coat.

Next apply the top paint layer over top of the chipping fluid. Don't water down your paint too much as this will react with the fluid underneath and start to chip. It is for this reason that airbrushing the second layer will work best, especially with the Vallejo Model Air range.

  • Step 4: Chipping Time.

Now its time for the magic to happen. Simply dampen down the surface and this will begin to loosen the chipping fluid. By rubbing with a brush you can quickly produce areas of worn, thinner paint and create scratches and chips. You can also use a toothpick for sharper, thinner paint scratches. Then give the worn areas another coat of varnish to seal in the effect.

This technique gives amazing results yet is very quick to do and extremely easy to learn and is awesome for scale models, tabletop gaming figures & more. Plus you can combine it with other weathering products for realistically battle damaged and dirty models.

Check out our Guides & References for great books and dvds full of such techniques.

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