Model Master Enamel Stains

[Aekold]

I picked those at my LHS: http://testors.cust.shopatron.com/categ ... mel_Stains
Any suggestions on how to use them?

I tried them on a tanker's hull, and, I feel, it might be overly bright for rust (but definitely better than drybrushing brown which I did before).

[marijn van gils]

I don't have experience with these paints, but I'm using something quite similar for rust: thinned down Humbrol enamels (or oil paints).

For a rust streak:
Thin the paint with White Spririt, and apply as precisely as possible with a fine brush. Next, take a clean brush, moisten with clean White Spirit but dry it almost completely on some paper towel, and use this to 'blend' the edges to get soft transitions. You can repeat this process to build up the effect, use different colors on top of each other, or vary the amount of thinning to vary the opacity of the streak.
I usually make dirty streaks with Humbrol 3 black mixed with Raw Umber oil paint. For rust streaks, I usually start with a dirt streak, then go over it again with Humbrol 62 leather (an orangy red brown).

I'm guessing these Modelmaster enamel stains are just that: thinned down enamel paint. This can be handy if you're not sure about how much to thin the paint. But you do loose the flexibility of thinning it to the exact amount you prefer, and you're paying a lot for mostly just thinner...

Cheers,

Marijn

[marijn van gils]

I forgot to mention: if you find this paint too brigth straith from the bottle, simply use a darker tone. If this is not available, don't be affraid to mix colors. Add dark brown with the too bright rusty color for example.

I feel many people make rust streaks too orangy and bright, and toning it down will make the effect look much more subtle and realistic on the model. Also try to vary the color a bit, so not every rust streak has the exact same color all over the model. Color variation always looks more realistic...

Cheers,

Marijn

[Aekold]

Thanks Marjin!