AK Interactive Enamel Weathering Techniques: Washes, Fading, And Oils Instructional DVD

This DVD deals with weathering techniques using Enamel and oil products. AK-Interactive has a new range of Enamel weathering items that are featured in the DVD.

The DVD is in PAL format and 60 mins in length. It includes a mini-booklet which summarizes the key messages. Narration is in English with Spanish sub-titles.

• The chapters are as follows:
  • Introduction
  • The Differences
  • 1) Filters
  • 2) Washes
  • 3) Fading
  • 4) Streaking effects
  • 5) Mud wih enamels
  • 6) Oil effects

The Intro and Differences chapters set the scene, with a description of the different phases of weathering suitable for beginner through to expert. The point is made that each stage should overlap to allow the accumulative effect to be seen. The differences between Filters, Washes, Fading and streaking agents are explained, including the invitation to make your own agents with Humbrol paints with appropriate dilutions for each stage filter, wash, streaker etc being given. The main advantage of using enamel-based mixtures is suggested as being slow-drying.

• 1 - Filters
• A 1/16 Tiger II is used as a demonstration model showing correct application of filters explaining the effects that can be obtained using MIG Sin filters
• 2 - Washes
• Same model and pin-washes are shown and explained
• 3 - Fading
• Again familiar to many oil dots are used to fade using MIG 502 Abteilung oils.
• 4 - Streaking effects
• The specific AK product 'Streaking grime' is used to produce rain marks and done very effectively using a Panther II as a base model. The product is applied and then stumped with a white spirit wetted brush. The physical action is identical to fading with oils and looks very impressive. Streaking rust is also demonstrated arising from chips first painted using acrylics. A further method for making rain marks is also shown this time using Dust and Earth effects, this time streaking upwards from the base of the model and once again stumping with brush/white spirit to produce more subtle lighter streaks.
• 5 - Mud with enamels
• Now it starts to get interesting. Mig suggests that it is simpler to make mud with his enamel mixtures mixed with plaster than pigments. Pretty interesting when you consider that Mig virtually introduced commercial modelling pigments and this is how he is still probably best known. He feels that colour constancy is easier to determine with enamels because of the colour change that can be unpredictable when pigments dry. He mixes wall filler with Dust and Earth effect enamel and then spatters on to a model with an airbrush. This is well demonstrated working from light layers up to darker layers using Fresh Mud. This particular bit is very well illustrated and certainly by the DVD looks easier and more effective than pigments and resin
• 6 - Oil effects
• Something I think Mig does brilliantly. Once again advocating mixing dark brown or black enamels with gloss varnish and white spirit. The effect is demonstrated to great effect. Its still one I havent got close to grasping! Mig makes the point 'Less is more'.
• The DVD ends by a time-lapse sequence showing each stage of painting detailing and weathering of the Panther II as described above, and it ends up a beautiful model.