"Using MIG Pigments" Topic

I have posted a very brief tutorial on using MIG Pigments on my blog. I did this out my frustration trying to learn the basics on how to use these. Everything I talk about I have gleaned from other sources. Its very basic, and there are no pictures but if have been curious about how to use pigments this should help you out.
link

Using Mig Pigment Fixer is alot easier…

I use it with all my stuff and the pigments dont come off under handling at all.

ww20mm.blogspot.com

Thanks for the posting. I love the effect other people get with the pigments, but I sure struggle to use them myself.

Yes, using the fixer is much easier and I do talk about the fixer. When you are happy with the look apply the fixer!

Thanks Heisler – very informative. I've used them on some models with success but found out about the Dullcote problem only after I had applied it and had to re-apply some of the pigments because of the washout effects.

Thanks for the guide. I often find, though less so as I get older, that some modellers forget the ignorant' out here.

I apply the fixer BEFORE the pigment…

Is it ok to apply the fixer on top of spray varnishes that are not acrylic? Could you flatten the entire model with the fixer?

Excellent article – thanks for that.

just one question – how do MiG pigments compare with chalk pastels (which I already use)?

All I know about the fixer is that it has some kind of enamel base. I personally haven't had the fixer affect my dullcote finish and I haven't heard of any cases where it has. I suppose you could flatten the entire model with the fixer but like dullcote if you do put it on to thick it will go shiny on you.

MIG and AK pigments are pure pigments, pastel chalks have several additives in them (I think acerbic gum is one of them). The pigments are ground much finer than you can do either with scraping or sanding off and on the plus side they are ready to use rather than going through the work of getting your pastel chalk ready to use. I think that the techniques could be applied to pastel chalks but I would definitely work on scrap before you try it on one of your models.

I'm not sure why you would apply the fixer first. Could you elaborate on that?

Bumping this up.
I just picked up some Secret Weapon pigment fixer and wanted to see if anyone had any trouble with pigment fixers damaging Testors Dullcote. My usual process is testors glosscote, then dullcote. I would like to then apply fixer and pigment but don't want to ruin anything. Thoughts?

I have used the fixer over dullcote without a problem in the past, but I have never used the fixer from Secret Weapon. It might be worth a test on a piece of scrap plastic.

Thank you!
I actually just received an email from Justin @ Secret Weapon and said it was safe to use, just don't go crazy with it. :)

i sometimes put an oil wash on before or after to fix my pigments and chalks. Chalks have a lot less pigment.