"How to simulate rust" Topic

How do you paint Tank tracks a rusty colour Weathering rust?

Before you start pulling out the orange and red paint pots, take a moment to look at a bulldozer or other large tracked construction vehicle if you have any in your vicinity. I think you will notice that wherever there is wear, which is most of the track, it is silver. The only rusted tracks are the ones that dont move! Spot rust is great, but those tanks with completely orange tracks just dont exist if they are in service on a daily basis.

Also, some tanks us black rubber blocks for the pad of the track rather than completely metal.

So...here is what I do when I am really motivated. I paint the tracks with Polly S rust, then give them a very heavy black wash (barely dilute the paint) so that there is some rust poking through, but they are generally black. Then I dry brush with gunmetal and highlight with steel...assuming that they are all metal tracks.

Were to get Poly S rust? is there a valejo equivalent?

I dont know the equivalent but will take a look and post again this evening. My supply of Polly S is running out so I'll need to know as well.

i do extensive brown drybrushing. works for me. brown wash, black wash, just make it look really dirty ;)

Just leave whatever you want to rust out in the garage near the pool chemicals. That should do it. Oh, wait - you said "simulate" not "stimulate". Sorry!

I use MIG Pigments to simulate rust in strategic places like exposed metal, exhaust pipes etc. There is also Modern Option's Instant Rust, which is a two component system, using an iron based liquid and a strong oxydizer. Depending on the amount used, you'll get a real rust effect.

For tracks, I paint them black, then dirty them up with mud and/or sand, and then I use either gunmetal or a HB pencil to highlight the upper metal surfaces that would be shiny due to friction.

Vallejo 929 Light Brown resembles Polly Scale Rust.

Use a good weathering powder for light rust - if you want thicker stuff you can actually mix your own from (good) weathering powders (pigments).

You can also mix "pigments" with plaster, acrylic colours and earth to make 'dry mud'. Mix with oils, plaster and Gloss varnish to make 'fresh mud, works for good slushy snow and similar also, great for "rusticles" (titanic style) also.

thanks to all!!!!!

Too late to recommend GW's Bestial Brown? I paint whatever it is normally then stipple that on in the crevasses and elsewhere with an old brush.

For PollyS paints, check your local model RR store. And while you're there, leaf through the extensive set of publications on detailing buildings and vehicles. The MRR guys have spent about three-quarters of a century developing their techniques - why should WE reinvent the wheel?

sorry to "hijack" the thread - where can you get these "weathering powders" either online or UK stockist? I've heard a lot about them but never found them in an art suppliers.

neil

Neil where are you based?

many model railway shops have them.

Neil

I can't remember who and have never got around to purchasing myself but I was recommended the Artitec weathering powders.

artitec.nl

The online stores are viewable in English

I use Apple Barrel brand craft paints Nutmeg Brown. You can pick this up in Walmart and other large chains. I originally bought this to use as a reddish brown color and found that it covered for crap. I'd need 4-5 coats to get a solid color. However, it makes a great color for rust and grime. The thin coverage allows underlying colors to show through. After I paint a vehicle, I take a medium brish and very quickly and roughly trace along seams, hatches, weld seams, tracks, etc. The technique is quick and doesn't require a steady hand. I think it looks great.

Don't forget to add mud folks! If a tank is in rough terrain the tracks wiil be thick with chunks of mud and grass.
It's been a while - but I used to mix plaster of paris with some paint to get a think gloop - and plug that into the treads with a little sprinkle of debris for turf.

Weathering powder?

Squadron Shop sells a Rust "system" for modelers. It is basically a suspension of rust-like particles in a quick-evaporating solvent. It sounds interesting, but I have never tried it.

Powders allow you to create effects that are very hard to replicate with paint, such as rust streaks, exhaust burns, accumulated mud, snow, dust and sand.

Powders are applied differently than paint.

When you apply paint, it tends to cover the surface. With powders you get the opposite effect, settling in recesses and hooks, creating an extremely realistic effect.

After reading this thread at work I came home and tried Rust All ( found at Micro mark) Wow stuff works great ...seems to be rust in an alochol solution , and some black wash , worked really well

Testor model master makes a good rich rust color. RUST

another option for "dry non chunky" rust is artists chalks in brown and red..

put some iron filing in a tub of water for a while drain and let rust. Thoroughly dry (by a radiator or the like) and then grind up. Thats a tip I got at a Model rail show once.

rustall.com

great stuff

Instead of iron filing, just leave some ultrafine steel wool in hot water for a few minutes. Take out, put it on the shelf to dry, even shine a bright light close to it to help dry. Once dry, crumble it up for instant rust powder.