My favorite part of the hobby! 😄 There’s just something satisfying about turning a shiny, factory-fresh car into something that looks like it’s seen decades of hard work.
Personally, I start with a light wash of acrylics to knock down the shine, then layer on pastel powders for rust, soot, and grime. Makeup brushes are perfect for soft blending, especially around vents and seams. And yes — I’ve actually used instant coffee for that “trackside dust” look on tank cars. Smells great at first… until it doesn’t. 😅
One trick I swear by: hairspray chipping. Lay down silver, spray with hairspray, then paint over and scrub with a stiff brush once dry — instant peeling paint effect!
I’ll have to dig up a before-and-after pic of my battered old GP9. It looks like it’s survived a war now, but in a good way.
Can’t wait to see what others are using — always picking up new techniques from this crew! 🎨🚂
0
credits