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So, I am new to the world of weathering powders. I've got a bunch of powders from Secret Weapon that I applied to my Chimera recently, and loved the effects I was able to achieve with them. Basically, I apply white spirit to the model where I want the weathering, sprinkle/dust on the powders with an old brush, let the powders dry for a bit, then muck them up some more with a stippling brush, lightly brush the excess off, then apply white spirit over that to set the powders into place.

HOWEVER. I tried to apply Testor's dullcote (only have a rattlecan of it) to my Chimera last night in thin coats, and my weathering powder effects have essentially all but disappeared. I then tested my weathering process with isopropyl alcohol on a spare model and tried varnishing with that but achieved the same disappointing results. I know varnish and weathering powder is an endless battle we as hobbyists and gamers have to deal with.

I have been looking at getting either MiG Pigment Fixer or Vallejo Pigment glaze to try and counter the loss of powder when varnishing. I was wondering what you guys would recommend, be it any sort of product or technique you use to preserve your powders when you varnish.

Thanks!

I cant speak for the Vallejo stuff, but the MIG fixer will cause the pigments to dry flat, and will darken the color considerably.

A.

I haven't tried any of the pigment fixers and I use the isopropal alcohol trick that you are trying. I use an airbrush to gloss coat it so I think the issue might be the rattle can in that the psi is a lot more than an airbrush (just a guess but I'm pretty confident in it). Redfinger can probably say if I'm way off on that.

I've used the MIG stuff. I've found 2 negatives:
1. the very light colours just seem to disappear
2. the finish left really doesn't like paint or ink & repels it

Thread revival here:

Another problem I've had with the MIG stuff is that, from first attempt, it leaves a Watermark like effect on the edges of its application.

Frustrating!

I apply pigments after the model is done and varnished, then fix the pigments into place with isopropyl alcohol as well. I then go back and use matte varnish spray (Testors dullcote from the can) in very light and quickly passing coats. They seem to hold in place pretty well as long as you don't manhandle the model. It took me a while to figure out what worked best for me and I think the process varies from person to person and what the hobbyist is satisfied with.

Humbrol recommend using a light dusting of matt varnish to fix weathering powders. Check out 4:10. They spray from ~60cm and shake the can as they spray to get a light dusting of varnish to fix the powders in place.