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Hi all!

So lately I've been seeing quite a lot of dust bases - mostly for 30k, I think.

Now, I don't super know, but the texture is so fine and powdery that I can't quite place what's been used to make it. I don't know what kind of texture paint would produce that kind of light desert dust - anyone got any hints?

On top of that, I was hoping someone had some advice for painting really rust-red earth tones?

Thanks for looking!

Weathering powder springs to mind. Have you got a picture of the effect you are wanting to achieve?

Weathering powders is what I believe you are after. Build up your red base. Martian iron earth/crust are a good bet. Then dust with rust powder once set. You can see the effect on kharns base here. I used rust powder mixed with a little dry earth powder

Are you sure it's not just fine sand? Done well it can look super - .. sandy.

moust likely model pigment weathering powder.

it is a modeling style susbstance mainly used by display model builders when they try to create ultra realistic weathering.
but thing is, it is just powder/dust and realy meant for display models. there is pigment setters but they alter the overall look of the pigment powder. whitout it the powder vanishes over time the more you toutch the model.


for minis you can archive a simmilar effect by drybrushing, but it requires lot of practice to do it right.

Most definitely pigment powder

Here is a base I bought for a diorama

Okay, pigment powder seems to be the way to go - does it provide any texture at all? I've really only seen it used for weathering and stuff like that.

For an example of what kind of effect I'm after, these are all pretty close.

http://spacewithinspace.net/archive/ddakka_plog/2020/04-24-20_Katakros.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UAZzm2U.jpg

https://www.warhammer-community.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/SGB-Titanicus-Aug20-Reaver-pn16d.jpg

They all seem to use powder, but should I use it in tandem with something else - to get a fine, dustbowl kind of look, do any of you have any advice? Also, what colours (names of paint pretty please) are good for these kind of tones?

Really appreciate the help so far, guys! Thanks very much!

It provides a powdery texture, but it's very fine.

You want a bright red rust powder for those. You might also look into bright red make up pigment blocks for that super deep bright red. I use humbrol rust pigment but they're all basically the same.

No significant amount of texture, it is powder that turns into dust when you work with it. For what you want, the effect you should look for is rust and red.
There are a fair amount of manufactors that sells pigments, so just go with what your supplyer has.

If you have not done this kind of work before hit up the tube, plenty of toturials there. here is but one to get you started on your search. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_EEvy1gMis

Okay, sounds good, fellas, anyone have any strong opinions about Mr Weathering Color? Seems like my best option at the local hobby shop

Never heard about the brand before, so cant help you there, sorry.

Watched a few videos online, and it seems like it'll work the same, though it's mixed with a solution. I'll give it a test and see how it goes.