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I've been aware of weathering powders and have seeing examples of their use for a while now but I've never actually used them. It was recently suggested that I should try them out to achieve some dried mud effects. So my question is which brand/type is best, best place to get them (UK only please) and what are the pros and cons of them are?

Any example pics of your own experiences would also be appreciated.

Where to get: I'm not sure. I use the FW and Secret Weapon ones, but there are other brands available and I don't know what's easily available in the UK.

Pros: looks awesome. The basic idea is that they make more realistic dust/dirt/etc because they are dust/dirt/etc. So for thick mud they'll add a bit of visible texture instead of just being painted on, they have a bit of a soft edge to them and blend into the base material instead of having a sharp dividing line like paint or washes, and you can place them more realistically by either random scatter or letting them settle into the places that would collect dirt.

Cons: not all that durable. Even with a varnish coat to seal the model you'll still rub them off if you handle the model too roughly.

Example: Valdor tank destroyer. The mud on the tracks and lower hull is all weathering powder, just placed on in the appropriate spots and sealed with a matte spray varnish. I don't really have any good pictures available, but I've also had a lot of success with darker weathering powders on a white base for the interior of vehicles, it all collects nicely in the corners that would attract the most dirt and blends smoothly out to the base color around the open spaces.

Powders are fantastic. There are a bunch of brands out there, I have Secret Weapons. Vallejo, MiG. all are good, The Secret Weapons stuff really sticks out in my experience though. I find that it holds to the model better and I have had less color shift with it after varnishing then the others.

All should be relatively easy for you to obtain in the UK.

In this picture you can see I used the powders in two different ways. I used the Oxidized Iron to create coal residue on the smoke stacks and earth tones for a dusty dirty feel over the rust on the shoulder.



good luck and have fun with them.

Element Games carries Secret Weapon and Vallejo pigments. Depending on your order it may get free first class delivery. Solid and reliable.

Models for Sale carries the MIG range:
http://www.modelsforsale.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=8_8999977-Pigment-Colours
as well as other technical paints:
http://www.modelsforsale.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=8_89999163-Weathering-Agent
http://www.modelsforsale.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=8_89999280-Tamiya-Texture-Paint
I don't like the Tamiya weathering agents myself & have never tried the texture paints though.

 Barksdale wrote:
Element Games carries Secret Weapon and Vallejo pigments. Depending on your order it may get free first class delivery. Solid and reliable.

I have dealt with these guys before and they are great. The best thing is, they are only 20mins drive from my work place! Easily close enough to visit their shop in my lunch hour.

I use Vallejo Weathering Pigments. Total set of 23 in all. I love this stuff been using them on WW2 tank models for years. Sealing isn't a problem and long as you use varnish in the pigment. Lots of instructional videos posted on there own website as well.

http://www.acrylicosvallejo.com/en_US/categories/blog/7



http://www.acrylicosvallejo.com/en_US/pigments/family/19