Any pointers anyone ? I only have a cheap airbrush at the moment, not looking for pointers on the spraying side of things at the moment, as Im learning that slowly... more a case of how do you go about painting / finishing your models ?

I have a Challenger 2 and a Warrior MCV I am working on at the moment, I have sprayed the main bodies, some of it needs a second coat, but in general I am very happy with the finish on the surface so far..... now, I have some Pro modeller weathering wash... do I need to spray matt varnish on the model before I start using this stuff ? at the moment I am using enamel paints for spraying, so what kind of matt varnish am I looking for ? I currently have some xtra color stuff.. which I wish to spray on, but it needs thining.. do I use white spirits, or normal enamel thinners ? My experience with varnishes are that they usualy end up with a tinge of yellow to them when they dry.. which shouldnt be too bad in this case as the models in question are in desert yellow !
anyways, spray color onto model.. coat of matt varnish.. apply decals ? then another coat of matt varnish... then weather effects ?

or is it done another way ?

Ta.

I use the Promodeller washes, but on aircraft. I use them over a gloss finish, because I'm not after a heavily weathered effect, just highlighting panels and detail. On a matt finish much more of the Promodeller wash will stay behind, and you'll get a much dirtier effect. Be aware that if you varnish over Promodeller wash it darkens the colour of the wash residue somewhat.

Xtracolour is an enamel, so enamel thinners would be your best bet. I like cellulose thinners because I feel it makes the paint dry quicker and 'key' to the plastic better. It's 'hot' stuff though so usual practices apply when spraying this stuff around.

I would always apply decals to a gloss finish to do away with 'silvering' of the carrier film. Microset and microsol are invaluable to the decalling process. I have found Johnson's 'Klear' to be excellent for achieving a gloss finish, and it is very tough. The formula has changed recently though so that would be something to look out for.

So, paint, gloss finish, decal, you're choice on whether to weather on matt or gloss, final finish.

If you aren't already a member, join up at Britmodeller. You will find everything you possibly need to know about modelling there!

Have fun,
Gareth

Thanks

You are definately right on the gloss / matt thing with the weathering ! it makes a huge difference !

What colour are you going to spray Aberdare now then mate ;p