Weathering Using Oil Paints with Martin Tärnrot

Modeler Martin Tärnrot demonstrates how to use artists’ oil paints for weathering. The three types of materials needed for all types of weathering are pastel chalk powder, acrylic paints, and oil paints. Sometimes the bonding strength of acrylic paints is not strong on plastic, and oil paint is a better option. Oil paint is thinned using linseed oil, which prevents the paint from setting, so Martin recommends letting the linseed oil be absorbed by a piece of paper before using on your model. The first technique he presents is called pin wash, using burnt umber brown paint. The first step is to remove any dust particles from the surface using a makeup applicator. This tool is also useful for removing dust from the rolling stock.

The second step is to remove the bogies and the wheels. The bogies are typically made in molded plastic that often has a shiny surface, so Martin paints it using an airbrush, with a black-gray or grimy black paint. He also paints underneath the boxcar and the lower edge of the sides for a bit of road dust. This completes the foundation for weathering. Next is to go in with the oil paints. The pin wash technique highlights any panel lines or rivets. Martin adds half a drop of that wash into all of those areas on the boxcar and lets the oil paint float along the edge and along the riveted seams. For more on weathering cars and weathering track, watch the full video.