Dirty Armor

[Chunk]

Hey Everyone,

 

I need some help here. I made a couple friends all the soft parts for thier TBs. But they weathered thiers & I looked WAAAAAAYYY too clean next to them. One of them was a lil too much "dirty" for my taste, but the other seemed more "realistic". So I was wondering if those of you with weathered armor could post a pic or 2 of your weathering so I can get an idea.

 

 

 

[Darth Voorhees]

The last 2 pics is a bit much for my taste, but it does look cool. Mine is very subtle, so much so that it mostly doesn't show up in photos lol. But usually going by the film is best.

[BikerScout007]

WHOA. That's a little too dirty. Like, just go Shadow at that point

[Chex]

LOL I told Manoah that he's too dirty lol

[Chunk]

Yea, Manoah is my buddy & I love trooping with him. But apparently he was lost in the swamps of Dagobah for a lil too long.

[Ammonites]

Most of my "dirty" armor comes from natural scuffs and scrapes. If you are going to add stuff artificially, don't use black. It seems to contrast too much, like they tried polishing it again after dropping it in black paint rather than out in the field. A bit of brown should work nicely.

[shdwtrpr13]

I was considering asking panda is oppinion on how to dirty but well I saw this first and OMG thats dirty! I want to go with something subtle like " I hit the Tree and Lived!" or "speeder racing on Tattooine" or maybe " Been to dantooine"....

[Chef]

Here's a picture of my lid (all those years ago when I put it together...).

 

 

In certain pictures it doesn't look as heavy as this, and in person it looks a little heavier.

 

I think that is the key. If it you can't see the weathering to any great effect in general photos, but it's noticeable in person, then you've about got it spot on.

 

Less is more...

[bugdozer]

Chef I've just noticed you've simulated the scratch on the top of the visor from a helmet that's been exhibited. Nice touch! Is the scratch identifiable in the movie?

[Chef]

Somewhere it is yes... It was also on the card front to some of the toys as I recall.

 

I'd need to have a dig about.

[4505Marcel]

Going by the top picture, I'd say the middle scout has gone way over board on the weathering, especially around the boot area. The left scout I'd say is boardering too heavy, I'd knock the boots back a touch possibly. But it's each of their own, scouts aren't supposed to be heavily weathered, but if that's their personal taste it comes down to what a GML will allow.

 

[Obey Wann]

I like weathering, but IMHO the middle one up there is a bit too much. Even for me.

 

 

 

I have been weathering my kits the same way for about 7+ years now. I use "polly scale" acrylic paint. It is water soluble. I mix it in a small pump spray bottle with windex. The ammonia evaporates and leaves behind the paint.

 

If I want scuffs, especially scuffs that show up with weathering, I will scratch up the armor with a heavy grit sandpaper, or even a rock. Mostly on the high wear areas like the knees and elbows.

 

 

Spray the mix on and then dab off with kleenex or toilet paper. Paper towels will leave a pattern.

 

Pay extra attention to the low spots, leaving more paint in the low spots, and wiping off excess from the high spots. The worst looking weathering is when someone only weathers the high spots and does not add any weathering to the low spots. You can spot this from a mile away - it just looks "off."

 

If you get too much on, hit it with windex, and wipe away. Mr. Clean sponges also work.

 

I have used this method for years, on everything from snowtroopers to clones to my snow scout.

 

The only difference is what colors. My favorites are "mud", "dirt" and "grimy black."

 

As a photographer, what I like best about weathering is that it allows you to get contrast. Contrast is A GOOD THING.

 

Put more dark colors (grimy black) in the lowest spots. Areas on the belt, TD, ribs on the shoulder straps, or anywhere that dirt, grime, etc. would likely go, especially if you gave your kit a quick wipe down, but not a thorough cleaning.

 

I like it when the boots have mud and grass stains... it adds realism to the kit. Also, try to hit the soft goods so they have an appropriate amount of weathering as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope this helps...

[Obey Wann]

Chef I've just noticed you've simulated the scratch on the top of the visor from a helmet that's been exhibited. Nice touch! Is the scratch identifiable in the movie?

 

That looks like the scratch on the helmet from SWIC (Star Wars in Concert.)

 

[Chef]

Here we go....

 

Scroll down to near the bottom.

 

That helmet was the one who got whacked by Leia

 

 

http://www.starwarshelmets.com/real_Biker_Scouts.htm

 

knew I'd seen it somewhere.

[Bootstrap]

What about using dirt textured spray paint lightly on boots?

[Ammonites]

Well, according to the screen used helmet we can use black spray paint used lightly on the armor.

[Bubonos]

I say everytime I see a dirty armor post, I go with real dirt and grim

 

[Chunk]

Ended up using acrylic paints in a couple differnt browns. Bloted on heavy then wiped off with a damp paper towel. Lil heavier on the boots & lighter as I went up. In most pics you can't even tell it's weathered unless you blow up the pic. Looking at the pic, Im on the right.

 

 

 

[Bubonos]

My bund is stained from trooping hard. Armor is scuffed and dirty. I'm not scared to get in the mud and climb trees at events. I like the natural grime and scratches and scrapes rather than painting and sanding to make it look weathered. Real dirt looks more real to me. My garrison mates agree I look like I've battled ewoks and a scout just shouldn't be shiny like a tk.

 

[Guest Forrest Patrol]