02 Paint
Comentarii
Album info
Let the fun part begin! I always seem to enjoy painting more than building, although I can't really state to dislike the second either.
After priming everything with a Mix of XF-1 Black and X-22 Clear, I started my 4BO adventure with a mix of XF-58 Olive Green and XF-4 Yellow Green, with a mix of around 4:1. The highlight colors were brightened with XF-55 Deck Tan, since I didn't want the green to become to yellow.
At the moment, the highlights look quite exaggerated. I chose this rather heavy approach, because most of the effect will be toned down by the remnants of the winter white wash. And mud. And grime. And so on.
# Update 1
Made some more progress in last couple of days. The decals were extremely yellowed, so I repainted the white Polish Eagle. The numbers were not included. My reference photos showed them hastily painted on, therefore I cut a stencil and painted them on. After a semi gloss coat, I started chipping. This time, I'll be lazy and spare the lower hull, since it will be covered in mud anyway 😉
# Update 2
Whitewash time! Vallejo's Chipping Fluid sprayed like...well. I really have to thin it quite heavily. The following white coat (Tamiya XF-2) was applied generously, and after that most of it got removed by a sponge and Q-tips. I call this the reverse sponge method 🙂 I am quite happy whith the result, as the depicted tank has been in service around March '45, so right after the bitter winter. White washes were often done with a mix of chalk and water, so very susceptible to the weather and general wear and tear.
Next step will be to further roughen up the white wash with white gouache paint, because at the moment it looks like somebody sprayed it on with an airbrush and rubbed most of it of afterwards...
# Update 3
Lower Hull is finally assembled. To do so, I had to start adding mud to the running gear, tracks and rollers. I just the following Vallejo Weathering/Mud Pastes:
1. Light Brown Splash Mud
2. European Splash Mud
3. European Mud
I really liked the thicker European Mud paste, although I think a self made mixture will be way cheaper. I'm not so sure about the splash mud, though, as it is too thick to splash reliably and basically looks like a glossy paint. Hmm...
Afterwards, an oil wash with Abt. 502 Brown Wash followed.
The metal road wheels and return rollers were treated with graphite. To round up the day, the upper hull received a pin wash with sepia.
The rusty sections will also be further toned down. Soviet tanks were not primed, so any part that is being ripped of is exposing bare metal underneath, as you can see on the fenders.
Next steps:
Integrate Dirt/Mud unto upper hull and turret.
Graphite on edges
Exhaust/Gun Smoke
Before the tank is ready for some stowage and figures!
