Dry brushing is a widely used method for adding weathering effects to models, such as buildings, locomotives, and rolling stock. It's an easy method to learn and provides a range of great weathering effects. From subtle wear and tear to more heavy weathering like rust effects. It's recommended to practice on a spare model or kit. Once you've mastered dry brushing and are satisfied with the outcome, you can confidently apply this method to enhance your future modelling projects.
Top Tip: Local model shops often have bargain bins with old models, these are a great source for use as practice pieces.
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Dry-brushed weathered doors & window shutters
What do items do I need for dry brushing?
To dry brush a model, you will need the following materials:
- Modelling paintbrushes
- Light-coloured acrylic paint
- Dark-coloured acrylic paint
- Piece of cardboard
- Rag or kitchen paper towel
What method should I use for dry brushing?
Below we'll give you two typical examples and methods used for dry brushing.
Example 1: Weathering a wooden door
- Apply a thin coat of light-coloured acrylic paint to the door or wood component.
- Next, use a dry brush to lightly brush the paint over the surface of the door or wood component.
- Apply a thin coat of dark-coloured acrylic paint to the door or wood component.
- Again, using a dry brush, lightly brush the paint over the surface of the door or wood component. Focus on areas where the light-coloured paint would naturally wear away, such as the edges and corners.
- Then use a rag or kitchen paper towel to wipe away any excess paint.
- Allow the paint to dry completely.
Example 2: Worn metal steps using the likes of our LX453-OO Industrial Stairs kit.
- Apply a thin coat of matt acrylic spray can paint in a black colour, for example, and allow it to dry.
- Dip a small flat modelling paint brush into silver or grey-coloured matt acrylic paint.
- Wipe the brush across a kitchen paper towel or sheet of paper to remove as much of the paint from the brush, as possible.
- The brush should have the bare minimum amount of paint on it.
- On the stair steps, work the brush using a forward/backward motion to apply the silver or grey-coloured paint.
- On painted metal steps, the paint will tend to wear away along the front edges and on the centre sections of the steps.
- Wipe away any excess paint with a rag.
- The effect will give the impression that the stairs are heavily used, hence the painted surface on the stair treads being worn away.
Example: Worn rusty metal steps.
- Apply a thin base coat of matte acrylic spray rattle can paint in the colour of your choice and allow it to dry.
- For rusty colours, use oranges, dark reds, and browns.
- Start with a brown or darker red colour.
- Dip a small flat modelling paintbrush into matte acrylic paint.
- Wipe the brush across a kitchen paper towel or paper sheet to remove as much paint from the brush as possible.
- The brush should have the minimum amount of paint on it.
- On the stair steps/treads, work the brush using a circular motion to the top of the step. For the front edge use a downward motion with the brush.
- Wipe with a rag to remove any excess paint that is not required.
- Repeat the process by applying a lighter brown or lighter red colour towards the centre of the step. Again, use a rag to wipe away any excess paint.
- Repeat the process by applying a little orange colour to represent newer rust. Again, use a rag to wipe away any excess paint.
The above method will give the impression that the stairs are unused and have been exposed to the elements for many years. For example, an abandoned factory, an industrial site, or a scrap yard. Marine locations such as metal stairways on a seaside pier are exposed to seawater, resulting in heavy rusting effects.
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Subtle dry brushed weathered doors & timberwork
A few tips for dry brushing
- For light weathering, use light touches when dry brushing. You want to create a subtle natural effect rather than a heavy one.
- Try using a variety of colours to create different weathering and worn effects. For example, you could use a light brown for the base coat followed by a dark brown coat as a simple weathering effect.
- Experiment and practice. Try using different techniques. That way you'll find what methods work best for you. You may prefer to use a circular motion when dry brushing or instead, prefer to use a back-and-forth motion with the brush.
- Dry brushing is a great and easy way to add realism and character to your models.
You mentioned weathered worn effects. What other examples using dry brushing can you suggest?
- Subtle wear and tear: This effect can be achieved by using a light touch and a variety of colours.
- Dramatic weathering: This effect can be achieved by using a heavier touch and a single colour or a variety of colours.
- Rust: This effect can be achieved by using a light brown or orange colour for the base coat. Then apply dark brown or darker reds for the weathering.
- Heat effects on chrome exhaust pipes: Chrome exhaust pipes often feature effects from the heat of the exhaust gases, which can have various shades of bluish colours.
- Wood grain: This effect can be achieved by using a light green for the base coat and a dark green for the weathering.
Is it paint that is just used for dry brushing?
The dry brushing method can also be used with weathering powders and weathering pastels. Again, use a very minimal amount of weathering powder on the brush when applying it to the model. Once the weathering powder/pastels have been applied, use a flat dry brush to blend them into and across the surface of the model.
Removing excess weathering powder - Dry Brushing
In conclusion
Dry brushing is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of effects on models. Practice on an old, cheap model or scrap models, to learn and try which methods work best for you. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to create realistic weathered effects, from weathered doors and rusty metal steps to dusty and muddy effects, and more.