Would I need an airbrush…

[Simpo Two]

- to build this model so it looks like the one pictured?

https://www.artitecshop.com/en/north-sea-fishing-c...

I borrowed an airbrush once and it was a frightful faff, not a learning curve I can get excited about embarking on.

If I paint the model with spray cans the finish will be perfect, but I think the model will look a little boring. Hence wondering if there's another way to get the subtle look...

[Eric Mc]

Having used your spray can paint to get the basic colours down, you can use brush applied washes etc to get that faded, streaky look. You can also apply powder type pigments using a soft brush.

[Simpo Two]

Eric Mc said:

Having used your spray can paint to get the basic colours down, you can use brush applied washes etc to get that faded, streaky look. You can also apply powder type pigments using a soft brush.

Thanks Eric. I don't suppose you can get the aerosol and relevant wash/powder in a matching kit, so presumably up to me to choose by eye? Links would be handy please.

The other model I'm considering (but it's rather big unless I turn a spare bedroom into a maritime museum) is in my comfort zone of wood, the the Billing Boats St Roch: https://www.billingboats.com/index.php/modelboats-...

Somehow that looks acceptable without the 'weathered' look - maybe because it's bigger, or because it's wooden.

[Eric Mc]

Simpo Two said:

Thanks Eric. I don't suppose you can get the aerosol and relevant wash/powder in a matching kit, so presumably up to me to choose by eye? Links would be handy please.

They are different types of products so not likely to be bundled together in a set - although there may be some sets out there that I'm not aware of.

Tamiya, of course, have aerosol paints in their range and they also have weathering pigment powders etc. I tend to use Halford aerosols a lot - mainly their grey or white primers but occasionally for top coat colours. Their Appliance White gloss is fairly popular for airliner models. I used various Halford tans and light browns when I painted my Space Shuttle main tank.

It's a pity you are unwilling to give airbrushing a try. Once you get into it, the process of using it is no more messy or awkward as looking after normal paint brushes.
One of my favourite techniques to get some tonal variation using an airbrush is making use of Tamiya Smoke.

[Simpo Two]

Thanks very much Eric. I'm starting to think that I may abandon the plastic/resin idea, as it seems that the final look is all about the painting, which isn't something I find particularly satisfying. I like the 'hand crafting' aspect of a wood model.

[Zad]

An alternative is "dry brushing". You put a small amount of paint on the bristles of quite a hairy brush with a flat / chisel or similar profile. Sometimes fluffy make-up brushes are used. You dab off most of the paint on a paper towel (as a Yorkshireman I hate this...) and almost dust the dryish paint on the model. YouTube videos are far better at explaining this. It is very common in fantasy modelling and diorama building, and can give very realistic looking work. Better than airbrushing.

The usual compromise is to rattle-can the main colour on, then dry-brush the dirt, rust and other details.

[Simpo Two]

Thanks Zad, good ideas but after due reflection I think that painting pieces of plastic (by any method) won't be sufficiently satisfying. I liked the look of that ship but making it won't be the meaty project I'm looking for. There needs to be more to modelmaking than just painting.

Current favourite in the 'What will Simpo make this winter?' challenge is https://www.billingboats.com/index.php/modelboats-...