How I Paint Tools

Information and questions about modelling techniques to create that masterpiece.
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Vincent Power
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How I Paint Tools

Post by Vincent Power »

I've had a number of requests to explain how I painted the tools on my Soviet Limber so I've put this SBS together to show the methods I use. I don't think my way is the best way or the only way of doing things. I do find that it works for me and I hope it works for you too. :)
I thought I would use the tools from the Hobby Boss White Scout Car I'm building for the Armoured Car GB as well as the tools from the Tamiya Jeep in the Towed Artillery GB. They just about cover all the tools you will come across and I'll try to be clear in how I obtain the effects I get. Let me know if you have any questions. I did find it difficult to get crystal clear pics so I apologise upfront for the quality. Those tools are very small! :roll:
Ok, let's get started.
The first thing to do is clean each tool of mould lines and any irregularities. While I'm doing this I will use a sanding stick to roughen up the wood part of the tool but I'll make sure the metal parts are smooth. Depending on the quality of the moulding I scribe some grain onto the handle with the point of a hobby knife blade.
Here you can see the parts and I've already cleaned them up. The dark green ones are Tamiya and the sand coloured ones are Hobby Boss.
1 tools.jpg
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There are a number of paints I use to achive the effects I'm looking for. You don't have to use the same ones. The colours and the sequence are whats important for the results.
2 paints.jpg
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I start off brush painting the base Wood colours first.
3 wood 1.jpg
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I've used the three Wood colours from the AK set but it isn't necessary to do that. I just want to show you the variations that are available with different colours. It's perfectly fine to use one base colour all the time.
This is what the different colours look like out of the bottle.
4 wood2.jpg
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Here you can see the different shades on the tools. You may notice that the axe on the left has had a Filter applied to it for variation. It's not critical to do this and I didn't apply washes to any of the other tools.
5 wood3.jpg
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Next up we need to paint a gray colour which will be the base for the metal parts of the tools. I used AMMO Rubber Tires because it was close to hand but really, any shade of gray will do.
6 metal1.jpg
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Last edited by Vincent Power on 18 Jul 2019, 00:57, edited 2 times in total.
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Vincent Power
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Re: How I Paint Tools

Post by Vincent Power »

Now we are ready to start the next step.
I do the woodgrain first and leave the metal till last. For the woodgrain I simply brush on some Streaking Grime from AK. The amount you use doesn't matter as you can dilute it with thinner until you get the result you like.
This pic gives you an idea of what the Streaking Grime does. Both ends have had paint applied but the middle is left bare for comparison only.
7 woodgrain1.jpg
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and here you can see the completed paint and the effect it gives
8 woodgrain2.jpg
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9 woodgrain finished.jpg
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Next we will move on to the metal parts. I like to use a wash of AK gunmetal to get the initial metal look
10 metal effects.jpg
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Once I'm happy with that I put a small amount of AK Shadow Rust irandomly over the metal surface. It's hard to see in the pics but it's there. I put it on to provide variation on the metal.
11 metal effects rust.jpg
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12metal effects rust2.jpg
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Last edited by Vincent Power on 18 Jul 2019, 01:02, edited 2 times in total.
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Rob Matthews
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Re: How I Paint Tools

Post by Rob Matthews »

Cracking Vincent - really helpful 8-) Streaking Grime :!: :!: As an alternative to oils - Excellent :P

Thanks

Rob
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Vincent Power
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Re: How I Paint Tools

Post by Vincent Power »

Finally, I use AMMO Bare Metal pigments to get the real metal look. I use these pigments sparingly because I'm not after a new shiny look, though you can do that. I prefer a used look overall so I place them on the edges mainly. To get them shiny its a matter of polishing them gently and I use a cotton bud for this. Be careful with the pigments though as they go everywhere and can easily leave a mark on any surface they get on. Don't ask me how I know :roll:
13 metal effects4.jpg
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14metal effects5.jpg
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15metal effects6.jpg
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The last step is to detail the clips and clasps on the handles. These are normally body colour so I painted mine Olive Drab with some lighter highlights. I finished off by placing a small dark pin wash to bring out the details.
16 detail paint 1.jpg
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17 detail paint2.jpg
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That's all there is to it. :D I hope my explanation helps and if you have any questions I'd be more than happy to help. :)

Cheers,
Last edited by Vincent Power on 18 Jul 2019, 01:07, edited 1 time in total.
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Vincent Power
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Re: How I Paint Tools

Post by Vincent Power »

Rob Matthews wrote:Cracking Vincent - really helpful 8-) Streaking Grime :!: :!: As an alternative to oils - Excellent :P

Thanks

Rob
Thanks Rob, glad you like it. :D Yes, my methods may be a bit strange and long winded - Rubber for metal, streaking grime for oils- but hey, it works for me. :lol:
Cheers,
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Rob Matthews
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Re: How I Paint Tools

Post by Rob Matthews »

It will soon be working for me to ;) ;) :D

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Pam Orr
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Re: How I Paint Tools

Post by Pam Orr »

Thanks for the SBS. Streaking Grime, I have some, never would have thought about using it on wood. I'll give it a try! Pam

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Jan Persson
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Re: How I Paint Tools

Post by Jan Persson »

Excellent result Vincent 8-) .

I usually also add a little dry mud or dust pigments to add to the used look.

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Philipp Gross
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Re: How I Paint Tools

Post by Philipp Gross »

Really great stuff! Many thanks! :D

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Ian Shumsky
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Re: How I Paint Tools

Post by Ian Shumsky »

Very helpful, thanks!
My sedentary pursuits http://www.outerarm.co.uk

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