It may be the 13th but thats not unlucky as its still a Flames of War Friday. The Shermans from the Open Fire Starter Set were finished to a table-top standard in an earlier post but this week its time to finish them off by adding some weathering.

There multiple different ways to apply weathering to scale models and gaming miniatures, from stippling paint using a stiff brush to applying pigments and weathering liquids. With an abundance of weathering supplies in our Hobby Jungle I was spoiled for choice. In the end I elected to use some enamel weathering liquids from AK Interactive and a few colours from the Vallejo Pigments range.

Step 1: Dust Effects

When your applying weathering, especially mud and dust effects, its important to keep layers in mind. Older, dry mud should be applied first and then the darker, fresh mud layered on top. I wasn't after a heavy, muddy look so instead I've used dust effects and earth effects weathering liquids to create a dusty look.

First I applied dust effects liquid to the horizontal panels of the tanks, focusing on the nooks and crannies where dust would build up. Then after giving it a few minutes to dry slightly I used some odourless turpentine to stump or blend the edges of the dust.

I then applied a heavy wash of earth effects to the tracks, road wheels and lower areas of the hull, as well as in some of the dusty panels. Again after a little time to settle and dry slightly I used a brush dampened with odourless turpentine to clear up the raised areas and to thin down the larger pools of earth effects.

Step 2: Streaking Grime

Once the dust effects had dried (24 hours) I started adding some streaking grime. As the Shermans are a fairly dark green I used dark streaking grime . Using a fine brush apply some thin vertical lines to the vertical panels of the tanks, let dry for 5–10 minutes and then using a flat brush stump it into streaks which fade out at the bottom.

Step 3: Oil and Soot

Once the dust and grime has been applied its time for the final stages of the weathering: adding some oil spills and soot around the engine vents and gun barrel.

For the oil simply apply AK's fresh engine oil in areas where oil would accumulate, such as around the engine vents and turret ring.Then I brushed some carbon black pigment around the engine vents and the muzzle of the gun to show the build up of soot over time.

While they do take a bit of time to dry, enamel weathering products are very quick and easy to apply, just be sure to work in a well ventilated room. Once the weathering is complete the final step is to give the models a couple of coats of matt varnish to protect the paint work.

As usual click on any of the images to see some more shots of the Shermans and also the weathered Stug.