Friday, July 27, 2012

Tutorial: Weathering Metal Armor

A couple of months back, I promised a tutorial on distressing and aging metal without using weathering pigments. I was going to show this on some Cryx Bane Knights. Well, here is the tutorial (finally), but on a Bloodgorger model instead. Plenty of armor to weather here!



So, we start with the model assembled, primed white, inked black and based.


Normally, I'd work from the skin outwards, but there is so much metal on the figure there will be a lot of messy drybrushing. Best to do the metal first and then go back in and paint the skin and other details later.

For the iron armor, start with a very thin coat of Reaper Shadowed Steel. This is a bluish metallic, which creates a very nice undertone to work with. Keep all layers ultra thin...there will be plenty of them to build up the color.


Next, a wash of umber.


As you can see here, this creates the first layer of rusty grime.


A light drybrush of Honed Steel, which is the shade up from Shadowed Steel.


Then another light drybrush, this time with Polished Silver.


The silver drybrush pops out the rivets and plate edges.


And now add the final wash...this time sepia.


This is a lighter color than the underlying umber, so it adds some tonal contrast and sets up a nice base for the rust that will come later.


At this point add a final light drybrush of Polished Silver to accentuate edge wear on the steel plates.


Now move onto the bronze metal areas. For this, I wanted to try out the new GW series paints and their recommended progression for bronze. It starts with Screaming Bell (hate the new GW names). Screaming Bell is really red...it's more like a copper color than a bronze base...but what the hell.


This close up shows the color's tone.


Instead of GW's Reikland Fleshshade wash, which is recommended at this point in their bronze progression, I used my own gold wash, which is a mix of dark orange ink and matte medium.


This wash adds the appropriate shadows to the bronze base.


Next, a couple of GW layer paints, lightly drybrushed on. The first is Hashut Copper.


And the second is Sycorax Bronze.


These colors leave the bronze with a distinct reddish tone. I'd say it's more coppery than is should be...but that's just me.


The final step in the new GW progression is Golden Griffon, which is what they call a dry pigment. These "dry" colors are very thick, pigment-heavy pastes, which seem kind of like half-dried-out paint pots. Fine for drybrushing.


The bronze is brightened up a little at this point.


The final stage here is to add a light wash of sepia. This ties the bronze areas back in with the steel.


The final look of the bronze.


OK, time for a little rust application. Here are the Reaper and Vallejo colors used. As usual, these paints are cut with water and then a drop of rubbing alcohol is added to break surface tension. Dab the various tones onto the metal areas. Concentrate your dabs around rivets and in the folds of the plates.


This stage really ages the metal nicely.


Again, add a really light drybrush of silver at this point to bring the edge wear back up.


The silver drybrush can be added to the bronze areas as well to highlight their edges.


Add in blood splatters at this point. Load a brush tip with brown ink and then blow it onto the weapon edges, and lightly onto areas of the armor. Follow this up with red ink (again, blown off a brush tip).


Now our Bloodgorger looks like he's right in the middle of a fierce battle.


At this point, the metal is done. It is aged and weathered, and ready to go.


Go in and paint the skin (Reaper Olive Skin tones for this guy).


Leather, cloth, bone and the final gear details can be added at this point.


And there you have it. Hope you found this tutorial helpful.


'Til next time.

14 comments:

  1. Excellent tutorial Kevin, thanks for sharing it with us.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nice tutorial. The pictures really helped illustrate the process, both in quality and quantity.

    I've never heard of blowing paint off a brush to get a splatter effect. That's something I'll have to try. How far do you hold the brush from the surface? I'll have to experiment with some things, like the consistency of the paint and how hard to blow, but any pointers you can give on that specific technique would be greatly appreciated. The blood splatter effect you got is superb.

    ReplyDelete
  3. VS,
    Thanks for the comments. Regarding the splatter effect. It is important that you use ink, and not paint for this. Load a No1 brush with ink and blow from about an inch away onto some paper towel...now there should be the right amount of ink on the brush. Hold the brush an inch away from where you want the ink (brown first) and give one sharp blow. This will give you a good splatter effect. Now switch to red ink and do the same thing. Practice on a scrap model first so you don't ruin your important work.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Awesome, thanks very much for the advice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good tute Kevin, I use RMS myself but rarely touch their metallics except for the dark varieties. Will have to give them out more often.

    ReplyDelete
  6. In conclusion, Armoring Steel in UAE has become an integral part of Saudi Arabia's security and protection landscape. Its usage spans across military and defense applications, civilian security, and building protection. Armoring steel contributes significantly to enhancing the safety and security of personnel, assets, and critical infrastructure. With the growth of the local armoring steel industry and the government's support, Saudi Arabia continues to fortify its position as a leader in security solutions and self-reliance.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bespoke Wedding Invitations often include essential details such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, as well as additional information regarding dress code, accommodations, and RSVP instructions. Couples may also include personal touches such as a heartfelt message, a favorite quote, or a map of the venue to make the invitation more meaningful.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Convenience is another factor that Tablet Screen Repair Lauderhill takes seriously. They understand that your schedule is busy, and they work diligently to provide a hassle-free experience. Whether you have a minor glitch or a major hardware problem, their dedicated team treats each repair with professionalism and attention to detail, ensuring that your tablet is in capable hands.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Condos for Sale Etobicoke , a thriving district in Toronto, presents an exciting array of new condos for sale, promising contemporary urban living in a setting that's rich in both convenience and natural beauty. With its strategic location and diverse neighborhoods, Etobicoke has become a sought-after destination for homebuyers seeking modern comfort coupled with a touch of suburban tranquility.

    ReplyDelete
  10. In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles, EV Charging Dc-Dc Converter Manufacturer are subject to continuous advancements. Engineers are constantly working on improving their design, performance, and integration within EV charging systems. As EV technology progresses, we can expect to see even more sophisticated and efficient DC-DC converters that contribute to faster charging, extended range, and enhanced overall performance of electric vehicles. Ultimately, the DC-DC converter remains a crucial component in the infrastructure that powers and supports the electric vehicle revolution, playing a pivotal role in the seamless and efficient charging of these vehicles.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Furthermore, Remeha Avanta Storing highlights the importance of routine maintenance and inspections for heating systems. Regular servicing not only helps prevent Service Code A from appearing but also ensures that the boiler operates at its peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Furthermore, Salesforce Implementation Partners Manchester offer ongoing support and training, ensuring that clients can leverage Salesforce to its fullest potential. They stay updated with the latest Salesforce releases and innovations, helping businesses stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital environment. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that organizations in Manchester can adapt to changing customer expectations and market dynamics.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Decorative Rock Los Angeles is a prevalent and versatile landscaping option, adding a unique and aesthetic touch to both residential and commercial spaces. The diverse geological makeup of the Los Angeles region provides an abundance of different types and colors of decorative rocks to choose from.

    ReplyDelete
  14. In conclusion, Music Schools offer a holistic educational experience that encompasses cognitive, emotional, and social development. They equip individuals with invaluable skills and instill a passion for music that can last a lifetime, making the piano a timeless and cherished instrument for both learners and enthusiasts.

    ReplyDelete