I build mostly 1/48 scale World War II aircraft. Recently, I’ve changed the stage in construction at which I add weathering pastels. Now, I apply them after the camouflage but before decaling and clear coats. Most of the paints I use for military models are flats, a perfect base for applying pastels. After highlighting panel lines and adding sun fading and exhaust stains, I seal the pastels with clear gloss in preparation for decaling. When the decals are dry, I use the pastels on the decals to finish weathering, then seal the model with a final flat or semigloss clear coat. By applying most of the weathering prior to decaling, I can try different techniques or effects. Mess-ups are easier to fix without decals being involved.

Tip submitted by:
Jonathan PrestidgeElizabethtown, Pennsylvania