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Painting Hardshell Cliffs On A Layout

painting cliff facesAshley sent in these tips:

I use a wash of thinned black leather dye or India Ink mixed with rubbing alcohol (also called 70% isopropyl alcohol). Don’t add too much to start off – it is better to gradually add the color to the alcohol rather than add too much color and end up having to throw it away and start again. I start by adding a few drops to a measuring cup. I test the dilution on a scrap piece of plaster first. I then gradually add a few more drops of color at a time until I obtain a color shade close to what I’m looking for. I then leave to see what shade it dries before making the final color decision. It is always much easier to make it a little darker rather than trying to lighten the color by adding more plaster. I use similar mixtures as a wash for structures and wood ties. The following is my dilution guide:

 

  • LIGHT weathering – add 1 teaspoon of India Ink with 1 pint rubbing alcohol
  • MEDIUM weathering – add 2 teaspoons of India Ink with 1 pint rubbing alcohol

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