How about a FREE tutorial on painting and weathering armor models?

That's right...FREE.  Sven-Ake Grufstedt has published a brief PDF booklet demonstrating his techniques for painting and weathering armor models.  Though titled Braille Scale Modelling, the techniques are just as applicable to larger scales, and with some immagination, even planes, cars, sci-fi...heck any model!  Some of the techniques included are using pigments, oil dot filtering, and the hairspray technique for chipping and showing heavy wear on the paint.

Sven-Ake Grufstedt's Braille Scale Modelling

And speaking of the hairspray technique, check out the new Chipping Fluids from AK Interactive.  I've tried the hairspray technique on a few models.  A couple have been successful, and one was a complete failure.  Although I followed the technique as described by the guys who did a great job with it, I always had a hard time removing the upper layer of paint to reveal the undercoat.  But, at the AMPS International show a couple weeks ago I watched a weathering seminar by Mig himself and he used the AK Interactive Chipping Fluids.  I was VERY impressed with how easily the top coat came off to reveal the undercoat with the Chipping Fluid.  I went away from that determined to pick some up.  I know Jack is out of it right now, but I'm sure he's got a re-stock of this fantastic new product coming.  Check it out at MidTenn Hobbies.

And speaking of Mig's seminar, he mentioned one of the coolest things I've ever heard a modeler of his caliber say.  He made a point, even saying please at one point.  His comment?  I'll paraphrase here:

If you make a mistake with painting, please don't strip the paint and start over.  Cover up the mistake with a tarp or stowage, keep going and move on to the next model!

What a cool attitude from someone I think most of us would consider a master!  I'll have to give it a try!