Practice makes perfect

Glorfindel

Glorfindel

Active Member
Joined
May 2, 2011
Messages
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I just clobbered Scott with 15 questions on his Speeder Bike build thread. I've never used, nor do I own, the AK pigments/dust/washes. Thinking about about purchasing some of this stuff and practicing on a couple of cheap quick build models just for the experience. They don't even have to be assembled correctly or remotely nice....this is just for weathering exercises only. You guys think this is worth my time and effort?
Of course it is, what am I saying?
Regardless I'd love to hear some feedback. Thanks.
 
it's honestly tough for me to crack open a kit and throw it together for means of practicing techniques even if its a crappy kit, i believe every model kit has great potential. Whenever I experiment with pigments and different fx i just use pieces of styrene board, plastic spoons, coke bottles, etc.. just throw on some primer and a good base coat, I usually use olive drab, and go to town! I feel like once you start working with these types of materials they become very intuitive, you can just kind of let yourself go and get really creative. Sure, its easy to get carried away and over weather but that is where patience comes in handy, do a little bit, step back, look at it, look at some reference, and you're golden!!

But by all means, if you would rather throw a kit together to practice on, go for it!
 
You would be amazed what you can turn everyday objects into with just a little paint/wheathering. I'd go with the non model route. You just might surprise yourself on what your imagination can come up with.
 
lol YES it is AK stuff is Fantastic it can make plastic look AWSOME.

have a look at robs last kit he finished. here i think you will know teh answer rather quickly, best about AK is you can always take it back down a notch or more if needs be.

Oh and i highly recomend the AK dvd on washes, fading and oils this will help show you how to do things with the products after that its just practice that will make us all better with them.
 
Anthony ,the AK stuff is defo worth having in the stash ,I use it on everything from figures to aircraft ! so its uses are not limited to armor .Also like spud says it is easily removed with some thinners if you're not happy ;) I'd use an old build to practice on ,everyday objects may be ok ,but they dont have the same details to work with ,so it would be hard to know if you're happy with the results .

Chris.
 
Well Anthony, I have to agree with Chris.

I personally have a few old built up/painted kits I mess with. Once they get too far gone, I simply re-spray them again and can start with new experiments. If you have something similar, I would simply use that.


Until you decide on colors and make a purchase, you can practice the actual techniques using other mediums prior to getting AK products, especially if you have any artist oils. They can be applied and manipulated in the same way, with similar results. The AK products simply have more specified colors and a greatly increased drying time, aside from that the physical technique is very similar.
 
In early January I went into Micheals, bought a Revel 1/72 PT Boat and more or less butchered it. I didn't take photos, didn't blog about it but I experimented big time. I learned a ton. I also sacrificed a car body/hood.

In the big picture, if it takes a kit or two to really experiment and learn then...why not? Sure, use an inexpensive kit but allow yourself to try....and having a 'model' versus a pop bottle gives you rivets and panels and 'model like' shapes to work with.

Go for it.
 
spud said:
lol YES it is AK stuff is Fantastic it can make plastic look AWSOME.

have a look at robs last kit he finished. here i think you will know teh answer rather quickly, best about AK is you can always take it back down a notch or more if needs be.

Oh and i highly recomend the AK dvd on washes, fading and oils this will help show you how to do things with the products after that its just practice that will make us all better with them.
Click to expand...

Spud I checked that link out and WOW, Rob certainly looks like he knows what he's doing. Great dirty rusted out look he has there.
 
Just ordered myself a whole bunch of the AK stuff including the DVD. Looking forward to watching that.
 
Cool. The DVD is great and lots of guys on here are using the AK. Don't hesitate to ask if you're unsure of a technique.

And yeah, AK products rock sci-fi builds...not just for armor that's for sure. My speeder bike is 90% AK weathered.
 
Great question Glorfindel, i also intend to get some of the AK products for The Nylon Gag MK1, up till now i've been using only pastel washes on my detail tubs but wanted to branch out and get some more specific weathering stuff. I don't think the pastels and simple washes will give me the look i'm after.
Seeing what Scott has done with it on his speeder bike just about sealed the deal for me.

Will also check out spuds link when i get home later.

So thanks guys

Gag
 
So I step in this afternoon and see a package at my front door. I take a peek and holy smokes it's the AK stash I ordered three nights ago! I ripped the package open like a school girl and chucked the DVD into my computer, kicked back with a bottle of water and watched the entire thing. I don't know what product to practice with first.....Merry Christmas to me!
 
No turning back now Anthony ....welcome to the dark side ;D ;D ;D

Chris.
 
That's great news Glorfindel! You have taken a big step and it will pay off.
 
Glorfindel said:
I just shot water out my nose.
Click to expand...

Scott Girvan said:
That's great news Glorfindel! You have taken a big step and it will pay off.
Click to expand...

Yeah I remember the first time I shot water out my nose too, it was a whole new beginning... never looked back.


...wait what?

;D
 
Glorfindel said:
I ripped the package open like a school girl and chucked the DVD into my computer, kicked back with a bottle of water and watched the entire thing.
Click to expand...
:-X Don't get caught!!! :eek: Might have to talk with Iain....new slogan there!!!



Like Chris said, welcome to the Dark Side! That's the ticket there, practice!!! Grab an old kit and go to town. Plenty of help within these walls!!
 

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