discussion Knowing/Learning when to stop!

[pjgtech]

A simple question.....How do you know when to stop when building a scale model?

Just finished my Scorpion tank build and really not that happy with the final finish, a sand pigment, as the tank is based on a Middle East scenario, so Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc.

I was very happy with the tank, the build went well, minor filling and sanding, the priming went ok, painting went well, decals went on well, gloss coat, then on to the weathering. Pin wash went on well. Then.....

A sand pigment was selected and I was also using a pigment fixer (Ammo/Mig), I apply the pigment, hmm, not enough, so then a bit more, hmm, still not enough, so then a bit more, then a bit more, etc, etc.

Then final step for me was adding some scratches, wear marks and very light rust wash....

Now its finished, I think I've put too much on, mainly too much sand....It looks like its too thick, whereas in my head I wanted a light dusting effect. I should have stopped earlier. Doh!
I probably could knock it back a bit with maybe some enamel thinners, but I'm at that stage now where I don't want to mess with it anymore in case I just make it worse!

Its just so tempting to keep going, keep adding bits, just a little bit more, a bit here, a bit there, oh no, I've gone too far....!!!
How do you know when to stop?

 

[PaulTRose]

Know the feeling...... Im the other way, dont do enough thro fear of spoiling it lol

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

When you do one job on the model to try and tweak it and mess it up creating more work for yourself. Then you realise that your patience for the model is running out and you wished you had just left it as it was. Thats when its time to call it done and move on.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Part of the learning curve I’m afraid. Time to finish is when it looks right. You can’t really teach it, as it’s a personal choice. From my experience I would put scratches, scuffs and rust on before the dust and sand though. That’s how the effects build up in real life……
With things like pigments and dusts I always use water based glues etc because that way I can always remove the effects. Dust is usually made from pastel chalks ground up on Emery paper and put on with a soft brush, but that’s because I learned this stuff before everything came out of a bottle….

 

[pjgtech]

Part of the learning curve I’m afraid. Time to finish is when it looks right. You can’t really teach it, as it’s a personal choice. From my experience I would put scratches, scuffs and rust on before the dust and sand though. That’s how the effects build up in real life……
With things like pigments and dusts I always use water based glues etc because that way I can always remove the effects. Dust is usually made from pastel chalks ground up on Emery paper and put on with a soft brush, but that’s because I learned this stuff before everything came out of a bottle….

Yeah, TBH I usually do put the scratches and rust on before the weathering, but this time I just forgot!

 

[LeytonO]

Oils are much more forgiving and stay workable for a considerable time after application.
Easy to remove or blend in with odourless thinner, I use wedge shaped make up sponges or a soft brush.

 

[scottie3158]

The chipping and rusting etc are always my last thing. The only thing I would say that be carefull if applying rust to this as it was made from aluminium alloy so would not rust the road wheels were also ally.

 

[Steve-the-Duck]

Well, JMW Turner was never quite satisfied his paintings were 'finished', so we're in good company

Sort of

 

[Nicko]

The chipping and rusting etc are always my last thing. The only thing I would say that be carefull if applying rust to this as it was made from aluminium alloy so would not rust the road wheels were also ally.

Now we need to find something to replicate that white furry corrosion that generally happens to aluminium parts.......

On a more serious note Peter, if you've reached the point where you think it's gone too far and you're less happy with it, now is the time to experiment. I'd be tempted to grab a toothbrush and see if I could scrub off some of the pigment. It could work and you'll have a new technique in your pocket.

Nick

Nick...

 

[pjgtech]

I have actually gone back to it, earlier today, and managed to tone it down a bit, so am a bit happier with it.... a bit.