Weathering and Effect Paint
Weathering as a technique can be a fantastic way to help tell the story of your model.
There are so many options and it can be too easy to overdo it and make your model look like it has taken a mud bath! So here are the products we have tested so you can see how they handle and how to get the most out of them!
If there is something you would like to have put through the same testing process, please let me know!
If you click on the button on each item, it will take you directly to the seller’s page so you can check the up to date prices. These links are affiliate links, therefore, I earn from qualifying purchases.
AK interactive
AK Interactive Streaking Effects Set # AK062
Great for creating grimey deposits on any type of model or scenery / diorama
Enamel based
Contains AK 012 Streaking Grime, AK 013 Rust Streaks, AK 014 Winter Streaking Grime
Multiple options for different effects
Use an enamel thinner or white spirit to manipulate it for different effects. Check out the video to see how it handles and the results you can get!
AK Weathering Set AK087 Engines and Metal Weathering (5x35ml)
Great for creating realistic grime and oily deposits
Contains x3 Enamel effect paints and x2 Pigments
Contains AK082 Engine Grime, AK083 Track Wash, AK084 Engine Oil, AK085 Track Rust Pigment, AK086 Dark Steel Pigment
Multiple options for different effects
Use an enamel thinner or white spirit to manipulate it for different effects. Check out the video to see how it handles and the results you can get!
AK Pigment AK086 Dark Steel (35ml)
Great for creating smooth dark metal effects on scenery, tank tracks or weapons
Just rub onto a black primer/paint with cotton wool
No fixative required
AK Interactive Streaking Grime
The "go to" Streaking Grime
Enamel based - Brown / dark khaki coloured streaking grime
Multiple options for different effects
Use an enamel thinner or white spirit to manipulate it for different effects. Check out the video to see how it handles and the results you can get!
AK Interactive 00082 Engine Grime 35ml
Great for creating realistic grime and oily deposits
Matt finish
Multiple options for different effects
Use an enamel thinner or white spirit to manipulate it for different effects. Check out the video to see how it handles and the results you can get!
AK Interactive 35ml Fresh Engine Oil # 00084
Great for creating realistic "wet" oily deposits or leaks
Glossy finish
Multiple options for different effects
Use an enamel thinner or white spirit to manipulate it for different effects. Check out the video to see how it handles and the results you can get!
AK Weathering AK083 Track WASH (35ml)
AK Pigment AK085 Track Rust (35ml)
Great for adding a dry rusty colour texture to your models
Matt finish
Dirty Down
Rust Effect Dirty Down Water Soluble Paint (25ml)

Very sensitive to temperature and water
Check out the other Dirty Down videos to find the top tips and pitfalls to avoid!
Realistic Rust effect
Multiple options for different effects
Check out my other Dirty Down videos to find loads of ways to get different effects.
As featured in the Video:
Realistic rust deposit effect created by flowing water
Very sensitive to temperature and water
Check out the other Dirty Down videos to find the top tips and pitfalls to avoid!
Multiple options for different effects
Check out my other Dirty Down videos to find loads of ways to get different effects.
As featured in the Video:
Very sensitive to temperature and water
Check out the other Dirty Down videos to find the top tips and pitfalls to avoid!
Realistic Moss/Slime effect
Multiple options for different effects
Check out my other Dirty Down videos to find loads of ways to get different effects.
As featured in the Video:
Verdigris Effect Dirty Down Water Soluble Paint (25ml)
Very sensitive to temperature and water
Check out the other Dirty Down videos to find the top tips and pitfalls to avoid!
Realistic Verdigris effect
Multiple options for different effects
Check out my other Dirty Down videos to find loads of ways to get different effects.
As featured in the Video:
Tamiya
Tamiya Weathering Master Set A
Great for light "dusty" sand and mud deposits
x3 Colours included
X3 colours: Sand, Light Sand and Mud
As featured in the Video:
Vallejo Environment
Vallejo 35ml "Light Rust" Wash
Subtle effect
As a wash, it gives a more subtle effect than its effect paint cousins.
Acrylic
Great for subtle weathering
Great for use for light rust deposits or rust staining. Alternatively, it is great at aging metallic surfaces as a filter.
Vallejo 35ml "Light Rust" Wash
Acrylic
Only need water or acrylic thinners to create the streaking effects
Dries faster than enamels
You do still have some working time, but it does dry faster than the Enamel version
really nice green streaking grime / slime effect