Hair Spray Weathering Technique Question

[Thrasymachos]

After seeing the impressive results on Hyperion at Lock & Load, I will be attempting the Hair Spray Weathering Technique as described in the painting guide of Colossals. It seems fairly straight forward, but I do have a couple of questions regarding timing.

Disclaimer: I am bald and have no idea how hair spray works for its intended purpose.

Per the guide, one should allow the hair spray to dry before painting over it - is there any sort of "window of working time" during which one should apply this coat and begin abrading with the stiff-bristle brush? For example, after applying the hair spray, is it OK to wait 24 hours before painting over it, or should the next coat go on within, say, an hour of the hair spray drying?

Similarly, after applying paint over the hair spray (and letting it dry) is there a window of working time?

Basically, I am trying to determine whether utilizing this technique is something I can do over a period of several days, or if I will need to block out a stretch of time to complete all the steps in immediate succession.

Any input or anecdotes of experience are greatly appreciated, thank you!

[PPS_Matt DiPietro]

I don't have a solid answer to your question other than I don't see why not... The hairspray should stay workable as long as it doesn't get wet although the only way to know for sure is to do some tests on a scrap model. The biggest problem you'll encounter is lint and crud sticking to the hairspray in the mean time so you might want to get your paint layer over the hairspray sooner rather than later. To help speed up the process significantly use a hair dryer to dry the hairspray in a fraction of the time. Remember the two keys to getting a good effect are to use lots of hairspray 2 heavy coats is best and to make your paint layer slightly translucent especially in the areas where chipping is desired. Cautious use of hairspray or opaque layers of paint will make it tough/impossible to remove the paint ruining the effect. Also remember to seal the model with testors dull coat to halt the chipping process once the desired results are achieved. If you have more problems post some pictures and I'll try to help you trouble shoot.

Good luck and happy painting!

[DoktorVivi]

I don't have a solid answer to your question other than I don't see why not... The hairspray should stay workable as long as it doesn't get wet although the only way to know for sure is to do some tests on a scrap model. The biggest problem you'll encounter is lint and crud sticking to the hairspray in the mean time so you might want to get your paint layer over the hairspray sooner rather than later. To help speed up the process significantly use a hair dryer to dry the hairspray in a fraction of the time. Remember the two keys to getting a good effect are to use lots of hairspray 2 heavy coats is best and to make your paint layer slightly translucent especially in the areas where chipping is desired. Cautious use of hairspray or opaque layers of paint will make it tough/impossible to remove the paint ruining the effect. Also remember to seal the model with testors dull coat to halt the chipping process once the desired results are achieved. If you have more problems post some pictures and I'll try to help you trouble shoot.

Good luck and happy painting!

^This has been my experience as well.

I live in a really dry climate so the hairspray dried quickly and I was able to start painting quickly and that seemed fine. I have also taken a while to actually start the chipping process after painting and it still worked fine.

As Matt said, make sure you have heavy coats of hairspray and try to keep your paint thin over the areas you plan to chip. I was too conservative with the hairspray the first few times I did it, and when you do that it's easy to chip right through it to bare metal. Similarly, if the paint is too thick, you may have to use more pressure and chip through more areas than you would like (though the the extra layers of paint create a more noticeable border when you chip through.. it may take some practice to get the balance right).

[Solid_Smurf]

Also, I would not get the aerosol cans of hairspray. I would get the finger pump style, you get more control and waste less. Also, this keeps you from having to deatomize (I think thats the word) the chemicals.

[Warcaster Feiss]

Don't know if it'll be any help, but Mat Hart recently posted up this article on the Steamforged website in relation to hairspray / salt masking for weathering.

I found the video to help me to formulate my own ideas as to how to go about using a similiar technique on my Khador

[kommander_redfinger]

You will be able to get away with using less hairspray, and have more control on the chipping effects if you use a paint other than p3 or Vallejo. The latex base of the paint can react badly with some hairsprays. You would be better off using Tamyia or Humbrol Acrylics. AFV's modelers discovered this problem years ago. I would also look into a product called AK -Interactive, they have specifically formulated products for these chipping effects.

Ashton

[*SQUEE*]

Don't know if it'll be any help, but Mat Hart recently posted up this article on the Steamforged website in relation to hairspray / salt masking for weathering.

I found the video to help me to formulate my own ideas as to how to go about using a similiar technique on my Khador

Great Vid. I have wanted to try this forever and will be giving it a go soon.

[Anateus]

Don't forget to throw in some salt as well, ontop of the layer of hairspray, that adds a bit of texture and shape to the weathering when it comes off...

Used it on my Cryx, and it came out brilliantly. In terms of times... it takes next to no time to dry, and should come away from the model at any point that you start applying water... though you might not want to leave it with just the hairspray on, without the top layer of paint..

In terms of applying the top layer of paint... if you can use an airbrush, thats the best way forward, as you put down thinner layers of paint... so easier to remove when you want to weather it...

[baronvonchaos]

[...]the only way to know for sure is to do some tests on a scrap model. [...]

Hey Matt, I'm short on scrap models, can you send me a Colossal to use as a scrap model?

Send to:
Tony m
12001 S. G...

I'll have to write this post name down. I want to weather my colossals.
Why would one use hairspray? What are the qualities that allow you to manipulate paint?

[MagnustheJust]

Very cool idea, but this does bring forth two burning questions from the deepest recesses of my warped brainpan...


How did the idea to even use hairspray come about?!?

How many things did you try before going to hairspray?!?

[PPS_Matt DiPietro]

Hey Matt, I'm short on scrap models, can you send me a Colossal to use as a scrap model?
I'll have to write this post name down. I want to weather my colossals.
Why would one use hairspray? What are the qualities that allow you to manipulate paint?

Check out the modeling and painting section in Colossals. I tried to include a decent description of how the process works.

[PPS_Matt DiPietro]

Very cool idea, but this does bring forth two burning questions from the deepest recesses of my warped brainpan...


How did the idea to even use hairspray come about?!?

How many things did you try before going to hairspray?!?

I'm not sure where it originates from... I picked it up from my research into historical miniature techniques since those guys are really ace with the airbrush. I haven't seen it used in the wargaming scene hardly at all so its been pretty great to introduce a bunch of new people to the technique

[MagnustheJust]

I'm not sure where it originates from... I picked it up from my research into historical miniature techniques since those guys are really ace with the airbrush. I haven't seen it used in the wargaming scene hardly at all so its been pretty great to introduce a bunch of new people to the technique

Giggety.

[Thrasymachos]

Thank you for all the great responses, everyone. Very, very helpful. Much appreciated!

[kommander_redfinger]

I'm not sure where it originates from... I picked it up from my research into historical miniature techniques since those guys are really ace with the airbrush. I haven't seen it used in the wargaming scene hardly at all so its been pretty great to introduce a bunch of new people to the technique

Matt is pretty spot on AFV Modelers were among the first to use the technique. A guy by the name of Mig Jimenez was one of the first people I ever saw do it, I would not be suprised if the idea originated with him. He founded the MIG weathering pigment line and here in the states set up AK Interactive. The guy has done some truly jaw dropping pieces. It is a different style than what is found among most PP Modelers, but it is very cool.

Ashton

[Kiff]

I'm on my phone right now, so I don't really know how to copy the URL of YouTube videos, but if you Google "scale model medic hairspray" you should get to a great step by step video explaining the technique.

It's a great channel all round, really. There's lots of videos on different airbrush techniques and more historical modelling typed weathering.