Before you Begin:

• Weathering powder is wonderful stuff. What is it? Typically weathering powder is ground up pastel chalk. This is what is available commercially, however, you can use powdered tempera paint, or powdered paint pigment. While I have used all three, I use powdered paint pigment which is just a dry pigment added to add to white acrylic paint to give it color. Weathering powder allows you to quickly and easily create effects that would take a ton of effort as done with traditional paint, either brushed or airbrushed.
  
  So, what exactly can you use it for? Any time you want to create an effect that was made by dust, smoke, wind, or the elements in general, of course you need the appropriate colors. I recommend mixing the following shades: Grimy Brown, Red Iron Oxide, Orange Iron Oxide, Copper Oxide, Grey Dust, Desert Sand Dust, and Soot Black (no mixing on that one!) Experiment with it! I am sure there are other good shades. I use it mostly to create that "Used Universe" look. Working with this stuff is a little tricky, but can be mastered easily. The figures I have used powders on the most are droids, vehicles and my dioramas. They work better on lighter surfaces, as the fading that accompanies the topcoat is diminished if the powder is applied to a lighter shade of paint. I still use paint a lot for weathering, but the powder is just great as an added tool for making little toys! I hope this helps, and if you have any more questions, write me!
  
  
  
  
  Step 1
  
  Apply the powder to the appropriate areas with a soft brush.
  
  Step 2
  
  Topcoat with a spray on dullcoat sealer ...a brush-on will remove the powder as it deposits the top-coat.
  
  Step 3
  
  The effect will be diminished when you topcoat it, so you may need to repeat steps 1 and 2 after the topcoat dries.
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