Using the proper weathering products is the best way to take your modeling projects to the next level. With an added element of realism, weathering is not just for advanced modelers. With the proper direction and products, a modeler of any skill level can turn their model kit into a beautiful, realistic scene.

1. Xtreme Metal Color Series

Xtreme Metal is a new, high quality metallic range by AK Interactive. Developed with outstanding pigments, it is specially formulated to give you the best results. Resistant to masking and any type of weathering, this range has ultra-high coverage power and is fast-drying. Now it’s easy to clean your airbrush without leaving any pigment/paint debris. These are quite simply the highest quality metallic paints ever seen.

And don’t forget AK’s Xtreme Metal Cleaner

2. Model Wash Vallejo 35 ml

Vallejo’s collection of 35-milliliter model washes are some of the best in the industry. Any vehicle fades with time when exposed to the weather – sun, rain, snow, dust, and more. Vehicles experience a change or color, and your model needs to as well. Washes and filters are the best options to do so, and Vallejo’s

All surfaces exposed to sun, wind and dust, rain and snow, experience a change in color, a loss of intensity, a dulling and general fading which however is not even or overall. For the model painter, these changes in color are very difficult to reproduce, and to achieve these effects on a model, washes or filters are the perfect solution.

One of the top names in the hobby industry, Vallejo’s washes are some of the best-selling weathering supplies. The washes can be mixed with pigments to achieve a wide range of effects such as oil and flaked rust, mud, earth, dust, moss, etc. and when mixed with acrylic colors, they further help achieve the impact of heavy wear and weathering.

3. Intermediate Gauzy Agent Shine Enhancer 100 ml AK Interactive

AK Interactive’s Gauzy Agent creates a protective and very realistic glossy sheen to areas where applied. This product also serves as a protective layer for the paint underneath. Apply in the way you would with any varnish. This product can also serve as a perfect finishing touch for metallic. Apply Gauzy Agent to any single part or sections of your model that are begging for an incredible transparent shine. With self-leveling properties, it can be applied with brush or airbrush.

4. Rust Texture Weathering Effect 40 ml Vallejo

Mud & Grass Weathering Effect 40ml Vallejo

Vallejo’s weathering effect line is filled with multiple options to add another dimension to your model. Formulated with permanent pigments and water-based acrylic resins, these paints include spilled fuel runnels, splashed mud, lichen and moss on wood, crushed grass, and more.

The two best-selling effects in the Vallejo weathering line are the rust texture and mud & grass effects. Mud texture reproduces a rough orange coating – the dry, flaked aspect of rusted military vehicles, burned out cars, all oxidized metal surface in vignettes or dioramas. The mud & grass effect contains crushed vegetation and reproduces the texture of grass and mud on dioramas, as well as compacted on the tracks of tanks and the wheels of armored vehicles.

5. Heavy Chipping AMMO

A revolutionary product to be used for creating large paint chips and surface wear, AMMO’s heavy chipping effect solution is a must-have for all modelers. Apply a base layer of acrylic paint, a layer of Heavy Chipping Effect followed by a top layer of acrylic paint. When dry, moisten area with water and the gently scrub using a stiff brush and watch small scratches and wear appear on the surface.

6. Black Night Weathering Oil Tube 20ml Wilder

Wilder’s line of weathering oils are perhaps the most intriguing of his product line. With a higher liquidity than regular artist’s oils, they are much easier to apply to a model kit to provide numerous weathering effects. The weathering oils dry quickly and create a completely matte finish.

7. Survival Weathering Brushes Set AK Interactive

Exclusive set of brushes specially developed for weathering purposes. If the products are important the tools are as well, here you will find a set with the more appropriate brushes to make streaking effects, dusting, washes or general weathering.

8. Gun Metal Weathering Pigment AMMO

A high quality pigment, superfine and made from natural products for exclusive use in modeling, AMMO’s Gun Metal weathering color is the top seller in the line. This color is specially designed to make effects in your models using the techniques that Mig Jimenez created for more than a decade. This gun metal color is very special because you have to apply it on a surface and then rub it with your finger or a soft tool to get the brightness of polished metal.

9. True Metal Wax

Apply with a brush or cotton swab and polish to get an ultra-realistic finish
A new range of metallic paints created from a wax base, True Metal Wax is made from high quality pigments, achieving extremely realistic effects. The basic product can be used in all branches of scale modelling, and it can be applied by brush, with the fingertip or with a cotton swab. Once dried, it can be polished to achieve a metallic finish. It is recommended to prime True Metal Wax first before use.

10. Deep Shadow Wash 50 ml Wilder

Great for making very dark shadows to highlight seams and details on sand finishes, most desert vehicles both WWII and present and olive green tones. Washes are a quick means of adding subtle fake shadows and tonal variations. These effects will help to highlight details such as rivets, seams and textures. Washes also add more tones to a finish. Applying washes is usually the first weathering step after a base coat if no filters are needed. Even today some armor modelers prefer washes as the only weathering step needed to finish a model. The percentages of a mix can differ depending on where and why the wash is being applied. Made by master modeler Adam Wilder, you can buy these products knowing they are tested and approved by one of the most advanced modelers in the world.