Today we’re showcasing specific weathering techniques using AK Interactive's Rust Streaks, an enamel color designed to create a rusty wash effect on models. While this product is fantastic for recreating rust on various subjects like old automobiles, today, we'll focus on military vehicles. These vehicles are often recognized for their weathered, rusty, and grimy appearances, making them perfect for demonstrating this technique.

To begin, we've prepared some white spirit, specifically AKI47, in a glass container. It's crucial to ensure the product is well mixed due to its highly viscous nature. Rust streaks typically accumulate where water flows during rain, often gathering on elevated areas before streaming downwards. So, we'll identify spots like vision portals, gun mantlets, handrails, and the fuel tank lid where these streaks would naturally appear.

Using a pointed brush, we apply a bit of the rust enamel to the chosen areas, such as above the handrails and around specific points where rust streaks would organically develop. After letting it sit for a short while, once it's partially dried, we take a brush slightly dampened with white spirit and begin streaking the paint downwards.

Initially, the application might appear a bit heavy, but that's alright. We will allow it to dry further before using more white spirit to thin it out and streak it along the model's sides. These fuel tanks, for instance, are prime areas for rust to accumulate, so we’ll add some there as well.

Once the initial coat has dried a bit more, we lightly dampen the brush with white spirit again to blend and soften these streaks further. This step aims to ensure that the streaks integrate well into the model's surface, avoiding an overly stark appearance.

Remember, adjusting the weathering effect is entirely within your control. If the initial application doesn't seem sufficient, you can always add more layers. And don't hesitate to use white spirit to tidy up any excess or overly pronounced streaks, particularly around finer details like grab irons or fuel tanks.

The idea is to emulate the way objects around our homes weather and develop stains and rust over time. By applying these techniques thoughtfully, you can achieve a realistic weathered appearance on your model.