Basic Chipping for AFV

[spock1701]

Hi guys. I have had some issues with chipping on my recent models. I just can't get the chips to seem real and jagged-ish in the same way that the experts do.

So, what are some basic (not involving anything expensive) techniques that you guys use to chip paint on AFV models?

[Coen]

Though I'm very far from being any sort of an expert, I did learn a lot of tricks from those that call themselves such
I use a piece of green plastic souring pad held in a pair of squeezers and a bit of Vallejo model colour German cam black brown.
I add the chips over an alclad Aqua gloss, that way I can use some Vallejo airbrush cleaner to clean any unwanted chips off or to change the shape of some if I don't like them.
The Aqua gloss is almost bullet proof and can stand up to the cleaner.
Then I'll add a bit of shine here and there with an HB pencil and use some burnt sienna oils for a bit of rust.

[spock1701]

Thanks, Coen. I tried it on one of my older models and it looks much better than my previous attempts at chipping. I will definitely use this technique more often.

[Vleugelmoer]

Hi there Spock, I just posted a reply to your other question regarding oils and came across this one. In conjunction to the tools that Coen has already pointed out I would like to add three more if I may: Stippeling brush (DIY or bought) ,some 000 or 0000 steal-wool and cocktail sticks. All used to remove paint after the chipping solution has been re-activated with water..

For heavy chipping a rock-salt wash or liquide frisket may be more in tune to what you are looking for.

Best Regards and Happy modeling

Paul

[cib2265]

MY only piece of advice is make the chips as small as possible.

There are several methods, each appropriate to the task at hand - but remember if you're modelling WW2 AFVs, you will see mainly scratches and wear in reference photos, not "chips". So concentrate on working out where the wear will be - around hatches, cupolas, edges of mantlets, fenders etc.

Start small there either using chipping solution/hairspray - my preferred technique- and add scratches and wear along edges, using Tamiyas paint stirrer stick for horizontal scratches along panels, and a sharpened cocktail stick to do edges, carefully. Start small and stay small.

Then use Tamiya Dark Iron or similar dark brown/black mix with a No. 0 or 00 brush to fill in the scratches. Again, be small and stay small!

I would only use the sponge technique for rough surfaces/stippling of exhausts etc, and for rusted out hulks or winter whitewashing... I think chips are way overdone on AFVs, concentrate more on paint wear, dust and dirt accumulation which is more prevalent on reference pictures than chipping.

[SteveAFV]

Though I'm very far from being any sort of an expert, I did learn a lot of tricks from those that call themselves such
I use a piece of green plastic souring pad held in a pair of squeezers and a bit of Vallejo model colour German cam black brown.
I add the chips over an alclad Aqua gloss, that way I can use some Vallejo airbrush cleaner to clean any unwanted chips off or to change the shape of some if I don't like them.
The Aqua gloss is almost bullet proof and can stand up to the cleaner.
Then I'll add a bit of shine here and there with an HB pencil and use some burnt sienna oils for a bit of rust.

Great photo Coen. What colour would you use for worn pain rather than chips? Add some white to the base colour? What about for dunkelgrau?