Weathering Sequence Questions for Armour Modelling.

[hrcblade]

Hi All
I recently built my first model for almost 20 years since I was a teenager. It came out pretty well in terms of colour modulation and then the base Coat. It is a panzer IV and painted in german grey. I really have a couple of questions relating to the next steps really and a general sequence.
I want to add a filter to the model but don't want to add a clear coat is this ok to do this.. I will be using mig filters. I am also not sure whether I should apply the decals before the filter and if so will the filter harm them?

This is a bit new to me in terms of all the amazing products and steps you can apply to models now.
Hoping for some help
Thanks

[Kevthemodeller]

If you've used acrylic paint you should be fine with any enamel filter without varnish/clear. I always do any filters before decals, but you can do the decals first but you'll need to seal them with varnish before you use filters. If you use matt varnish you will get a similar effect as to the non varnished areas, satin will give you less and gloss less still.

Use the bottom of the model to practice

[alextheblue]

There's no right and wrong way and as Kev said, practice first and see what works for you. Varnishing first will protect the model, just in case you make a mistake. Personally, I put the decals down first and then apply the filter. The decals then get the same "weathered" looks as the paint scheme.

[hrcblade]

thanks both for the responses. I have done some of the filter on the turret and it is definitely looking good (It works great on the acrylic finish). I was a bit disappointed that my attempt at using the black and white technique didn't really work. When I painted the panzer grey it just disappeared. I am guessing you need to paint the grey coat in multiple layers with massively thinned out paint? I was using tamiya paint at a ratio of 70% paint to 30% thinner.

So much to relearn ..... sure I will have more questions inbound