What order should I apply weathering effects?

A common order is: 1) Panel line wash, 2) Filters (diluted oil paint), 3) Dot filter, 4) Streaking and rain marks, 5) Chipping, 6) Pigments and dust. Each step should be sealed with a protective coat if using different chemistry for the next step.

How much weathering product do I need?

Very little. A single 35ml bottle of wash or streaking product can weather dozens of 1:72 models. Pigments come in 30-50ml jars and last even longer. Buy individual products rather than sets to start.

Can I weather over acrylic paint?

Yes — enamel washes and oil paints work well over cured acrylic paint. Apply a satin or gloss acrylic coat first, then apply enamel-based weathering products. The different chemistry means you can wipe away mistakes with enamel thinner without damaging the acrylic base.

ModelCalcs

Weathering Calculator — Product Quantities

Plan weathering product quantities for washes, pigments, oil paints and streaking effects.

Model Surface Area

Total surface area to be painted

Panel line wash

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Pigments / dust

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Oil paint dots / filters

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Streaking effects

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How We Calculate This

Each weathering technique uses a small amount of product per unit area. Washes need about 0.008ml/cm², pigments about 0.003g/cm², oils about 0.004ml/cm² and streaking products about 0.005ml/cm². These are approximate — more or less can be used for different effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.