Since I've had no luck selling her, I was thinking of giving my KV-1 a new look. I've got three tanks right now and have always wanted to try winter camo, but always chicken out because Iworry about screwing it up!Anybody have any good pics or techniques to share? I've heard that some kind of hair spray works well?Here it is now. Think it'll look good with a winter makeover?

I assume you have an airbrush because that's a great finish on yours.

I know a lot of guys swear by the hairspray technique, but I don't like the idea of putting on something that may or may not adhere well to a model, especially one that moves.

My approach is the same as before that method came out a few years ago. I give the entire (clean) tank a good coat of Future. This completely seals the original coat and makes it a tough finish. Think about it, it's original purpose is to be mopped on floors to protect them. In modeling, it's used to seal, adhere and fix canopies, smooth finishes for decals, etc. If you haven't done it before, airbrush it in light coats at bout 10-12 PSI.

Once that sets, hand or air brush white or off white paint for the whitewash. As soon as it starts to dry, use another brush (clean and wet) and paper towel (also wet) to rub off where you want. It's a very effective technique, you can redo if you remove too much, remove more, remove it all without disturbing the underlying finish. If it's intimidating at first, test it out on the underside of the hull or scrap plastic.

Once you rub away the traffic patterns, where it would be splashed or rained off and like the way it is, clear coat it and it's done. If you plan on weathering on top of it, coat it with another coat of Future to seal, making even tougher and giving you a great base for washes, oils, whatever.

Another product which is actually made for tyhis technique is AK interactives chipping fluid and wear fluid. They are designed to do what hairspray should do. .The hairspray does work, but diff3erent brands are more consistent than others...so the fluid is the way to go to be certain of the effects.

Another option is the change the model of kv1.....have you read this thread?

http://www.rctankwarfare.co.uk/forum...=22&t=7836

Ausf, thank you for the compliments on it's current finish! I don't own an airbrush. It's actuallyjust Rustoleum Camo spray enamel dusted on with some subtle dry brush highlights. Then I raked dirt at it out in the yard for 'following the convoy down a dusty road' look.

I hadn't given much thought to changing the model, but that's a thought. I would like to do either winter camo or more weathering (maybe bend the fenders a little bit) but I went way overboard on my Tiger I (see pics), so the KV will definitely be less drastic! Some excellent suggestions and tips here!

Nice work for a rattle can. You can brush Future it you're careful not to go too heavy. The AC guys actually dip their canopies in it and drip dry. It's self leveling too and the whitewash can certainly be done by hand since that's what the real deal was. Future is probably one of the biggest finishing developments in modeling over the last 10 years, since it works with different paints and applications and can be found in any supermarket for a few bucks.

I still have my original bottle about seven years old and I use it all the time.

Welcome aboard, That KV looks dam good. And so does the Tiger.


Cheers,
Wade