Make Your Models POP! Easy Beginner Weathering Tutorial for a Pinwash on Model Tanks

Let's make your models pop by applying a pinwash! This effect is probably the most effective weathering technique, and is also one of the easiest to execute. Enjoy!
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DISCLAIMER: I am not paid to promote any specific products or brands; I just use the products I find work best for me through my experiences. There is no reason for me to promote a bad product, as then I would not enjoy using it, not like the result on my model, and not be proud of publicizing it in a video. There's also no point in me doing this to keep up relations with a company if the only benefit would be getting more of the same products that I didn't like. I have not used every product out there, but from what I have used, I keep using the products I like, and that's why I use them in my videos. You can use whatever other products you would like to and you can feel that they are better - that is your opinion, and is perfectly fine by me, thus I hope that feeling is reciprocated.

[@pedrot.2964]

As always, a clean and simple tutorial... More please...

[@styrenereplicas53]

Absolutely terrific how-to. Thanks for making. Dave

[@m26munk58]

Ok dude that fact that u showed how to make ur own with pant n thinner is SO useful, thank you!

[@HamilkarBarkasScaleModelling]

That was a quick and easy demo, very helpful insight into your work process :)

[@origmadhotrod]

awesome as always Evan, simplest techniques are sometimes the best 👍🏻

[@colmanian]

A refreshingly clear, concise, well explained tutorial, with great camera work. Thanks for making it!

[@johnnyb7122]

Excellent tutorial! Best explanation of a pin wash I have seen. Thanks!

[@caseyj5518]

Excellent... Can't wait for another model build!!

[@rolandfelice6198]

All the comments I've read say pretty much what I wanted to say, so it seems you've covered most everything that needed to be said. Thanks and I look forward to your next video.

[@ArmourEmpire]

Well done. Awesome video. Really good tutorial Evan

[@oldmodelarmy4402]

So simple yet so effective. Great advice.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

A basic technique but one every modeler needs to master! You kept it short and simple, very well done 👍

[@Galacticmaster]

excellent video and makes weathering easy. always found weathering on alot of videos quite hard and fustrating especially knowing what equipment to have for the intended effect. always good to see friendly, down to earth videos to get more people into the RC hobby

[@ichdu7310]

Excellent introduction for me as a beginner, thanks!

[@ScratchBashing]

Awesome tips here! Can't wait to put them to use in future builds

[@mickg4378]

Thanks man great vid, filled in the gaps the other tutorials left out 👌

[@artkingofwholefoods74]

You’re channel is AWESOME!

[@donatiencarloz3195]

Simple technic for great effect. Thanks for your very clear and concise tutorial. I'm building models for years, but it's very interesting technics you're using with impresive results.

[@paulharrington1140]

Thanks for the informative video, very helpful as I have only done one pinwash and struggled with it , look forward to the next one

[@kensturrock436]

that's what i like, straight to the point on how, why to use and application of the product, great tutorial

[@Panzermeister36]

+Ken Sturrock thank you! I'm glad you liked it.

[@rustydenison9391]

Great video. Learned tons. Thank you.

[@simonwallace-tarry355]

Thank you for the tips, very informative, really enjoyed.

[@guylawrance2216]

So much good information and great camera work too - a very professional and useful video. There’s no waffle or wastage here, just a well put together vlog. I can’t think of one thing that could make it any better. Well Done 10/10. A Masterclass.

[@russwoodward8251]

Fantastic. I can’t wait to try this out. Thanks!

[@piperpaddyful]

Thankyou so much...as a beginner this is simply awesome!

[@jamesmorris7581]

Truly revealing look forwards to visiting again.

[@aussie6910]

Well presented.

[@cjkirkland2334]

As always great work!

[@warkentin73]

Ive been using that panel liner used for Gundam, Im going to advance and start weathering correctly. Very good tutorial

[@timothybogans3905]

Panzermeister36 good work and thank you for sharing i really love this technique it's absolutely perfect for model railroad equipment looking forward to more tutorials from you on this tank build I hope you touch upon dust effects on this green tank I need a tuneup thanks again

[@HinterlandCustoms]

Great tutorial Evan, ohh the backhand on the acrylics..that was good because it did drive the point home. 🤣 I'm going to try this on my next tank build.

[@robertmitchell5689]

Valuable information here.So I subscribed. Thank you.

[@lasercreation-world1981]

great video, and great explained, wow just great work from you.👍

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you Thomas :)

[@Eibenort]

Well done Sir! Thank you for this video.

[@tedh7679]

Excellent summary

[@tomatoes3]

Thank you, very informative video .

[@stevepratt9535]

Excellent advice.

[@Adol666]

This is a very good video on Pin washes. Well done!

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you very much :D

[@jameszimmer7612]

Asum you explain everything great. This will make it easier to try . Thanks alot

[@jasonbecker4974]

Your videos are extremely well done. Not only do you create excellent models, which it is clear you are passionate about, you take the time to document your work. As a former Art teacher I would have loved to have you as a student! Keep up the excellent work, on the bench AND online.

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you very much, Jason!

[@rickconnel532]

Nothing but awesome.👍👍👍

[@maciejbaran9025]

Finally a good simple tutorial

[@scaleartsg]

awesome vid as always

[@TheSaturnV]

The KZbin preview caption says you are “Parents or Mice 36”. 😂

[@Panzermeister36]

+TheSaturnV well I did kind of mumble so I'm surprised they can even decipher that much :D

[@allanatwick1606]

I would like to give a massive thank you for doing this video, I now know exactly what I was doing wrong, pretty much everything. I had the wash too thick, brush too big, didn't let it dry long enough, used too much thinner to clean up This has now set me right to try again today, fingers crossed it'll turn out better than yesterday. Thank you 👍

[@philiph.2128]

Did it Work?

[@allanatwick1606]

@@philiph.2128 yes thank you, not as good as I would have liked but a vast improvement on what I did before, I need a lot more practice to get it as good as in the video.

[@philiph.2128]

@@allanatwick1606 i will try it out on a Modell in a few Days for the First Time, wish me luck

[@allanatwick1606]

@@philiph.2128 fingers crossed for you, my brushes were too big so getting appropriate sizes helped lots

[@philiph.2128]

@@allanatwick1606 iv'e Got a small brush, so i think that will Not be the problem

[@bilgerat7694]

Nice work mate thanks for sharing till next time have a good one

[@goviktor]

Very interesting and useful video !

[@tonysimpson5310]

I found this invaluable thank you.

[@Panzermeister36]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@davidharrington1133]

Very useful thanks

[@lappin6482]

thanks for the help

[@MhWow66]

That was the video i was looking for....thanks...

[@hex1c]

Great video Panzerdude ;)

[@brettmattson4166]

WOOt! Thx buddy!

[@Ziplock9000]

Thanks I'm going to try this with my Acrylic paints (it's all I have) on a Space 1999 Eagle model.

[@RandyHTFFforever]

Thank you Panzermeister36 , I to would like A dust effects video .

[@TroubleTwo]

no, that T-40 is not cute. it’s freakin’ adorable.

[@cygnusx10]

Very nice vid. I'm coming back to modelling after a long period away; it's amazing how much you forget, or how many techiniques need a memory refresh or a brush up. Would like to see a vid on the whitewash too.

[@SmallSoldier]

I'm assuming you're a Rush fan considering your user name?

[@cygnusx10]

@@SmallSoldier Yeah unfortunately (or fortunately) so, depending on your point of view I guess.

[@SmallSoldier]

No for the good man, Rush is Epic! Too bad they're caput. I proudly sport the classic Rush t-shirt in one of my videos.

[@lockay101]

Thanks heaps

[@tpbbuzzelli1327]

Thank you

[@TheDaltonius]

My weathering test subject is model that I didn’t paint didn’t do any thing at all just assembled it so I think that’s a good test subject!

[@luisverissimo9689]

This is a awesome, good, well done (and other adjectives) video... at least to me. Cheers

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you!

[@Broadswordii]

Amazing 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you!

[@Panzermeister36]

What do you guys think is the most effective weathering technique? Also, if you have any tips for others trying out the pinwash, post them down below!

[@zirrian]

I started using streaking effects and filters recently, and they add soooo much for the model. I use pre-made stuff for the most part, and they help immensely.

[@benjaminredacted4472]

Great video! Id really like to apply this method to some Bolt Action US tanks. I'm using Vallejo Model paints which have rather chalky matte finish. My question is are you using [or would you] use a varnish before the pin wash or apply the wash directly over the paints? Thank you for your time and videos!

[@johnjwedrall4290]

Subscribed to your channel 👍

[@271cosme]

For acrylic paint: use a pin or two of dish soap, equal parts water, and then add the color of your choice. Use a detail brush to catch the blobs… let dry, wipe off and do highlights, and clear coat.

[@SCALEBENCHplasticmodels]

Hi Panzermeister ... many thanks for this nice tutorial :-) ... greetings make*

[@Panzermeister36]

Thank you very much!

[@carlmayne3519]

I'd like to see the whitewash video .. been trying and failing to do winter camo for quite some time. and the vallejo chipping medium doesnt seem to work right for me either - So another way would be great :D

[@ViperVideos13]

Have you tried the OPR technique where instead of layering multiple filters and washes you just do everything at once? Using the oil paint to color modulate, filter, wash, and highlight all in one step as you work in small sections and move around the vehicle? I'm more of a traditionalist where one layers multiple effects one step at a time while working on the whole vehicle all at once. But have been checking out a lot of Rinaldi's stuff after hearing you mention him a few times with regard to hairspray chipping

[@SmallSoldier]

Excellent Evan! Cute little tank?... not so much to the poor crews that had to fight in that sucker. LOL. I'd like to see your whitewash techniques, bring_ it_ on!

[@Panzermeister36]

+Small Soldier it's basically a little boat with a .50 cal for the main gun. Sounds like an effective fighting vehicle to me :D

[@SmallSoldier]

LOL, sure if your fighting ducks. :-)

[@scottkut6622]

It's one of those Russian "you have to be under 5'0" (1.5m) " in order to serve on. Any thing larger and your schlepping a rifle around in a trench.

[@jesusdapena1296]

I have a question for you, Panzermeister36 (or for anyone else who reads this). I am almost finished building a Renault FT from WW1 (Takom, 1/16 scale), but as used by the Spanish Army in northern Morocco in the 1920s. I implemented a pinwash on the main body of the tank and the turret following your advice from the present video. This was the first pinwash (or in fact, the first weathering of any kind) that I have ever done on a model kit, and I think it has greatly improved the look of the model. Thanks a lot for all your advice! The problem I have now is that, before making the pinwash, I had first airbrushed the treads with Vallejo Gunmetal Grey (77.720). I have seen several photos of Renault FTs in museums with exactly this color for their treads. But now the tread looks out of place because it is so pristine. It's like someone wearing brand new Armani pants with a torn shirt made out of rags. :-P So I would like to weather the tread. I have been reading a lot about tread weathering in internet. Most of what I have seen deals with mud and rust effects, but I don't want to use mud effects nor rust. I just want a track that has had (modest) wear and tear from scraping against rocks, etc. How would you recommend that I do this? Is this simply a case of chipping? If so, what two colors would you recommend for the shallow chips and for the deeper chips? Or should I do some other kind of weathering altogether? (Ah, and the treads are already permanently glued to the tank, so I would not be able to take them apart to paint separately. Of course, I can do some masking, with care not to mess up the main body.)

[@Panzermeister36]

I think it would be best to repaint the tracks using a paintbrush with a darker brown-grey colour. Then "drybrush" the raised details and edges of the tracks with the gunmetal colour from earlier. This will give them a worn look.

[@jesusdapena1296]

@@Panzermeister36 Thanks!

[@pjuliano5305]

Hey man, can I ask what compressor and tank you use or what you would recommend? I'm just starting out so don't want to break the bank but want something quality. Thanks, and thanks for all the great videos!

[@user-bj9gx5yc3m]

Thanks have you video about winter camouflage painting, like this tank?

[@Panzermeister36]

I will be making a tutorial on how I did this very soon! Maybe it will be done for Saturday.

[@cjkirkland2334]

I would like to see the white wash technique. What about doing a video on battle damage?

[@Panzermeister36]

+CJ Kirkland I have a video on battle damage planned for my T29E3. And the whitewash video will hopefully be up this weekend :)

[@iamsickbro3172]

Great video evan! I was wondering, can you use artist enamel thinner/artist white spirits in place of say the model brander thinner or zippo fluid? Thanks!

[@Panzermeister36]

+Michael Piakamlue I'm not exactly sure. I think you should be able to, but I would be worried that some artist-level thinners are too strong and might attack your varnish and damage the model. So best to test it out a little bit first to make sure it will work well.

[@landon6482]

Can I use water color instead for the paint wash because I don’t have any oil paint

[@Vegeta-ci8xu]

What do you think about ak interactive wash for german dark yellow? Basically a darker yellow colour wash, better than a brown wash?

[@ruhans5882]

Hey Panzermeister I have a bit of a problem I sprayed my tank model with tamiya TS-80 dull coat and a few days later I tried using enamel thinner to clean the wash I applied But for some reason it turned the the dull coat white What can I do to fix the white areas ?

[@kenox7179]

I usually use revell enamel paints for my models. After i apply the wearther and i want to get rid of the acces paint. How do i not damage the primer?

[@AussieScaleModeller]

Mate Huge thanks from My Channel To Yours had to Sub doing a Build of so to speak with 2 other mates on KZbin and well I know they have not heard of you, We are doing The Panzer 4 F Afrika Corps, So Thanks for all your brilliant tutorials Cheers Jason, PS This is My First ever tank Build in 48yrs of Modelling

[@BeanzWarThunder]

Does this mean i just need oil paint and some oil paint thinner and i can make my wash for enamel painted models? thanks

[@stephenfarnworth5449]

Hi im new to modeling can you apply a pin wash over mr hobby super clear matt or will the enamel thinner react thanks in advance

[@HydroSnips]

Superb brush control, am quite envious. How long should you leave it to dry before doing more work, eg pigments, without reactivating it?

[@Panzermeister36]

Usually 24 to 48 hours is fine. I use modelling oil paints so they dry pretty quickly...24 hours is enough.

[@manuc4093]

Excellent Tutorial!!, Can layers of paint be added above the effect already made with oil and enamel products previously? a kind of double or triple chipped effect with a final layer of a washable color like a white. (as if a layer of paint on the previous deterioration had been added due to the urgency of the war situation). Greetings from Argentina!!

[@Panzermeister36]

Yes, that would be no problem at all! Once dry (after 24 hours for these modelling oil paints...maybe a little longer for artist's oils), the oil paints are pretty durable.

[@iaincameron4867]

Great video, thanks for sharing! One question though, do you re-varnish the model after completing the hairspray weathering, and before doing the pin wash?

[@Panzermeister36]

I don't always varnish since it's not often 100% necessary. However, no harm comes from applying one anyways. I use satin varnish since gloss I find is too smooth for weathering to stick to.

[@iaincameron4867]

@@Panzermeister36 Thanks PZ36 for replying so quickly. You do some absolutely tremendous work!

[@samhunter5871]

Any disadvantage to using Enamel weathering over oil?

[@gruppenfuhrer45]

Amazing as always. Can you do something on foliage camo and how to realistically attaching it to a tank? Preferably a German tank. Thnx

[@Panzermeister36]

That is a good idea! I will look into that soon. I have done that a while ago so it would be cool to try it again in a video. Thank you :)

[@gruppenfuhrer45]

@@Panzermeister36 cool thnx man

[@asd7959]

Can you apply oil wash on an acrylic painted model?

[@beastkill9252]

when i try to do a pinwash (im new) i used a matt varnish and then my pinwash spreads out like you said, is that solely because of my matt varnish?

[@cliffherring7006]

I know you typically mix oils for your washes... have you tried some of the premixed enamels and do you find they react the same as the oils or do you get a better, longer working time with the oils?

[@Panzermeister36]

+Cliff Herring they're honestly pretty much the same as oils. I did a model recently and used an enamel wash on it just because "why not?" And it didn't feel really different. I just prefer the control of colour and consistency I get when mixing the wash myself from oils. And oils are cheaper too...

[@alaindegernier9677]

I like this video. Must i apply varnish before the wash? Thanks for the information. From belgium. My english isn't good.

[@Panzermeister36]

It is a good idea to apply a gloss or semi-gloss varnish before the wash. However it is not always required. Basically the varnish is to do two things: 1.- protect the base acrylic paints against the thinners in the wash. This is relevant to water-based acrylics like Vallejo or Mig. This is not relevant to alcohol-based or lacquer paints like Tamiya, Gunze, AK Real Color. 2.- provide a smooth surface so that the wash flows into all the details nicely. You require the varnish if your base paint is susceptible to the thinners in the wash, or if the surface is matte and the wash is not going to flow nicely. Personally I can achieve a very smooth application of Tamiya acrylics so sometimes I don't even need the varnish, since Tamiya is durable. But, really no harm can come from applying the varnish anyways, so you can always apply the varnish to feel confident. Hopefully that is clear. Please ask if you have further questions.

[@Panzermeister36]

I use Acrylic or Lacquer. VMS Satin is my favorite. Enamel varnishes would be attacked by the enamel thinner in the washes.

[@philosopher-xk7tq]

very epic gamer moment

[@nickd.9012]

What are your thoughts on Tamiya’s Panel Line accent products (Black, Brown, Grey)? Are these enamel pin washes?

[@Panzermeister36]

Yes they're enamel washes like those from AK, Mig AMMO, Wilder, etc. The Tamiya Panel Liners are very good quality.

[@Knight1968]

can i use the MIG PRODUCTIONS ENGINE GRIME on a plastice body tank for pinwash like you did

[@Panzermeister36]

You could, but you may want to test first. Reason is: some of the enamel products like that designed to simulate grease/grime dry with a glossy finish to make it look wet. That will look odd as a pinwash. So I would test to see if your product there will dry gloss or matte.

[@railbuilderdhd]

For the semi gloss varnish placed before the pin wash is it acrylic or enamel based?

[@Panzermeister36]

Always acrylic. If it's enamel based it will be killed by the enamel thinner in the wash.

[@nickbromage29]

Hi, What do you use to seal in the pinwashes and streaking when you are done?

[@Panzermeister36]

+Nick Bromage I don't have to seal them in. I just let them dry. The idea that oils and enamels will be washed away with later effects is a big misconception, unless you're dumping thinner over your model.

[@havanadog7987]

Hey Panzerbro, I'm starting a Tiger soon from the Tamiya Early kit. Should I invest in an eduward photoetch?

[@Panzermeister36]

+Havanadog 7 I would definitely recommend PE for the engine deck vents at least. Aber and others make little sets of that. The full PE sets are a lot of work, and I wouldn't even use all the parts myself...generally some are too small or fiddly and would end up looking worse than plastic detail after I'm done with it! But if you're feeling up to it, then go for it...it will really improve the detail.

[@havanadog7987]

Panzermeister36 think I’ll do PE engine grilles and cut fenders out of brass. Thanks for the tip!

[@LiveNinetyNine]

hey, do you need to have a semi gloss finish? or can you still make it look nice without it. Thanks :)

[@Panzermeister36]

It is going to be difficult without it, but it might still be possible.

[@Filiplego1]

I keep trying this but most of the times when the oil color dries (I usually use black), it becomes grey and most of it is AROUND the panel line, but when I try to remove excess then the wash INSIDE the panel is removed, +when there are really small details it just doesn't wants to go inside the line. I'm pretty cursed whatever I do.

[@AdamMann3D]

Not bad sir. In games we call this a dirt pass. It's the first thing you do when texturing. Most powerful thing in both types of models. I thought you didn't clear coat.

[@Panzermeister36]

+Adam Mann I clear coat now with satin before oils. I don't try to do gloss though.

[@donovannewell7237]

Quick question what do you use to seal your final paint prior to weathering effects?

[@Panzermeister36]

I don't always varnish since it's not often 100% necessary. However, no harm comes from applying one anyways. I use satin varnish since gloss I find is too smooth for weathering to stick to.