Model Mates weathering dyes and Primers.

[richellis]

Model Mates weathering dyes and Primers

Aerosol and pot water based dyes

I have received some samples from Model Mates, they supply water biased dyes to modellers to give a weathered finish to your builds. They come in a ready to use aerosol, or pots that can be airbrushed or brushed on. I have received some samples of both, and I will have a quick look now at what is available!

I have received 6 aerosol cans, Sand brown, Oil Brown, Slate Grey, Light Grey, snow, Moss green, and rusty red. The cans are 200ml sized tins and include the usual H&S info on the can, and some instructions on the use of the dyes. I haven’t yet had a chance to try out all the dyes, but I have had a go with the snow effect!

The model has had 2 quick light passes with the aerosol, it was simple to use and further or heavier coats will give a deeper snow effect. I feel the snow looks in scale, and how it has settled on the model is realistic. The snow is quite delicate and does rub off easy, but it does ‘cling’ enough not to drop off!

The next batch is some 18ml plastic tubs with a ball-bearing to aid mixing when shaking. The dyes are again water based and designed to be brushed or airbrushed onto your model. I will show a table from Model Mates with some information on the colours, and recommended uses, they are biased towards model railways, but of course can be used in other modelling disciplines.

Model Mates have a comprehensive web-site packed with information and I recommend you have a look at the ‘How To’ section, click the logo below:

Also have a look at the ‘FAQ’ section, again the logo below;

Lastly for this OOB review is an aerosol containing Model Mates new range of primers.

The primer comes in a big 400ml spray, and my review sample is the matt black, but Model Mates also supply dark Grey, Light Grey, and White.

Conclusion

OK, it is hard to give a full review without using the dyes, and I plan to have a good go on some old models soon I have used the Snow effect, and am I impressed, YES! This is as far as I am aware this is the first water based dyes for models, and being water based they can be removed if you make a mistake!

Review sample from,

[Mike]

I WANT the snow effect!

[Silver Fox]

Watched them demonstrating at Salute 2012 last month and was very impressed. I think they are more use to vehicle builders but IMHO they are well worth a look for all modellers.

[richellis]

just a quick note from ModelMates about emoving the snow effect;

I forgot to mention, the best way to remove the snow spray is to use a spray polish "Mr Sheen" or similar. Just spray it over the snow and polish it off. Don't try and remove it using soap and water. Try a test on a spare bit of plastic

[colin]

I have some of the these I purchased from Telford 2011, but in a glass jar.While they say water soluble on the label when you read the info on the back it says ready mixed dye in a solvent base(not acrylic).

I was reluctant to use them because of this.Although they do wash off in water.

Wonder if these are a different mix

[richellis]

Ive had a play with this stuff. The bus was sprayed with the aerosols, I had the model raised so I could spray from low down go give the effect of muck thrown off the wheels. I then put the model on its base and added the snow slowly layer by layer from the front above the bus and its given a good effect of snow.

I have then added some dyes from the tubs to the snow to give dirty puddles that have run off the bus and the wipers on the windscreen

A cold winters day! by richellis1978, on Flickr

A cold winters day! by richellis1978, on Flickr

A cold winters day! by richellis1978, on Flickr

A cold winters day! by richellis1978, on Flickr