Aging technique using silver "patina".

[mentara]

Hi there. I just read Guiness' sticky about the aging effects.
--> ww2aa.proboards45.com/index.cgi?board=technical&action=display&thread=1194057025

I was wondering if anybody else has used silver patina paint on metal parts of replica's. I start out the same way as most people, and that's by using steel wool and making the surface and edges rough. But after that I use the silver patina paint to fill up the rough parts, it gives an extra worn feature to your replica if you ask me.

I applied it to some of my replica's now, and this is the result:

Romanian AIMS:





MP40:





M16 VN:




I know the pics are kind of dark, but it should give you an idea of how it looks.

Oh, yea, I know this is my first post on the forum, but be gentle, allright?

[YankeeDiv26]

GAAHH TERRIBLE, GO AWAY NOOB....just kidding.

No but really, I think it looks very good and adds to the look a lot. The wire stock on the Romanian AIMS is my favorite touch. Nice job for sure.

[2nd Bat]

Looks great! We'll look forward to future contributions. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

[Guinness]

Great work Mentarus!

Doing this work to your weapons really makes them 'personalized' in my opinion and really adds to the immersion of the time period and enjoyment of the hobby.

Personally on the MP40's and even the AK's I'm working on perfecting a 'wash' of a lighter blue than going to silver- especially on the MP40's they would certainly wear, but they weren't completely silver underneath and I'm trying to get the worn 'blued' steel effect down.

[mentara]

Well, thanks for the quick responses.

guinness said:

I'm trying to get the worn 'blued' steel effect down.

Yes, I was trying to accomplish the same, and my first try was with dark blue shoe shine on an AK body. The effect was kind of realistic if you ask me. But it doesn't last longer then a few months, depending on how heavy and how much you use your replica.

If anyone got any tips or trick on the blueing of replica's, (even attempts that didn't work out) don't hesitate to share them!

[flatrajectory]

Nice job, mentara. I must do something similar to my M2 carbine having already weathered the woodwork.
Guiness, if you are trying to replicate `worn`blueing without going to silver, try a black felt marker pen (the stubby broad tipped type that the storekeeper uses ). Just run this along the edge you want to show wear on..... when it dries it dries to a purple ish colour which looks realistic. Try it.
flatrajectory