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Humbrol Weathering Powders are a versatile means of adding realistic weathering effects to you models, figures and dioramas.  They can be mixed to create different shades, enabling a full range of finishes from dust to mud, soot, rust and more.

A matt finish is best, and generally its better to apply the powders after decals have been applied and sealed. Always give the powders a good stir to help break down any clumping that occurs naturally over time.

There are several methods of working with powders, depending on the effect you wish to achieve.

The uses for modelling powders are only limited by your imagination. Experimentation and a study of real life weathering effects can enhance your models and help create extra realism.

Introduction to Humbrol Weathering Powders

Humbrol Weathering Powder - Dried Mud, Dust & Rust

Working with Humbrol Weathering Powders

Dry on Wet

Apply the powders to the desired area then fix in place with Humbrol Decalfix or Humbrol Matt Cote thinned down with Humbrol Enamel Thinners.  Touch a loaded brush to the powdered area and allow the mix to soak in without disturbing it too much. (As seen in the Humbrol Weathering Powder Dried Mud, Dust & Rust video).

Wet on Dry

Create a mixture of Humbrol Weathering powder and Humbrol Decalfix then apply to the desired area with a brush.  Once dry the powders are fixed and cannot be rubbed off but can be reactivated using water.  (As seen in the Humbrol Introduction to Humbrol Weathering Powders video).

Mud effects

You can build these up in layers using any of the techniques above.  Start with paler colours to simulate dried mud and then add dark colours for fresh or wet mud.  Allow each layer to dry before working on the next.  You can also enhance the effects by mixing paint into the fixing mix or using Humbrol Gloss Cote varnish.

For splattered mud (for example tanks or rally cars), make a thick mix of powder using un-thinned Humbrol Matt Cote varnish.  Load an old paintbrush and apply the splatters either by tapping the brush, or using an airbrush to blow air over the paintbrush.  Work from light to dark colours to create different effects.

Sludge method

To create dusty affects, for example the treads in tyres, make a sludge mix using the powder and thinning with water or Humbrol Enamel Thinners.  Apply this to the desired area using an old brush, making sure to work it into the detail. Once the mix has dried, take a stiff brush and gently remove the powder from exposed surfaces, leaving the remainder in any deeper areas.  You can add a drop of varnish or Humbrol Decalfix to the thinning mix for more adhesion in recessed details.

You can also use Humbrol 49 Spray Matt Varnish to seal the powders in place, especially with dust effects.

Grime effects

Soot, smoke and staining can be created using an old cut down paintbrush or a cotton bud.  Gently work the powder into the surface, building up the effect. For exhaust staining on an aircraft, start with a dark grey mix and blend into the direction of the airflow.  You can add a pale grey mix closer to the exhaust pipes to simulate look of extreme heat.

Exhaust pipes can be given a rusty look by mixing various shades of brown and red, building up in layers to create the differences between hot and cold areas. (As seen in the Humbrol Weathering Powder Dried Mud, Dust & Rust video).

Other uses

For figures and dioramas, you can use the same powders on groundwork and then blend them onto the footwear to create continuity. Different colours can be used to recreate different solid types, for example, red pigments are good for heavy clay soils such as Vietnam or the Pacific.