Rainmarks is a subtle weathering technique used by all types of scale modelers. Rainmarks represent streaks of dust and grime that have been washed down the sides of a vehicle or structure from rain. Rainmarks also make a great matt base for the application of pigments. This simple step-by-step is to explain how to apply this faint but important finishing method.
When to best apply Rainmarks will depend upon the subject you are finishing. On standard armor I usually apply this technique after the oils have had time to dry and prior to pigment application.
You will need to shake the bottle very well prior to using this product. I recommend that you use a clean brush to make sure no excess paint is stuck onto the bottom of the container. After mixing the contents in the bottle with a brush re-screw the lid back onto the bottle and shake one more time.
Dip a pointy brush, such as a no. 1 or smaller, into the mixture and wipe most of the excess liquid onto a dry clean towel.
After wiping the excess Rainmarks mixture onto a clean dinner napkin or towel brush the Rainmarks liquid onto the side of the model using vertical strokes. For the first few layers it is best to keep using vertical strokes until the liquid completely dries. After about three layers you will start to see very faint streaks of dust colored paint building up.
You will be applying the forth and fifth layers over a matt base. Therefore all you need to do is brush on vertical lines of Rainmarks and then let them dry on their own. You can use a hairdryer or an airbrush to help speed up the drying process of the paint.
It is best apply the final layers in a random manner focusing in areas such as under the grab-handles and beneath other details where larger amounts of rain water will collect as it is washed down sides object.
As with most techniques Rainmarks is meant to be used in conjunction with other finishing steps. You can use pigments dry form the bottle to both blend and fix and unnatural looking parts on the surface where the Rainmarks have been applied.
Conclusion
The beauty of Rainmarks is that you can build them up in very subtle layers until obtaining the intensity of streaks in which you are satisfied. It is also important to note that Rainmarks can also be used to build up areas of dust on a flat surface as well. Just build the layers up one at a time using more of a tapping motion as the mixture dries. I strongly recommend experimenting with Rainmarks on a test piece until you become more familiar with the properties of this weathering product.
