Using MIG Pigments
by Phil Novak
Over the past few years, a weathering style has developed that gives the appearance of “ultra realism”. Many of these techniques involve delicate paint chipping and complex airbrush work, but some of the easiest in accomplished with pigments, or powders.
The best weathering pigments are produced by Mig Productions of Spain. These were developed by the renowned Spanish modeler Mig Jimenez to create that super real look.
The easiest way to apply them is dry, with the tip of a brush. This is the technique of choice when making rust stains and powder burns. Simply brush them on where you want them, and they do a fabulous job of sticking on their own. You can also use a medium such as Tamiya thinner or turpentine to fix the pigments in place with a little more strength.
Load a brush full of thinner and touch it to the area that the pigment is on. Don’t brush it on it will cause streaks. Let it flow from the brush to the work. Using a “fixative” such as this tone down the effect a little bit so keep this in mind.
Another way to apply the pigments is to make it paint. Mix thinner, (acrylic or enamel) to the desired consistency, and apply to the model. Remember you can make anything from a thick paste for dried mud to a thin wash for dusty panel lines. The pigments can also be mixed just like paint, so the number of colors is limitless.
A great way to make mud to coat your armor undercarriages is to mix the pigment with the acrylic resin (produced by Mig and specially formulated for the pigments) and apply it on the suspension. You can add a little static grass for effect and interest. Yet another use is to mix the resin, pigments and plaster together to make thick mud, either for groundwork or really dirty tanks. You can add some acrylic gloss to make it appear wet.
These are just a few of the uses for the pigments, as possibilities are endless. Experimentation and creativeness, will no doubt find many uses for them. I have heard of people applying them by airbrush and using them to fade base paint. Quite a versatile product that everyone can find a use for.