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Mortar:
The great debate
People seem to have very differing opinions on mortar. Some will
only add mortar to foreground models, and some will add it to all
models.
So, where do I stand? By my self apparently.
If you look at prototype buildings, some have very pronounced very white
mortar and some have mortar that is so old and gray that it hardly shows
up. I like the look of mortar and will apply it to both foreground
and background models, as I think it adds interest. At the same
time, for the sake of variation I will leave off the mortar on some
models- even if they are foreground models. This was the case with
the station at right. You'll simply have to decide for yourself what
you think looks best and go from there.
I chose to use mortar on this building,
so I'll describe how I did it. I don't have a precise formula for
mixing mortar, and I vary the color from building to building. I use
acrylics though, and will generally mix tan and light gray (or
sandstone). You only need a little paint- most of your wash will be
water. Mix up a wash and try it on a small piece of scrap wall or a
small section of your building. You'll have to go by what you think
looks appropriate. The picture at left ishows how my wash
looked.
You may also want to purposely miss a few
areas for variation. It will look horrible at first (like the
picture at left), but after more weathering will look much more natural.
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