EZ weathering tip

[SpreadAxle]

For those of you who smoke, or live with one, here is an easy way to get a good powder for weathering engines, chassis, or making your model look like it got the usual winter salt bath. Take your ashes, and save them in a ziploc bag. You can even flick your ashes in the bag like I was doing. Every so often, just kind of squeeze the bag. this will grind the ashes into a fine gray powder. You can even leave the ashes in a bag and throw a part in there, then shake the bag with the part inside. No, the model or part won't smell like an ashtray unless you stick it up your nose. i put mine in a Floquil paint Jar. It's full, but there's a month's worth of ashes in there. Should last for quite a few projects. It does replicate the road salt fairly well. It looks just like the the stuff that gets all over my coat when I brush against my rig in the winter. Sounds sick, but it works.

[59 Impala]

What a great idea. I think that I'll start smoking again so I can use this idea. Not really, but I will ask some of my friends who do smoke to save me some of their ashes. This is really a great idea. Thanks bunches. Dan

[SpreadAxle]

Don't you dare start again!! :x lol. It gives a grayish/blackish color when ground up. It's good for mixing with other colored powders too. I know people who let their ashtrays fill and fill and fill, so those would be the ones to raid.

[59 Impala]

Thanks a bunch Ray, and don't worry, I'm not planning on smoking again. Dan

[Harry P.]

You can get the same effect without the hazard to your health.

Go to any art or crafts store and buy a small set of pastels. There will be several colors included...just scrape off some of the pastel stick with an X-acto blade to create pastel dust, which can be used exactly the same way that cigarette ashes can...but no emphysema! :wink:

[SpreadAxle]

I read this tip in FineScaleModeler(I think) years ago, but I just figure it's my way of getting something back from the Marlboro man for the damage done and money spent. I am quitting, as it cuts into my model money. 8) lol.