Hairspray Chipping

The "Hairspray" method of adding chips and worn paint effects to your model seems to confuse some so I am going to attempt to clear up the technique in numbered steps. This technique enables you to add random chipping and worn paint effects. I have found that this technique is very effective to create a worn winter white wash. If you choose to use this method to create chipping, it is wise to follow up with a few other chipping methods to ensure a random appearance

1. The first step is to be sure that your base finish is complete. Once you start using this technique to weather your model, it becomes increasingly harder to correct anything underneath.
2. The most important step in the process is to cover your basecoat with a NON- ACRYLIC layer such as a tester's dull coat. Any laquer based transparent coat will work.
3. You can apply aerosal hairspray straight from the bottle or decant the hairspray and apply with an airbrush. If you need to use this affect in an isolated area of the model, I would suggest using your airbrush to ensure acuracy of application. The hairspray will dry quickly. There is no need to over do it with the hairspray.
4. You can now apply the color that you wish to appear chipped or removed by traffic or the elements. It is critical that you use an ACRYLIC paint for this step. I have found that Valejo Model Air works well but any acrylic or latex should work. This is not magic! This paint application will only lift off of the surfaces that were previously covered in hairspray.
5. FUN TIME! You will need a cup of warm water, a scrap towel, an old roughed up paint brush and a toothbrush. What you are doing is to lift the water soluable hairspray and removing the top layer of paint along with it! This is the time when the technique gets fun and you can see the results. This is were we will lift the paint from step 4 and reveal the base coat. Simply dip the brush or toothbrush into warm water and wipe of access water. Now carefully use the water and brush to remove the top coat of paint. You will see that it takes a little bit of gentle scrubbing. You will need to clean your brush frequently.

I strongly recommend that you exparement with a palet model or scrap piece of evergreen plastic stock to get a feel for the technique. DO NOT do this on your favorite new model until you have experimanted with the technique and masaged the technique achieve the results you are looking for.
Please post up any questions you have and I will attempt to answer them in a way that will enable you to put this technique in your bag of painting tools.
Iain Hamilton