A pastel chalk question or3

[mikec55]

I recently bought a package of fleshtone pastel chalks that I plan to use for weathering. I understand how to apply them but was wondering, how well does that stuff adhere to acrylic paint? Does it rub off easily/accidentally? Finally, I usually spray my figures with a coat of Testors dullcoat as the final step. What effect might that have on the pastels? Thanks again,

Mike

 

[Sambaman]

Mike,
as most acrylics dry to a nice dull/matte finish you should have no issues getting the pastels to adhere to your figures. I use them on armor models air-brushed with Testors acrylics with great results. I'm sure the finish on them is far smoother than your figures with hand brushed paint. I always make sure to do this as the last step, however. If you decide to spray your figure with any type of fixative or clear coat it will effect the pastels, it will diminish them quite a bit. What I would do is decide you are done with pretty much everything, spray your final dullcoat, then come in with the pastels as a finishing touch. Then make every effort not to touch them if at all possible! Aftermarket "weathering" powders have what they claim is an "adhesive" in them so they tend to have a bit more "staying" power than standard pastels. But both will be diminished by handeling and such as time goes on. The good news is, if you do them absolutely last, there is nothing stoping you from re-applying them in the future! If a dusting session gets out of hand....just give 'em another shot of pastels before show day! HTH,

Jay H.
OKC

 

[PJ Deluhery]

My experience is the same as Jay's.

Also, if you put your figure on a base and do not handle the figure, you will have no trouble maintaining the pastels. I have figures that are over 15 years old with pastels that still look like they did when applied.

 

[Einion]

My comments would echo much of what Jay has said.

>...how well does that stuff adhere to acrylic paint?
If the paint is matt, very well.

>Does it rub off easily/accidentally?
If you handle it, yes.

>Finally, I usually spray my figures with a coat of Testors dullcoat as the final step.
>What effect might that have on the pastels?
Probably a good idea to do this before applying pastels for the reasons mentioned.

Don't forget you can apply the powder wet too - this can increase their adhesion since it activates the binder somewhat, although it's still quite fragile.

Einion

 

[Brad S]

I would have also echo what everyone else has said. I spray after i apply the pastels though. If you dont watch it, you can completely eliminate the pastel work you have done though. It depends on the brand. You need to become familair with the brand and how it reacts to the flat coat. I will apply just a little bit heavier than needed than when I spray the flat coat, I spray in very light mists from about a foot back or so. Then after it is dried to the touch I will spray one more regular coat. Doing it this way seems to work for me. Ive had cases where the pastel completey blew away after the flat coat, so I had to do it again. I have one brand of color pastels that never stays put after the flat coat. Have fun and experiment.

Brad Spelts

 

[jjgurk]

I'll add that I've had much success using artists pigments in addition to pastels. I find them easy to use and i've been able to mix and match them to achieve most any color.
http://www.dickblick.com/zz029/59/

John

 

[Einion]

One thing I should mention is that we should be careful when handling ground/scraped pastels or dry pigments - inhaling the dust is one of the few routes by which pigments pose a risk. We're using very tiny quantities so we don't have to be too paranoid about it but if you have allergies it would be best to be cautious.

Einion

 

[mikec55]

Jay, PJ. Einion, Brad, John--

Thanks for the advice. I actually planned on using the darker chalks to deepen some of the face shadows on a figure I just finished painting, not so much for weathering. I've already doused him with a little dullcoat so adding the chalk will be the final step. I might post a picture of him in the next week or so. Thanks again.

Mike

 

[PJ Deluhery]

Go for it, Mike. Before I learned to paint with oils, I did a lot of figures in acrylics and shaded the skin with other parts with pastels. The results were - and still are! - great. This is done a lot in the garage kit world, and some great results are achieved.