Wood always looks best for scale modeling! No artist can begin to duplicate mother nature.We can come close but..........When carefully selected it works for any scale.Take these roof shingles for instance.Each one has been treated as an individual piece,no two are exactly alike, just like in nature itself.The important thing is to maintain this individually and just artistically enhance it here and there.Subtlety is the key. Sure it takes a long time to do but it is really worth the effort in the end.
To make these shakes or shingles he is what I do.
-research the real thing, especially pictures for size ,color,pattern etc...
-Find a source of tongue depressors,coffee stir stiks work well for the smaller scales.
-Decide on a glue,I use Shoe Goo or Goop.It is cheap and you will use lots of it.
-Decide on a paint you want to use.I like JoSonja gouche acrylic in Nimbus Grey.
Application of paint.
-thin the paint with water.Start with 75% water 25% paint.I add a few drops of flow medium to the mix.
-do not seal the raw wood in any way.
-The first steps are the most important and will determine your success or failure using this method.********Apply only as much paint as it takes to color the wood ********* do not obliterate the color and texture of the natural wood underneath.One or two thin coats should do it.
-to not worry about irregularities in the wood knots ,warping,curling,coloring,frayed ends or irregular cuts it all helps add character.
-treat each piece like a little canvas all of its own, be creative.
-Shade and color using pastels.On this rough surface there is no danger of it rubbing off.