Wood grain effects.

[housecarl]

I don't know if I'm using them correctly, but I've got some Vallejo wood grain.
That I applied as a glaze over a light base, and all that it looks like is streaky dirty water. Not at all timber like. May be I'm just a bit numb. Any help greatly appreciated.
Carl.

 

[ghamilt1]

I have been using a technique described in Danilo Cartacci's recent book to a very satisfying effect. I use a light brown acrylic as a base colour, something like a biege or tan. After its well dry I brush on some burnt Umber or similar dark brown artist's oil paint right out of the tube. The last step is to take an old brush and "swipe" away some of the burnt umber, making sure that the brush leaves some streaky marks. This allows the acrylic underneath to show through replicating a wood grain effect. I am probably not doing a very good job at explaining it, so if you get a chance to see Danilo's book, it is worth while just to see the pictures. Hope this helps.

 

[housecarl]

Thanks Glenn, your description is more than adequate. I shall give it a go, then file my wood grain transparent some were suitable. Thanks for the tip.
Cheers,
Carl.

 

[Brent Fordham]

Here is a little more that may be of some help - very similar to what Glenn has recommended:

In this first link, click on the right-hand box that shows up: http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww/hintsandtips

Here's another: http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2003/03/stuff_eng_tech_wood_grain.htm

These obviously apply to aircraft, but they share things in common, depending on the scale.

 

[housecarl]

When in doubt ask, and a fountain of knowledge will flow.Thanks I shall experiment, its only for the back of a shield, but its always nice to learn something new everyday.
Thanks again,
Carl.

 

[Einion]

...its only for the back of a shield...

What scale Carl?

BTW, it's very likely that there would be very little or no grain visible on the back of any mediaeval shield, even on a 90mm figure or larger!

Einion

 

[housecarl]

Einion, It's 120mm Celt, that has grain detail on it. I was just wanting to add some variation in colour, and grain texture. That is seen in natural timber.
Awkward as I am.
Cheers,
Carl.

 

[housecarl]

I went for the oils over acrylics method, fairly pleased with results.
"A flagon of your finest ale bar wench, and fresh horses for my men."
Thanks again to everyone for their advice.
Kind regards ,

Carl.