Weathering Effects for Die-Cast & Scale Models

Learn step-by-step how to apply realistic mud, dust, and splash effects using AMMO by Mig products.

Weathering transforms a clean, fresh-out-of-the-box model into something that feels alive—like it’s been on a dusty rally stage, through rainy city streets, or across rugged battlefields.

• Applying dry and wet mud

• Using washes for detail

• Creating splash effects

• Simulating dust and wiper marks
  

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Before You Start: What Is Weathering?

Weathering is the process of making your model look like it’s been used in the real world. This includes adding:

• Mud (dry or wet)

• Dust (light or heavy layers)

• Splashes (from rain, dirt, or mud)

• Wear and tear marks (like wiper streaks, scratches, or rust)

Think of it like telling a story with paint—the model should look like it’s been somewhere and done something.

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Step 1: Preparing the Model

Step 1: Preparing the Model

Before adding weathering effects, make sure your model is ready:

1. Take the model out of its box.

2. Unscrew it from the display base (if it has one) using a small screwdriver.

3. Remove any protective plastic from the hood, doors, or windows.

4. Lift the model on a box or stand so you can easily reach the underside.

Why this matters: A clean workspace and full access to the model ensures your weathering will look even and professional. 

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Step 2: Applying the First Layer – Dry Mud

We start with dry mud because it creates the base texture of dirt buildup.

• Where to apply it: Inside the wheel wells, under the car, and on the lower panels.

• How to do it:

  1. Protect the tires with masking tape or a glove to prevent mud from sticking where it shouldn’t.

  2. Dip a medium-sized brush into the dry mud effect.

  3. Dab or “stipple” the mud onto the surface instead of brushing it in long strokes.

Tip for beginners: Less is more. You can always add more layers, but taking off too much mud is harder.

• Weathering product used: AMMO by Mig Heavy Mud Dry Light Soil

• Brush used: SilverBrush Silver Golden Natural Blend Shader Size 4
  

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Step 3: Adding Depth with Wet Mud

Dry mud resembles older dirt, but wet mud creates the illusion of fresh splashes.

• Where to apply it: Over the dry mud areas, especially in deeper cracks and corners.

• How to do it:

  1. Use a slightly smaller brush.

  2. Apply in blotches or irregular shapes.

  3. Focus on the spots where water or wet dirt would realistically collect.

Pro tip: Look at real cars after rain or driving on muddy roads—mud tends to stick in uneven patterns.

• Product used: AMMO by Mig Heavy Mud Wet Mud.

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Step 4: Interior Wash for Realism

A wash is a thin, watery paint mixture that flows into the small cracks and details of a model, making them pop.

• Where to apply it: Around panel lines, grills, vents, and inside details like dashboards.

• How to do it:

  1. Mix a small amount of wash with thinner until it’s watery.

  2. Use a fine brush to let the wash flow into cracks naturally.

  3. Wipe away excess on raised areas.

Beginner note: Don’t flood the whole model—only target the areas that need shading and detail.

• Products:

  • AMMO by Mig Odorless Enamel Thinner

  • AMMO by Mig Streaking Brush Grime
    

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Step 5: Splash Effects

Splashes make the model feel like it just came off the track.

• Where to apply them: Along the sides of the car, behind the wheels, and lower body.

• How to do it:

  1. Mask off the windows and windshield to keep them clean.

  2. Dip a stiff brush into the splash paint.

  3. Flick the bristles with your finger so droplets scatter onto the model.

Tip: Test on paper first—splashes should be small and natural, not big blobs.

• Products used:

  • AMMO by Mig Splashes Wet Ground

  • AMMO by Mig Splashes Dry Earth
    

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Step 6: Wheel & Tire Weathering

After unmasking the rims, using AMMO by Mig Heavy Mud Dry Light Soil, we can apply wet mud to the rims. 

• How to do it:

  1. Remove the masking from the rims.

  2. Add wet mud to the rim edges.

  3. Use dry mud for the tire tread.

  4. Lightly wipe the tire surface so it looks worn but still realistic.

Pro tip: Don’t cover all the tread evenly—real dirt builds up unevenly.

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Step 7: Wiper Marks & Dust Fog

The final touch: dust and wiper marks.

• Where to apply: On the windshield and body panels.

• How to do it:

  1. Mask off the wiper blade path so it stays clear.

  2. Thin down a light dust paint and airbrush it over the car.

  3. Remove the masking to reveal the wiper streaks.

Beginner tip: Use light passes—too much dust will make it look like the car hasn’t moved in years.

• Products used:

  • AMMO by Mig Yellow Sand

  • AMMO by Mig Acrylic Thinner 2000

  • No-Name Cordless Compressor + Iwata HP‑BH

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The Final Result

The Subaru Impreza now looks like it’s just finished a rally stage. Mud-splattered, dusty, and full of life. These techniques can be applied to any scale model, from rally cars to tanks.

Remember: Weathering is all about realism through subtlety. Build up layers slowly, check your work, and stop when it looks believable

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FAQs for Beginners

Q: Do I need an airbrush for weathering?
A: Not always. Brushes are fine for mud and washes. An airbrush is best for smooth dust effects and fine control.

Q: How do I avoid over-weathering?
A: Step back often and compare your model to real-life reference photos. If it looks too “painted,” stop.

Q: Can I remove mistakes?
A: Yes—most weathering products can be removed with thinner before they dry completely.

Q: What’s the most important tip for realism?
A: Look at real vehicles. Study where dirt, mud, and dust actually collect, then copy that on your model.

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Verdict

Weathering is more than just adding dirt—it’s about telling a story. Each mud splatter, dust layer, and wiper mark captures a moment in the life of the model, making it feel authentic and alive.

With the techniques above, you can take any clean die-cast or scale model and transform it into a realistic showpiece. Whether it’s a rally car tearing through muddy trails or a military vehicle crossing harsh terrain, the right combination of dry mud, wet mud, washes, splashes, and dust will bring your build to life.

For all the products used in this tutorial—and everything you need for your modeling projects—SprayGunner is your one-stop shop.

From AMMO by Mig weathering products to airbrushes, compressors, and tools, SprayGunner has you covered.

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Here are all the products used:

• AMIG1700 Dry Light Soil. Heavy Mud
• AMIG1705 Wet Mud. Heavy Mud
• AMIG1750 Dry Earth. Splashes
• AMIG1755 Wet Ground. Splashes
• AMIG2019 Enamel Oudourless Thinner
• AMIG1253 Grime. Streaking Brusher
• AMIG2000 Acrylic Thinner 
• ATOM20021 Sand Yellow 
• AMIG 8041 Masking Tape (20mm x 25m) 
  
• #4 Silver Pure Red Sable Renaissance 
• #4 Silver Golden Natural Blend Shader 
• #4 Silver Kolinsky Round 
• NO-NAME Cordless Compressor 
• Iwata Airbrush HP-BH
• Cordless airbrush

Collections:

• AMMO by Mig selection
• Silver Brush
• Iwata Airbrush