Some of you may recall my earlier posts touting the virtues of casein colors for weathering. I still love ‘em but I have not been satisfied with the range of colors available to represent rust. Rust, of course, occurs in a wide range of reds, yellows, and oranges. I really like the two shades of rust available in Bragdon Enterprises’ weathering powders but you can’t apply powder with the precision possible with casein.
I just discovered Shiva’s Casein Emulsion – a casein paint with no pigment. I’ve now gone completely 'round the bend and have started mixing my own paint for weathering. Pigments are a problem – again, a fairly narrow range of colors available – but Bragdon’s weathering powders are darned near dust and make a fine pigment.
The smallest amount of Casein Emulsion I’ve found is a 3.75 oz bottle (for $5.18 from MisterArt.com). This ought to be just about a life time supply. My first effort used the tiny amount on the inside of the plastic plug in the bottle and I rusted two hoppers with the “paint” mixed from that. Of course, I probably said earlier that a 1.25 oz tube of casein would be a life time supply. After more than 100 cars, I had to order replacement tubes for a couple of colors.
One cautionary note if you go with Casein Emulsion: I had expected it to be clear or nearly clear. It is definitely kind of yellowish in the bottle. That doesn’t seem to affect the results other than to make the “paint” a very little bit darker than the pigment.
Try it. You’ll like it.
Chuck