Getting A Realistic Aged Look
Over the Years I have seen people try a lot of methods to get a realistic aged look on there custom themed computer case, some will leave bare metal in the rain or dry and build up the affect using various painting techniques. When done right some of these look good but never look "real". The best aging method I have found is a two part process paint affect.
Its contains a Metallic Surfacer and an Aging Solution. The Metalic surfacer has real metal flakes in it which actually react to the aging solution therefore creating the actual aging process right on your case.
What you will need:
Metallic Surfacer - Color of your choice
Patina Aging Solution - Color of your choice
Various Sized Brushes
Primer
Undercoat color (Optional)
Now there are two ways of doing this, the first method is to age the whole surface which gives an even aged look.
The second method is to have the surfaced painted with a color and then have the grime / rust / aged affect running down the paintwork.
Method One
First of you should start by applying 1-2 coats of self etching primer on the surface you want to age. After the primer is dry, using a large brush apply a fairly thick coat of the metallic surfacer to the surface.
Once your first coat is dry, apply a second coat using a smaller sized brush getting into all of the gaps. As this is still wet apply the aging solution. The best way to do this is by spraying it on. So dump it into a spray bottle and don't be shy to go overboard. It's fun
Once you have applied the aging solution DO NOT TOUCH it or interfere with it in any way. It's up to nature how it looks now.
Allow it to dry overnight, the next day when you come back to it you should have a nice aged surface.
Now that wasn't hard at all was it, if anything it was too simple.
Method Two
This method is a little different, it also has a slightly different finish which will look very good when applied to the right surfaces.
First of start by priming your surface, easy. The next step is to then apply a coat of color of your choice, I chose matte black.
Once this is dry the fun starts, Grab your medium sized brush and using a dry brush technique make the paint look like it had run whilst rusting.
Now apply another coat in the same way and then spray on the aging solution and let it dry overnight.
And thats it, done, now that is easy, so next time your wanting to make your case look old or like it was just recovered from the sea, like in my case the Bioshock mod.
Here in Australia the Metallic Surfacer and Aging solution I got are from Bunnings Warehouse and are a by a brand called Modern Masters.
You can get the Aging solution in Blue or Green, I used blue and the Metallic Surfacer in a range of metals. I used bronze.
Here are some pics of the products.
Hope you get something out of this.
Cheers
Slamaa