What is the toothpaste technique for weathering a model?

Strange as it may sound, using toothpaste can be an effective technique in weathering a model. The toothpaste remains water soluble and so can be removed relatively simply by a damp cloth or cotton bud. The key to using toothpaste is that it can quickly and easily be utilised as an effective masking medium which can be used to reveal an underlying paint tone after subsequent coats have been applied.

When the desired undercoat has been painted onto the model the toothpaste can then be applied. This can be painted on by brush where areas of heavy wear would be expected, such as edges, doorways, access panels, running boards or similar areas experiencing heavy wear and tear. Also, wear-related patterns can be achieved by flicking a toothpaste-covered brush past a toothpick. This will create random splatters that can produce very realistic effects.

Once the toothpaste has been applied, then subsequent colours can then be painted on. Once the required finish has been achieved then the toothpaste-covered areas can be safely removed by a damp cloth, cotton bud or hobby brush revealing the desired substrate. The toothpaste being water soluble is easy to remove and its other big advantages are that it is cheap and readily available.