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AFV Acrylic Techniques DVD

I have just sat through one of the most enjoyable and well presented modelling DVDs I have seen for some time.

AFV Acrylic Techniques available from the Scale Models Shop (SMS) is a demonstration using a model of a Panzer II from priming to finishing via weathering, chipping, pin washing, filters and pigments with a hint of modulation.

Quite simply, it is the most complete demonstration on how to paint a tank I have ever seen. There are many sources that describe bits of how to do this and if you gather all the info together you will generally find it to be multi media in the paint department. Oils paints for washes, enamel based pin washes, acrylic colours and various types of primer.

The beauty of this DVD is that is superbly demonstrates that all these techniques using slow drying oils and smelly enamels can be done with fast drying and easy to clean up acrylic paints. OK, it is a plug for Vallejo products but who cares. The demonstrations are very clearly shown and explained not only how but why.

By using acrylic retarder, thinners and airbrush cleaner as vehicles for the paint and pigments exactly the same effects can be achieved without the need for multiple paint types.

Having just started getting into using oils for filters and pin washes, I am amazed to see how it can be achieved in exactly the same way using my favourite paint type mixed with retarder.

There are a couple of products used that I was not aware of. In particular, they have a "Dipping Wash" which is, much as the name implies, designed to dip parts into. However, this dark umber wash is used on the DVD for pin washing to really great effect using water, thinner and airbrush cleaner to blend and cut back in exactly the same way that low odour oil paint thinners is used with oil paints. The main difference is going to be the drying time, much quicker than oil so productivity is increased.

The other product I have never come across is their own water colours, some of which are used to filter and wash small parts. The DVD states that using water based is better for smaller parts but doesn't really explain to me as to why.

The use of pigments (I believe any pigments would work the same way) using Matt Medium and acrylic varnish is also very interesting.

The use of three shades of primer covers pre shading, the use of multiple colours mixed to achieve all the main colours covers scale colours and post shading, also a bit of modulation but not described as such. Many of these subjects get asked about on the forum and this is one of the best answers I have seen to questions about those effects.

Brush painted chipping and wear on panels is so well covered and explained, it takes all the mystery out of achieving a really effective look and when finished with washes and filters, the look is as good as any I have seen using masking, hairspray or any other technique.


The DVD runs for 56 minutes and includes a short video of a preserved Panzer II being driven about with some useful, if predictably Panzer Grey, paint work. Also included is a six page booklet as reference to what is covered in the DVD.

Anyone new to painting armour or anyone wanting to take their work up a notch cannot go wrong by learning the techniques demonstrated on the DVD. Buy it, you will not be disappointed. If you only ever buy one such DVD, this is the one, it is by far the most complete demonstration of painting a kit I have ever seen.

I don't know how many of these John has in stock but I am sure he will be able to get more.

I cannot recommend this DVD enough. It covers an AFV but in reality, the techniques demonstrated will work on aircraft as well.

For anyone that's wanting this DVD it's now back in stock