Painting Worn Armour with DECAYED METAL and PANZER GREY
By SCALE75 - HOBBIES & GAMES – SCALE75 - Hobbies & Games | Published: 2026-11-05
Category: Guides pratiques
Layer matte PANZER GREY and ultrafine DECAYED METAL to build realistic chipped, worn armour on figures. Follow this step-by-step guide for a durable finish.
Quick answer
Paint a matte PANZER GREY base, then layer ultrafine DECAYED METAL into edges and chips to simulate exposed metal. Finish with controlled washes and pigments for a worn, aged look.
Why this pairing works
PANZER GREY provides a smooth, opaque matte foundation that accepts layers without gloss buildup. DECAYED METAL’s very fine pigment and high covering power let you place bright metal highlights precisely, even when diluted. Together they create a contrast between flat armour and exposed metal that reads clearly at tabletop distance.
The main trade-off is that matte grey shows every brushstroke, so thin your layers and avoid overworking. Metallic paint can look artificial if applied too broadly; keep it to edges and damage.
When to use more or less metal
For a factory-fresh look, limit DECAYED METAL to a few tiny chips. For a battle-worn veteran, increase chipping and add rust washes. If you plan to handle the figure often, apply a varnish after weathering to protect the metallic layer.
Step-by-step: worn armour on figures
- Prime and basecoat: Apply a thin, even coat of PANZER GREY over a primer. Use multiple light passes rather than one thick coat. Check for pooled paint in recesses; wick it away with a dry brush.
- Shade recesses: Mix a dark brown or black wash and apply it into panel lines and recesses. Let it dry fully. Avoid flooding the wash; too much will stain the flat grey.
- Paint chipping: Use a fine brush to dab DECAYED METAL onto edges and high-traffic areas. Vary chip size and shape for realism. Keep chips irregular; uniform dots look artificial.
- Add rust and grime: Apply a thin rust-colored wash or pigment selectively over the metal chips and lower areas. Build up gradually. Less is more; stop before the rust overwhelms the grey.
- Seal the finish: Apply a matte varnish to protect the paint and unify the sheen. Test the varnish on a spare piece first to avoid frosting.
Product facts
- DECAYED METAL: DECAYED METAL is a metallic acrylic with ultrafine pigment and great covering power, usable with brush or airbrush. Its fine pigment allows smooth, controlled metal layers that won’t obscure fine detail.
DECAYED METAL - PANZER GREY: PANZER GREY is a matte acrylic paint with creamy consistency and opacity, suitable for brush and airbrush. The matte finish and opacity make it an ideal base for armour, accepting layers without gloss buildup.
PANZER GREY
