forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com

WW1 Aircraft Modeling => Hints and Tips/Questions about modeling => Topic started by: Des on April 28, 2012, 07:57:43 PM

Title: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Des on April 28, 2012, 07:57:43 PM
Here is Eric Larson's technique for applying a woodgrain.

(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%201.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%202.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%203.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%204.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%205.jpg)
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Des on April 28, 2012, 08:01:33 PM
continued

(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%206.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%207.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%208.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%209.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%2010.jpg)
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Des on April 28, 2012, 08:04:41 PM
continued

(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%2011.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%2012.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%2013.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%2014.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%2015.jpg)
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Des on April 28, 2012, 08:07:52 PM
continued

(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%2016.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%2017.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%2018.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%2019.jpg)
(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%2020.jpg)
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Des on April 28, 2012, 08:10:12 PM
continued

(http://www.ww1aircraftmodels.com/AA%20x%2021.jpg)


Many thanks to Eric for allowing me to post his article here, I hope his woodgrain technique will help many modelers.

Des.
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Trackpad on May 16, 2012, 10:18:50 PM
And who say that there isn't a major element of fine art in this hobby? The days of "stick it together and paint it up" have long departed. Weathering, highlighting, filters, pin washes...all go well beyond the standard build process. Thanks for this thread, Des, and for all of your others on this website!  :D
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Jim52 on May 16, 2012, 10:25:17 PM
Hear! Hear! I second that!!

Jim
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Jose Chaica on May 17, 2012, 09:29:58 AM
My very first "woodgrain technique"!!!! :) :) ... and the one that I still use, although with some slight changes to the original procedures.
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: pepperman42 on May 20, 2012, 11:18:32 AM
This is the go to method for me.

Steve
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Dekenba on June 05, 2012, 11:48:57 PM
This is exactly what I have been looking for.

Great - thanks!
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: mike in calif on July 04, 2012, 02:30:24 PM
Thank you!
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: IanB on August 19, 2012, 11:33:42 AM
Thanks for that Des. One question: I don't have oils but do have artists acrylics. Would they work as well? I have experimented on an Albatros I'm building and didn't have any problems, but maybe I was lucky....

Ian
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Airboss 55 on August 21, 2012, 12:10:27 AM
Eric,

I really like your method!  It has really become one of the favorite parts of my builds.  Hopefully I will be able to post some photos one of these days.  Thanks for sharing your skills!

Rick
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Des on August 21, 2012, 12:15:51 PM
I have never used artist acrylics for replicating wood grain but I have seen and heard of many that do, as far as I know they have a lot of success, I think it is a matter of "what works for you".

Des.
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Ian from Doncaster on August 21, 2012, 05:07:14 PM
Thanks for that Des. One question: I don't have oils but do have artists acrylics. Would they work as well? I have experimented on an Albatros I'm building and didn't have any problems, but maybe I was lucky....

Ian

Hi Ian - I think any paint type will work, so your acrylics ought to be fine.  The advantage with oil paint is th elong grying time which allows the woodgrain to be reworked until you are satisfied.  I have sometimes used regular enamel straight from the pot which works too.
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: dirk on December 31, 2012, 06:17:16 AM
Hi Des,

thanks for posting this. Erics technique helped me to get that woodgrain effect on my LVG a few years ago on Hyperscale. For me this was one of the most essential topics in building WWI A/C.

Dirk
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: WarrenD on January 02, 2013, 02:56:56 AM
I like this method, very similar to others I've seen posted. However, I wonder if it will work for doing different panels with differing orientations such as on an Albatros without paint build up on the edges where you'd have it masked or taped?

Warren
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Ian from Doncaster on January 02, 2013, 07:40:31 PM
However, I wonder if it will work for doing different panels with differing orientations....

Warren

Hi Warren, this is a WIP pic of my WNW LVG.  Simple answer to your question, yes, with careful brushing.  This was done with no masking between the panels. The wood would look better with some base colour and oil shading variation but that is another level for me to achieve.

I painted the graining on the panels first, where the graining would cross the panel edge.  Then followed with the grains parallel to the edges, which cleaned up any overruns from the first set.  Masking may be required however for such as an albatros with more adjoining panels.

(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/ianfromdoncaster/100_0894_zps11c4048c.jpg)
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: gcn on January 02, 2013, 11:01:23 PM
My albatros had the same treatment and its fairly straightforward. If you can colour in whilst keeping within the lines you can manage it.

(http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss134/itreallywasntme/P1000843.jpg)
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: lcarroll on January 02, 2013, 11:06:08 PM
Ian,
    That's excellent wood graining; particularly convincing on the interior and it all comes together very well. It's going to be one very impressive model when complete. Nice work!
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: rhallinger on January 02, 2013, 11:32:05 PM
Ian and gcn:

Those are beautiful woodgrain finishes!  Very sharp models too--thanks for sharing them.  It's also nice to know that alternating grain direction on panels with oils is not a problem. :)  I have not yet faced my first woodgrain test, but they are waiting in the stash and it's only a matter of time.  I'll benefit from your experience! ;D

Ian, is your LVG posted in Under Construction or Completed Models?  I must have missed it, and would like to see more photos. :D

gcn, that's one slick Albie--I love that scheme.  Do you have more photos posted somewhere on the Forum?  I missed this one too!  Must be advancing age. ;)

Thanks guys!

Regards,

Bob
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: skeeterbuck on January 02, 2013, 11:51:50 PM
Des, I agree that the worst problem is the dust. No matter how hard you try some light dust is bound to get on the paint.  >:(

The tip about using paper coffee filter is a great idea!

One the plus side, the oil paint is very forgiving. If you not happy with you first try, you can easily clean it off and start over. The slow drying of the oil paint allows you plenty of working time. I work in 1/48 and don't think I need the additional fine details like "knots' etc. I looking for the overall tint of the paint to convey the "wood look".  ;)


Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Ian from Doncaster on January 03, 2013, 06:49:53 AM
Here is a link to my LVG build log, as posted on another forum:

http://www.greatwaraviation.com/forum/index.php/topic,1580.msg18216.html#msg18216 (http://www.greatwaraviation.com/forum/index.php/topic,1580.msg18216.html#msg18216)

and the finished model:

http://www.greatwaraviation.com/forum/index.php/topic,2245.msg26759.html#msg26759 (http://www.greatwaraviation.com/forum/index.php/topic,2245.msg26759.html#msg26759)
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Rizzo on May 05, 2013, 01:18:47 AM
I'm going to give this method a try on my next kit, so could someone give me advice about what varnish to use over the oil paint please?

I'm guessing that acrylic varnish over the oils could cause some problems, or is this not the case?
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Ian from Doncaster on May 05, 2013, 04:41:07 AM
Hi Rizzo, over the oils I used Future/Klear, thinly brushed on in several coats.  This can also be tinted with a bit of paint (I use acrylics) to add some depth and variation to the wood effect.

It is important however to let the oils dry thoroughly, which can range from 2-3 days to well over a week depending on atmospheric conditions.
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Rizzo on May 05, 2013, 04:56:21 AM
Thanks Ian, I'll give that a go then :)
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: jknaus on April 09, 2014, 07:59:03 AM
Great tutorial. I basically do the same thing except I have never mixed the oil paints. I will definitely have to try that. If I could add a couple of suggestions that might help some. If you put the oil paint on a piece of paper (I use recipe cards) it will wick out the linseed oil. After about 5 minutes you can start using the paint or transfer it to a palette and use. My oils usually are dry by the next day. I do this on my figure painting also. If you want to speed up the drying more get a cheap slow cooker / crock pot. Put some cardboard  from a shipping box in and place your part on that. Then put the lid on canted so there is air flow. Set it to low heat and wait a couple of hours. The paint should be dry. Again I do this with figures. I found the cardboard protects the piece from direct contact and melting and the low heat are just right. Dont put the lid on solid though or you will get melting and warping.
Thanks for the tips and I hope I could help some in return.
James 
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Michael Scarborough on January 16, 2015, 12:34:01 PM
Here's another possibility: as pointed out, one of the problems with masking the individual panels is the inevitable build up of paint against the making tape. While it won't completely solve this problem, using super thin tape will go along way in reducing the build up.
3M makes adhesive tape that comes in a green box and is called Magic Tape. It's been around for years but will really help reduce the paint build up at the seams.

http://www.staples-3p.com/s7/is/image/Staples/s0099112_sc7?$splssku$

Cheers,
Michael
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Ron@redondo on January 24, 2015, 08:48:11 AM
Hello Everyone
I have a question about using Tamiya clear over Winsor & Newton oil paint that I used for wood grain. I have finished using the oil paint for wood grain, on WNW Albatros. Now dry completely. Can I spray Tamiya over oil paint?
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: lcarroll on January 24, 2015, 09:33:24 AM
Ron,
    I spray Tamiya Clear Orange or Clear Yellow over Winsor Newton wood grain done on a Tamiya wood mix base and it works just fine.
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: eclarson on January 24, 2015, 09:56:34 AM
Hello Everyone
I have a question about using Tamiya clear over Winsor & Newton oil paint that I used for wood grain. I have finished using the oil paint for wood grain, on WNW Albatros. Now dry completely. Can I spray Tamiya over oil paint?

Absolutely! 

Eric
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Ron@redondo on January 24, 2015, 11:24:08 AM
Thanks Lance and Eric. This is my first try at wood grain finish. Turned out a little darker than I first pictured to myself, but not too bad. This is only my second airplane build since about 1975. The first one was WNW Pfalz DIIIA.
Last plane I built some 40 years ago was the old Lindberg Jenny.

Thanks Again Ron
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: jknaus on January 25, 2015, 05:53:53 AM
I do the same as LAnce and it works very well.
James
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: rolanddvi on February 18, 2017, 11:12:30 AM
Eric,

Great tutorial! I'll definitely be experimenting with the technique. One question. Do you use the same method for the internal wood framing in the cockpit area?

thanks,
Mike
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: eclarson on February 21, 2017, 11:47:18 AM
Eric,

Great tutorial! I'll definitely be experimenting with the technique. One question. Do you use the same method for the internal wood framing in the cockpit area?

thanks,
Mike

Wow, it's been over two years since there's been any activity on this thread.  Thanks!  I'm glad to see it continues to be useful.
To answer your question, yes, I use the same technique on wood framing.   

Here are some WIP pics of the WNW Hansa W.12 I built last year showing the interior wood grain. 

(https://i.imgur.com/DlaC91p.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/TBuZ1ZX.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/FG0jMVv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Fgwu4rw.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4GOnGA7.jpg)

HTH,
Eric
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Ringleheim on April 06, 2018, 03:16:32 PM
I'm curious about the sponge using this technique.

Is it bone dry?  Soaked in water or white spirit and then wrung out so it is soft and "spongey" before use?

I have never gotten a sponge like this to work very well trying it all kinds of ways.

Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: eclarson on April 06, 2018, 11:31:08 PM
I'm curious about the sponge using this technique.

Is it bone dry?  Soaked in water or white spirit and then wrung out so it is soft and "spongey" before use?

I have never gotten a sponge like this to work very well trying it all kinds of ways.

Good question!  In this case the sponge is bone dry.  It's a stiff kitchen sponge that is more for wiping off the excess paint while also spreading it out evenly. 

Since my article was written, I've tried other types of sponges including foam rubber makeup applicators and even soft foam packing material.  Also, different types of paint brushes.  The whole idea is to find ways to streak the paint in various patterns hopefully resulting in the desired effect.  There is no right or wrong way.  In fact, part of the fun of this technique is experimenting with different methods and tools. 

I hope that helps. 

Cheers,
Eric
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Bill_S on May 20, 2020, 02:03:23 PM
Great info, Eric! My technique is very similar except I use only Burnt Umber oil; I vary the wood color by changing the base coat. All my graining is done with a good quality cotton swab.

Last year, I did a demo for my local club. I put together this sheet of styrene for that. Ten different base colors, some ModelMaster enamel, some Tamiya acrylics.

(https://i.postimg.cc/LsRy1kJg/woodgrain.jpg)

From left to right, base color, oil applied, wiped with swab, Tamiya clear orange overcoat.
Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: eclarson on May 21, 2020, 12:04:20 AM
Great info, Eric! My technique is very similar except I use only Burnt Umber oil; I vary the wood color by changing the base coat. All my graining is done with a good quality cotton swab.

Last year, I did a demo for my local club. I put together this sheet of styrene for that. Ten different base colors, some ModelMaster enamel, some Tamiya acrylics.

From left to right, base color, oil applied, wiped with swab, Tamiya clear orange overcoat.

Thanks Bill!  I've varied my technique since doing that article as I too now use different base colors but also still use a variety of oil colors. 

Your demo sheet is great.  Thanks for sharing it.  I've copied it to my computer for future reference.  Do you ever have problems with fibers shedding from your cotton swabs?  That would be my only concern with using them.  I've taken to using different textures of sponges more often. 

That's the fun of doing wood grain - so many different ways of achieving it and all look great!

Here are the interior parts of my recently completed Wingnut DH.9a Ninak with different shades of base colors.  More so than I've done in the past.   :)

(https://i.imgur.com/eTVrBk4.jpg)

Cheers,
Eric


Title: Re: Woodgrain technique by Eric Larson
Post by: Bill_S on May 21, 2020, 01:42:10 AM
Eric, I've found that if you use good quality swabs, they don't shed fibers. They seem to be more tightly wound.