Pigment FX | Vallejo

Pigment FX | Vallejo: Realistic Rust, Dust, and Soot Effects

Vallejo Pigment FX are powder pigments used to recreate dust, dry mud, rust, and soot on models and dioramas. They can be applied dry or mixed with mediums to create crusts and textured deposits with a natural look.

How to Use (Step by Step)

  1. Finish painting and apply the base varnish on your model.
  2. Apply the pigment dry with a soft brush, focusing on crevices, lower areas, and rust-prone zones.
  3. Fix it by capillarity with Vallejo Pigment Binder 26233 so it stays in place.
  4. For heavier effects, mix pigment + binder and spread with a brush or spatula.
  5. Only protect if necessary with a very light layer of varnish (too much may dull the matte effect).

Auxiliaries and Related Categories

Recommended Accessories

  • Brushes: soft for dusting, stiff for textured effects.
  • Scenery (tufts, vegetation) to blend the terrain naturally.
  • Masking tapes for clean edges on panels or bases.

Quick Tips

  • Work from light to dark: start with light dust tones (sand), finish with rust and soot.
  • The binder may slightly darken the tone — test it on a hidden area first.
  • If you apply varnish, use it as a very fine mist to avoid “plasticizing” the dust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should pigments be applied before or after varnish? After the paint varnish. If you need to seal them, apply light coats to preserve the texture. How can I fix pigments without smearing them? Use Binder 26233 by capillarity: touch the area with a brush or dropper and let the liquid soak upward through the pigment. Can they be combined with other effects? Yes, they work great with Weathering FX (stains, oils) and with Diorama FX bases (mud, sand, water).
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