Quick answer
Shake the can, spray from 6–8 inches away in short bursts, and let it dry for 10–15 minutes. The water-soluble dye deposits a semi-transparent layer that makes clean surfaces look aged or dirty.
Why choose a spray over brush-on weathering
Aging sprays like Dirty Down Mid Brown cover large areas evenly and quickly, especially on textured surfaces like fur, cloth, or stone. Brush-on washes can pool or leave streaks, while the spray deposits a fine, semi-transparent layer that follows contours naturally. The tradeoff is less control on small details—if you need precise dirt in recesses, a wash or pigment powder may be better.
Surface preparation matters
The spray works best on a matte or satin finish. Glossy surfaces cause the dye to bead up instead of sticking evenly. If your miniature has a gloss varnish, apply a thin coat of matte varnish first and let it dry completely before spraying.
Step-by-step guide
- 1. Prepare your miniature and work area: Place the miniature on a disposable surface in a well-ventilated area. Wear a respirator or mask if spraying indoors. Ensure the surface is clean and dry, and that any gloss varnish has been dulled with a matte coat. A common mistake is spraying on a glossy surface—the dye will bead up and look uneven.
- 2. Shake the can thoroughly: Shake the can for at least one minute until you hear the mixing ball moving freely. This ensures the pigment is evenly suspended in the solvent. If you skip shaking, the spray may come out watery or too concentrated in patches.
- 3. Test spray on scrap material: Spray a short burst onto a piece of cardboard or a spare plastic sprue to check the nozzle pattern and color intensity. Adjust your distance if needed. Skipping the test can lead to a blotchy first coat on your actual miniature.
- 4. Apply light, even coats from 6–8 inches away: Hold the can 6–8 inches from the miniature and spray in short, sweeping bursts. Do not saturate the surface—build up the effect gradually. Let each coat dry for 10–15 minutes before deciding if you need another. Spraying too close or too long in one spot will create drips and dark, unnatural pools.
- 5. Blend or wipe for custom effects: While the spray is still damp (within the first 2–3 minutes), use a damp brush or cotton swab to push the dye into recesses or wipe it off raised areas for a more controlled look. Once dry, the dye becomes more permanent but can still be removed with water. Wait too long and the dye sets—you'll need water and a scrub to remove it, which may disturb underlying paint.
- 6. Seal the finish (optional): If you want to lock in the weathering effect, apply a matte or satin varnish after the spray has fully dried (at least 30 minutes). This also protects the dye from rubbing off during handling. Skipping the seal can cause the water-soluble dye to smudge if you later apply washes or handle the miniature frequently.
Product details
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Dirty Down Aging Spray - Mid Brown: Dirty Down Aging Spray is a water-soluble, semi-transparent spray that deposits a fine layer of coloured dye to make clean surfaces appear dirty or aged. Because it's water-soluble, you can reactivate and blend the dye with a damp brush or wipe away overspray with a wet cloth before it dries.
Dirty Down Aging Spray - Mid Brown
