Painting & Finishing

Techniques used to complete and protect a prop.

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• Base Coat

The first layer of paint.

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• Battle Damage

Artificial wear added to make a prop appear used.

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• Clear Coat

A protective transparent finish.

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• Detailing

Adding small features that improve realism.

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• Distressing

Creating the appearance of age or heavy use.

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• Dry Brushing

A technique that highlights raised surfaces.

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• Faux Finish

A painted finish designed to imitate another material.

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• Fill Coat

A primer or filler used to hide imperfections.

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• Finish

The final surface appearance of a prop.

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• Gloss Finish

A highly reflective finish.

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• Matte Finish

A non-reflective finish.

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• Metallic Finish

Paint that imitates polished metal.

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• Patina

A naturally aged or artificially created weathered appearance.

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• Primer

The first coating applied before painting.

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• Sanding

Smoothing surfaces with abrasives.

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• Satin Finish

A finish between matte and gloss.

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• Scenic Finish

Painting techniques that imitate materials such as wood, leather, rust, or stone.

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• Top Coat

The final protective layer.

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• Wash

A thin paint mixture used to darken recesses.

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• Weathering

Painting techniques that simulate dirt, rust, scratches, and age.

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• Wet Sanding

Using water while sanding to produce a finer finish.

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