Light Earth

Light earth as a pigment powder

A shade from the pigment range of the Czech brand CMK that stands somewhere between sand and parched topsoil. Against the dust tones it looks earthier and denser, so it suits not only surface soiling but also places where real soil carried in by wheels or boots should be felt.

Typical uses

• Modeling the surface of terrain on bases and in dioramas
• Deposits of soil on the chassis, the fenders and in the running gear
• Dry soil around buildings, fences and trenches
• Coloring static grass and loose materials into an earthy tone
• Dusty edges and corners on figure equipment

Methods that have proved themselves

On terrain the pigment is often mixed directly into the loose compounds before they are fixed, and the result then looks whole, with the color not sitting only on the surface. On a model, by contrast, it makes sense to work in layers: first a weak base over the whole affected area, then a denser deposit into the recesses. Anyone who wants to bring out the texture can apply the powder onto a binder that has not yet dried, where it will catch unevenly and create a natural scatter. The excess can be blown or tapped off once dry.

Who it will serve

Builders of dioramas and bases, modelers of military equipment and anyone who wants to tie a model to the terrain it stands on.

Work out of any draft, do not breathe the powder in and keep the container out of the reach of children.

Choose the soil shade according to the region the scene is set in, as southern soils tend to be markedly warmer than central European ones.