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Weathered moss — a Sira Hobby weathering effect

Weathered moss is a modeling weathering product from the Czech brand Sira Hobby. Of the moss shade range it represents the oldest, driest and most sun-bleached growth, the kind that clings to abandoned masonry, to fences, to roofing or to equipment that has not gone anywhere for years. Against the saturated green tones it is shifted into a faded, muted position, so on its own it reads as moss at the end of the season. The volume of the package and the composition are stated on the box; go by the figures there.

How to work with the effect

• Apply it only onto a fully cured, degreased surface, ideally after washes and after the basic patina.
• Stir the contents thoroughly; the solid component of these effects settles at the bottom.
• Work by stippling and in interrupted strokes — weathered moss has no continuous surface but breaks up and peels away.
• Let the surface beneath show through; it is precisely the masonry or paint showing through that gives the impression of dying growth.
• Blend the transitions with a dry brush so that the edges do not end in a hard line.

Combining it with other effects

It works best as a top layer over darker moss tones: a dark shade in the recesses, a medium one on the main surface and the weathered one on the exposed edges and tops. Round it off with fine dust, traces of running water and, on metal parts, rusty streaks. Seal the finished whole with a matte varnish if the model is going to be handled.

Who the effect is for

For builders of dioramas with abandoned buildings, ruins and laid-up equipment, and for modelers who want to tell long standing apart from everyday use on a machine. The method is forgiving, because you work in thin layers.

This is a modeling material, not a kit and not a covering paint. Work in a ventilated space, out of reach of children and according to the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging.