Color Field #04 — Echoes of Zeon

Techniques for Weathered Machines

From the beginning with "The Silent Cold (CF#01)," to "Echoes of the Earth (CF#02)" and "Sparks and Contrast (CF#03)," the Color Field series has focused on the expression of color itself.

But colors do not exist in isolation; they change with surface texture, environmental conditions, and even the passage of time.

We're revisiting one of our test spoons from Color Field #02. Its journey continues as it becomes our canvas for 'Discoloration' in this entry.

This time, I want to show you the first small turning point in this series — how color truly transforms into the traces of the battlefield.

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For this entry, I've locked the theme onto the "echoes of the battlefield." 

The color schemes of Zeon's mobile suits have always been closely linked to a military feel and the atmosphere of ground warfare, making them the perfect subjects for practicing weathering and wear. 

This is why I've named this piece "Echoes of Zeon" — not just because it represents a classic color impression, but because within these colors, it is easiest to imagine the marks left behind by machines on the battlefield.

Below, I will demonstrate through different techniques how to bring out the texture of these "worn machines."

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This entry of Color Field officially marks our first "Application + Weathering" combination piece.

For our final sample, I rescued an armor piece from this abandoned kit in my scrap box. It’s a great reminder that in building, no part is ever wasted - every piece has the potential to tell a new story.

In the first three parts, we built a foundation of color, starting with cool tones, then warm tones, and finally experimenting with high contrast.

This time, I'm shifting the focus to military-style weathering, drawing inspiration from the atmosphere of Zaku and other ground-type mobile suits to demonstrate three distinct weathering approaches:

• Discoloration – Fading and environmental wear.
• Chipping – Paint chipping and signs of use.
• Layered weathering - applying multi-stage weathering effect.

Disclaimer: My objective is to create these weathering effects primarily using the colors mentioned in CF#01 to CF#03. Therefore, certain hyper-realistic rust and weathering effects will not be seen here. Most colors and weathering styles are built upon the color foundations we've already explored.

Spoon A — Discoloration

Spoon A is applied with water decal and ready to enter weathering steps.

• Primer: Mr Hobby Mr Surfacer 500 Gray (to provide a rough, metal texture).
• Main Color:
  • Base Layer: Mr Color C-29 Hull Red
  • Shadow Layer: Mr Color C-42 Mahogany
  • Surface Layer: Mr Color C-68 Red Madder
• Decal: IFCG Waterslide Decal.

• Weathering Steps:
  • The edges were washed with Tamiya Panel Liner (Black) and Tamiya XF-64 Red Brown.
  • The surface was lightly brushed with AK Interactive's Acrylic Grimy Grey and Deck Tan to create faint weathering and water streak effects.
• Top Coat: Mr Color GX113 Super Clear III UV Cut Flat.

Spoon B — Zaku Heritage (Medium Weathering / Chipping Effect)

• Weathering Steps:
  
  • Surface Blending: Oil paints (white, black, green, and yellow) were used for blending.
  • Panel Lines Blending: Tamiya Enamel XF-64 Red Brown.
  • Pin Wash: Tamiya Panel Liner (Black) on the edges.
  • Chipping: AK Interactive German Grey (using both sponge and brush techniques).
  • Streaking: Lightly brushed streaks with AK Acrylic Grimy Grey and Deck Tan.
  • Rust Oxide Shadow: Tamiya Weathering Master D set – Burnt Red.
• Top Coat: Mr Color GX113 Super Clear III UV Cut Flat.
  

Sample C — Mecha’s Armor (Medium-Heavy Weathering / Model Application)

The “rescue armor piece” (Sample C) is repainted with colors from CF#01 and CF#02. Ready to enter weathering steps.

For this part, I've switched to an actual model part instead of a spoon. The purpose is to give readers a more direct view of the "real effect of weathering on a model kit." I reused an armor piece from an abandoned model kits from my scrap box.

• Primer: Mr Hobby Mr Surfacer Grey 1000.
• Main Color:
  • Shadow Layers: Mr. Color C-43 Wood Brown; Mr Color C-13 Neutral Gray.
  • Surface Layers: Mr. Color C-44 Tan; Mr Color C-35 IJN Grey (Mitsubishi); Mr Color C-55 Khaki.

• Weathering Steps:
  • Highlight: AK Interactive Grimy Grey.
  • Blending: A mix of white, black, red-brown, and desert yellow.
  • Streaking: Tamiya Enamel XF-64 Red Brown.
  • Chipping:
    • Sponge: AK Interactive German Grey.
    • Brush: Tamiya Enamel XF-63 German Grey.
  • Rust Oxide Shadow: Tamiya Weathering Master D set – Burnt Red.
  • Top Coat: Mr Color GX113 Super Clear III UV Cut Flat.
  • Final Seal: A light mist coat of Tamiya Acrylic Thinner (X-20A) to lock in the weathering powder.

Table of Colors & Techniques Used

Quick Technique Memo

• Discoloration: A light brushing with Buff, Grimy Grey, or Deck Tan can create a subtle, sun-bleached effect.
• Chipping: Using a sponge and a fine brush together gives the best results. Create the base shapes with the sponge, then add fine details with the brush.
• Rust / Oxide: The "Burnt Red" powder from the Tamiya set creates a very natural rust shadow, but be careful not to apply it too evenly.
• Blending: Mixing oil paint colors is highly effective for softening hard edges and creating a "naturally used" feel.

Conclusion

CF#04 is a turning point in the series. We have officially moved from pure color exploration into the application of "military-style weathering."

These three examples showcase the different levels of discoloration, chipping, and medium-heavy weathering, and also serve as my first "durability test" on our foundational color palettes.

Disclaimer

In this Color Field series, I share colors I personally use or often recommend. All descriptions and suggestions are based on personal experience. They’re not strict rules — just starting points. Use what feels right for your build.

Next in the Series

In the next entry, I will return to a cooler palette, creating a contrast with tones of technology and armor texture. This way, the Color Field series will cover both the "natural decay" and the "man-made coldness" of mecha.

👉 Coming soon: Color Field #05 – Steel and Silence